Raus IAS S&T Compass 2022 PDF

CONTENTS
SYLLABUS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 01 29

►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS 29
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS AND THEME MAP 02
►SPACE SCIENCE 29
►USES OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY 30
Section-1 ►CHANDRAYAAN-2 32
►GAGANYAAN 33
INTERNET & COMMUNICATIONS ►SATELLITE INTERNET 35
TECHNOLOGY ►LASER COMMUNICATION IN SPACE 36

►SPACE DEBRIS 37
04 ►SCRAMJET TECHNOLOGY 38
►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS 04 ►IN-SPACE & NSIL 40
►BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY 04 ►SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE (SSLV) 41
►CRYPTOCURRENCIES 08 ►COMMERCIALISATION OF SPACE SECTOR 41
►OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE (OSS) 08 ►IRNSS 43
►DARK WEB 10 ►ANTI-SATELLITE MISSILE TEST (MISSION SHAKTI) 44
►5G TECHNOLOGY 11 ►GEOSPATIAL DATA 45
►INDIGENOUS 5G 13 ►DRONE RULES, 2021 46
►ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 14 ►DRONES IN AGRICULTURE 47
►ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DEFENCE 15 ►JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE 48
►DEEPFAKES 16
►EDGE COMPUTING 17
►INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) 18
Section-3
►INTERNET GOVERNANCE 19 NanoTechnology
►SEMICONDUCTOR FAB 20
►NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING 50
20
►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION 50
►QUANTUM COMPUTING 22
►NANOTECHNOLOGY 50
►QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION 23
►GUIDELINES FOR NANO-BASED AGRI-INPUT AND FOOD
►NATIONAL MISSION ON QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES &
PRODUCTS 52
APPLICATIONS (NM-QTA) 24
►NANOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE 52
►NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING MISSION 26
►GRAPHENE 53
►BROADBAND IN INDIA 26
►CARBON NANOTUBES 54
►LIQUID NANO UREA 54
Section-2
Space
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►NATIONAL SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Section-4 POLICY 90
BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH ►SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GUIDELINES 91

►DRAFT NATIONAL DATA GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
55 POLICY 92
►INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS 94
►NATIONAL IPR POLICY 95
►T-CELL IMMUNITY 55
►BIOPIRACY 96
►VACCINATION 56
►UTILITY MODEL OF PATENTS 96
►VACCINE PRODUCTION INDIA 57
►TYPES OF VACCINES 58
►M-RNA VACCINE 58 Section-6
►VACCINE NATIONALISM 60
►BIOWEAPONS 60
Nuclear Technology
►DISEASE X 62
98
►NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
2021-25 62 ►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS 98
►GENOME SEQUENCING 63 ►BASICS OF NUCLEAR 98
►NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR GENE THERAPY 64 ►GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY 98
►ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE 65 ►NUCLEAR ENERGY IN INDIA 99
►DNA TECHNOLOGY REGULATION BILL 66 ►NUCLEAR FUSION 101
►DNA FINGERPRINTING 67 ►NUCLEAR TRIAD 102
►DNA PROFILING 68
►BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE 69
Section-7
►HTBT COTTON 69
►SDN-1 & SDN-2 70 CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIAN
►FOOD FORTIFICATION 72
SCIENTISTS
►TRANS FAT 73
105
Section-5 ►C N R RAO 105
Miscellaneous ►A P J ABDUL KALAM 106

►C V RAMAN 106
75 ►RAMANUJAN 107
►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS 75 ►BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE (BEC) 107
►NEW EMERGING DEFENSE TECHNOLOGIES 75 ►SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN ANCIENT INDIA 108
►NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION 78

►HYDROGEN COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS 79
►FUEL CELL 80
►FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES 81
►ALGAE BIOFUELS 82
►LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES 83
►AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES 84
►DEEP OCEAN MISSION 85
►RARE EARTH METALS 87
►DESALINATION PLANTS 88
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• Science and Technology developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
• Achievements of Indians in science & technology
• Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights.
RAU’S IAS FOCUS SPECIAL EDITIONS | MAINS COMPASS (C3CURATION) for CSE 2022
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PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS & THEME MAP
INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

YEAR UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
2019 What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the
2015 initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful
innovation.
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the
2013
technology.
SPACE
2019 What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space program?
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and
2017 Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology
and logistics? Explain critically.
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this
2016
technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in the
2015 GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS program employing just
seven satellites.
NANOTECHNOLOGY
2019 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH

What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these
2021
achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered
2020
off by science-based technologies?
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological

2020
advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was
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PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS & THEME MAP

sought to aid management of the pandemic.
2019 How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers?
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity
2018
benefitted the field of biopharma?
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including
2017 Leukemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is
and what advantages it has over other treatments?
Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the contributors to the
2014 emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and
control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
2013 What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
MISCELLANEOUS
How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the
2021
world?
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the
2021
invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by
2019
pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words)
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted
information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the
2015
country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly
available under open-source licensing.
In a globalized world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation.
2014
Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India n Patent Law,
2013 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent
application for “Glivec.” Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the
2017
advantage of fast breeder reactor program in India?
INDIAN SCIENTISTS
How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the
2019
fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it
2018
revolutionized the field of Physics.
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Section-1
NTERNET & COMPUTING

TECHNOLOGY
2019 What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India.
What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the
2015 initiatives that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful
innovation.
How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the
2013
technology.
►BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY enabling detailed monitoring of supply chain

networks including projects focused on enabling
• Blockchain technology is a distributed ledger
remote voting and elections.
technology suitable for decentralized and
POTENTIAL BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS
transactional data shared across a large network of
untrusted entities. 1. Transfer of land records (Property record
management).
• Blockchain technology does not operate through any
central authority and is managed by a cluster of 2. Digital certificates management (Education, Death,
computers not owned by any single entity. Since the Birth, Agreements, Sale Deeds)
data is shared, it is open and transparent for 3. Pharmaceutical supply chain
everyone to see. 4. e-Notary service (Blockchain enabled e-Sign
• Blockchain ledgers have traditionally been used as solution)
supporting structures for cryptocurrencies, such as 5. Farm insurance
Bitcoin and Ethereum and even digital currency LIBRA
6. Identity management
of Facebook.
7. Power distribution
• However, use of blockchain technologies in non-
cryptocurrencies applications too has seen a steady 8. Duty payments
rise, with some solutions allowing individuals and 9. Agriculture and other supply chains
companies to draft legally-binding “smart contracts,” 10. eVoting
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11. Electronic Health Record Management register based on the Blockchain
12. Digital Evidence Management System to collect property taxes – Ghana.
13. Public Service Delivery • Supply chain network – the track

and trace capability of Blockchain
14. IoT Device Management and Security
network makes it possible to avoid
15. Vehicle lifecycle administration
any inadvertent mistakes
16. Microfinance for Self-Help Groups
Technological NFT can work on blockchain;
Storing the digital artefacts related adoption/ Cryptocurrency and other digital
Art & Culture to documents in a Blockchain makes diffusion currencies are based on blockchain.
it secure and immune to tampering.
Globalisation, Population census, BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS IN E-GOVERNANCE

Society
Poverty and nutritional data Blockchain can bring lot of value addition in e-
Governance. Some are:
• Student's certificates, scholarship
details etc., can be stored in a 1. Improves transparency & accountability
Blockchain network. Various 2. Building trust with citizens
stakeholders such as educational 3. Speed up transactions
institutions, different departments
4. Protecting sensitive data
can become partners and have
5. Reducing costs of information management
student’s records stored on
consensus basis. 6. Improving efficiency.
• Bring transparency in the 7. Can be used for authentication and verification of
spending of government grants – all transactions and data
Canada. 8. Create and enable smart contracts, supply chains,
Governance • Switzerland is the first place in the trusted inter-department communication and
world to accept Bitcoin payments tamper evident storage.
for tax purposes. 9. Enable officials to verify proof of existence of
• Smart contracts. documents.
• E-Courts: Data from multiple

entities such as police, judiciary, Strengths Weaknesses
legal department, etc. can be
• Distributed resilience • Lack of ledger
stored in a coordinated manner. and control interoperability -
• Key features of e-governance are • Decentralized Customer unfamiliarity
trust and accountability which are network and poor user
very well supported by the • Open source experience
Blockchain technology. • Security and modern • Lack of intraledger and
cryptography interledger governance
By establishing a secure chain of Lack of hardened/tested
• Asset provenance
network blockchain can help in • Native asset creation technology
Health care handling the patient records, • Dynamic and fluid • Limitation of smart
consent forms, billings and public value exchange contract code
health monitoring. programming model
• Wallet and key
• Singapore is using Blockchain to management
enable cross-border payments. • Poor tooling and poor
• Transparency in energy grid by developer user
Economy tracking data and finances related experience
to it. – Chile. • Skills scarcity and cost
• Immature scalability
• Real estate deals – Sweden
• Lack of trust in new
• Land registry and cadastral technology suppliers
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Opportunities Threats of Blockchain in a particular application context needs
to be analysed carefully.
• Reduced transaction • Legal jurisdictional
costs barriers • Awareness & Skill Set: Availability of skilled manpower
• Business process • Politics and hostile who understands Blockchain potential and its
acceleration and nation-state actors applicability to a particular application domain is
efficiency • Technology failures required for successful implementation of the
• Reduced fraud • Institutional adoption technology.
• Reduced systemic barriers
• Data Localization: Data localization requires data
risk • Divergent blockchains
about citizens or residents of a country to be
• Monetary • Ledger conflicts
collected, stored and processed inside the country,
democratization competition
before being transferred / shared internationally. In
• New business-model • Poor governance
enablement order to restrict the data flow and localizing the data,
• Application countries have introduced new data laws. European
rationalization and Union introduced data protection law called the GDPR
redundancy (General Data Protection Regulation). In the Indian
CHALLENGES TO ADOPTION OF BLOCKCHAIN context, the proposed Personal Data Protection Bill
TECHNOLOGY would govern the collection, storage and processing
of personal data, including their transfer outside the
• Technology Adoption: With plethora of Blockchain
country under certain conditions.
platforms being developed, a careful analysis of
return on investment, governance, security & privacy • Disposal of Records: Right to be forgotten is one of
and throughput has to be taken into consideration the requirements in the proposed Personal Data
while understanding suitability of Blockchain in an Protection Bill. As records stored on Blockchain are
application context. immutable, in order to enforce this requirement,
appropriate measures have to be taken while
o Scalability: Current transaction processing rate of
implementing the Blockchain technology.
Blockchain platforms varies from 7 tps
(transactions per second) to 3500 tps depending • Performance and scalability challenges:
on individual platform’s applicability to a particular a) Decentralised architecture of Blockchain means it will
domain, architectural considerations, consensus be slower than traditional systems.
approach, number of nodes in deployment, etc. b) Data is replicated on each node, and this may lead to
o Interoperability: Interoperability across various performance issues.
Blockchain platforms is still in its infancy and lot of c) Performance is affected due to calculations associated
work is required to address this issue. with encryption, decryption & hashing at every node.
o Data Format: The success of utilizing Blockchain c) As data stored in Blockchain cannot be modified, it
capabilities depends on how well the transaction becomes perpetual and is replicated at all nodes in
data format has been defined in a multi-party the network. This demands heavy demand of storage
environment and keenly observing its related especially when blocks grow.
characteristics such as its dependency on other
• Skillset and Awareness related challenges
information.
a) Lack of awareness about nature of Blockchain
• Regulatory Compliance: While advocating the usage
platforms. There is a requirement for skilled
of Blockchain for an application domain, it is
manpower in multiple technologies and tweak the
important to study compliance to applicable
functionality open source blockchains to specific
regulatory provisions and their implications, if any,
requirements.
with respect to the chosen application domain. Based
b) Blockchain technology is still evolving.
on the requirements, additional regulatory policies
may be evolved. c) Trust issues with blockchain technology.
• Identification of Suitable Use Cases: Different • Security, Privacy, and regulation challenges
applications have different levels of security, privacy a) Blockchain data is stored on every node. Hence,
and data storage requirements depending on the privacy is not inherent feature of blockchain
number of participating entities and hence suitability technology.
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b) State of regulation and compliance for Blockchain 9. Creation of infrastructure as National Resource and
applications is still ambiguous. offering Blockchain as a Service (BaaS).
• Legal challenges in Blockchain adoption in India CONCERNS OF BLOCKCHAIN IN ELECTIONS
a) RBI has restricted virtual currencies based blockchain Recently, Election Commission of India announced that it
technology and halt usage of crypto-currency will employ Blockchain technology in management of
transactions in India. electoral rolls in the country and for online voting
b) Digital signatures are core part of Blockchain systems. However, various concerns have been
applications. Currently, there exist no details in the highlighted against this:
Information Technology Act, 2000 with respect to • Open to Hack: Internet-based election system is open
transactions involving immovable properties, wills to attack and manipulation regardless of the
and negotiable instruments. This provision excludes underlying infrastructure. Online voting systems are
applicability of technology for such activities. open to server penetration attacks, client-device
c) Right to be forgotten under the Data Protection malware, denial-of-service attacks etc., all associated
Framework is contradictory to inherent Blockchain with infecting voters' computers with malware or
architecture where data cannot be deleted, and infecting the computers in the elections office that
history of data is always accessible. handle and count ballots.
WAY FORWARD • Misuse by Foreign Intelligence & Corporates - Online

technology for voting is open to manipulation and
1. A National Level Blockchain Framework can aid in
scaling deployments for developed applications, attack by foreign intelligence and corporates as
transmission of votes through the internet conduit is
emerge shared infrastructure and enable cross
subject to tampering.
domain application development.
2. Focus on advanced research in Blockchain technology • Voting Preference and Pattern may become Public -
Possibility of everyone’s vote becoming public if the
domain towards building a trusted public digital
platform. system is hacked and this will against the democratic
principle of “Secret Ballot” used in all elections across
3. Research on standards development, interoperability,
the globe including India.
scalability & performance, consensus mechanisms,
security & privacy, and detection of vulnerabilities in • Chance of Impersonation of Voters - Blockchain
Blockchain technology. solutions rely heavily on the proper implementation
of cryptographic protocols. If any shortcomings exist
4. Development of an indigenous Blockchain technology
in an implementation, it may unmask the identity and
stack with open APIs, so that various uses cases can
voting preferences of electors or worse it may allow
be developed on top of it and integration with existing
an individual to cast a vote as someone else. So even
applications.
though the person may have voted for Party Z, the
5. Integrate Blockchain Technology with other emerging vote would eventually go to Party Y.
technology areas such as AI to achieve the vision of
• Report from Russian Election - Case Study - In Russia,
becoming global leader in these technologies.
during the vote on the recent controversial
6. Capacity building in Blockchain Technology needs to constitutional amendment, citizens were able to cast
be promoted by conducting short term courses or their vote online. While the voting process was still
bootcamps. It is proposed to create sandbox under way, Russian media outlet reported that it was
environments for development & testing of possible to access and decrypts the votes stored on
applications and for offering virtual training. the Blockchain due to a flaw in cryptographic
7. Regulatory aspects & policies also need to be focused implementation, which could have been used to
along with Infrastructure, Research, Technology Stack, unmask the votes cast by electors.
Testing & Certification and Capacity Building. It is • Physical Presence at Voting Booth for Biometric
proposed to evolve a legal and regulatory framework Authentication may clone - An attacker may be able to
for Blockchain Technology. clone the biometric attributes required for
8. Explore the potential of BCT in the proposed public authenticating as another individual and cast a vote
digital platforms in various sectors like Agriculture, on their behalf. Physical implants or software
Health, Energy etc., for more security. backdoors placed on an individual system could allow
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attackers to collect and deduce voting choices of transactions on a decentralised network that is not
individuals. controlled by one bank or a government.
• System prone to targeted Denial-of-Service attacks – b) Bitcoin is among the best-known cryptocurrencies.
Such attacks might increase where an attacker would
c) Cryptocurrency is powered by a technology called
be able to block traffic from the system, effectively
blockchain, which functions like an open ledger that
preventing, or at the very least delaying the
gets updated in real time.
registration of votes.
d) Each transaction on the block chain network is
• Disenfranchising of select voters out of design or flaw
preserved.
– Digitised voting systems may also stand to exclude
and disenfranchise certain individuals or community CHALLENGES OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES
either due to flaws in interdependent platforms, flaws 1. High power consumption due to crypto mining.
in system design, as well as general failures caused by
2. High levels of crimes related to crypt which involves
external factors or by purposefully designed failures
crypto theft, hacking etc.
to exclude them from voting.
3. Misuse of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities such as
• Use of Technology no guarantee of safety in Elections:
money laundering, terror financing etc.
If concerns regarding use of Blockchain technology
for voting is not addressed, then elections in India 4. Lack of regulation of central banks and governments
and democracy in particular stands compromised. hence erodes sovereignty.
Only digitisation does not make electoral process EXAMPLES OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES
more robust. Any solution to electoral problems must 1. Bitcoin
be software independent and fault tolerable, where
2. Ethereum
failure or tampering of one mechanism or several
mechanisms would not affect the integrity or 3. Dogecoin etc.
transparency of the overall electoral process. WAY FORWARD
CONCLUSION 1. Mandating firms involved in cryptocurrency
Even if the Election Commission can design a system ecosystems such as crypto exchanges to take greater
which is proven to be satisfactorily secure in the face of steps for combating money laundering.
attacks, where tampering could be detected, and where 2. Broaden regulatory oversight of crypto firms.
the integrity of the ballot is verifiable by electors, use of
3. Mandating measures such as KYC (Know Your
such a system could perhaps only be justified for lower-
Customer) and reporting of suspicious transactions to
level elections, and not for something as significant and
politically binding as the general election. regulators.
►OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE (OSS)

►CRYPTOCURRENCIES
Open-source software (OSS) is software that is
A virtual currency is a digital representation of value that distributed with its source code, making it available for
can be digitally traded and functions as (a) a medium of use, modification, and distribution with its original rights.
exchange, and/ or (b) a unit of account, and/or (c) a store
• Examples of Linux, Mozilla Firefox, VLC media player,
of value, but, unlike fiat currency like the rupee, it is not
SugarCRM, etc.
legal tender and does not have the backing of a
• While the operating system of Apple’s iPhones (iOS) is
government. A cryptocurrency is a subset of virtual
closed source, meaning it cannot be legally modified
currencies, and is decentralised, and protected by
or reverse engineered, Google’s Android operating
cryptography.
system is open-source.
Supreme Court of India has lifted a blanket ban on
• Many other solutions launched by the government
cryptocurrencies.
including Digilocker, Diksha, Aarogya Setu, the Covid-
HOW CRYPTO CURRENCY WORKS? 19 vaccination platform CoWIN have also been built
a) It is a virtual currency, which users buy and store in on top of open-source digital platforms.
any of several available digital wallets and use it for Indian developers are major players in this ecosystem.
According to GitHub, a leading platform for open-source
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software development, more than 7.2 million of its 73 • Governance structure: Digital Public Goods and Digital
million users in 2021 were from India. India ranks third Public infrastructure along with community
after China and the US. engagement has the potential to democratize the
ADVANTAGES OF OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE governance structure of the nation. More accountable
and responsive governance.
• Democratization: Without the equalizing force of
FOSS, future of digital economy may well end up • COVID19India.org, a FOSS initiative that engages
being controlled by a handful of Big Tech’s more than 100 active contributors to build a timely
monopolies. interactive map to show live updates on district-wise
cases, testing, vaccination, and more. Media,
• FOSS products are more affordable than proprietary
academia, and the government used
counterparts and give increased personal control to
COVID19India.org as a base for their reporting, and
creators and users alike.
the Economic Survey 2020-21 cited it as a source for
• By harnessing crowdsourcing, open-source software Covid-19 related analysis.
allows developers to benefit from accelerated
PROMOTING OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE
innovation, quicker development processes and
having more success troubleshooting when problems • GoI had issued a Policy on Adoption of Open-Source
arise. Software in 2015.
• FOSS-led innovation will spur growth of new • The government has also made the android version
technologies like 5G/6G, microprocessor technology, of the Aarogya Setu app open source.
Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and others by • Major institutions like our courts, IRCTC, LIC and State
building indigenous technology capabilities. Bank of India rely on FOSS to scale operations and
• Amazon & Google have both published open-source provide timely and efficient digital services to millions.
code that allows other companies to integrate more • GovTech 3.0 has been started to focus on Open
easily with their own cloud services. This strategy Digital Ecosystems (ODEs), the underlying philosophy
quickens adoption of Amazon and Google’s suggests that the government should focus on
technology products by making it easier to use their creating the “digital commons”. Promoting OSS is a
services, resulting in more revenue opportunities. part of GovTech 3.0.
• Open-source revolution has taken place in parallel By harnessing power of the crowd, open-source
with the explosion of cloud, big data, and analytics software allows developers to benefit from accelerated
technologies. The modular, fluid and constantly innovation, quicker development processes and having
evolving nature of open source is in sync with the more success troubleshooting when problems arise.
needs for faster, more flexible and more secure
DEMOCRATISING THE INTERNET SPACE
systems and platforms.
• Open-source software
• Without open-source software, companies would
spend a huge amount of time reinventing the wheel • 5G
rather than innovating. o 5G’s high throughput and low latency allows us to
• Increased privacy and transparency: With data consume high-quality video from anywhere and
breaches affecting billions of people Open sourcing connect with one another over video.
that software will let us see what’s happening. o 5G will connect everyone and everything to the
• Trust among users: more people will adopt software cloud, reliably and securely. When things are
with trust that an open-source solution can be as always-connected, we gain access to the virtually
trustworthy as a non-open solution. unlimited storage and processing power of the
cloud, generating extraordinary efficiencies and
• Internet of Things boom: IoT growth is at least in part
unlocking innovation.
driven by the creativity of open-source software and
hardware developers. • Web 3.0
• Democratization of AI and machine learning: Open o Web 1.0: only allowed read function
source will democratize AI by opening it up to the o Web 2.0: also referred to as the read-write web or
community that will help drive its continued evolution the social web. The growth of Web 2.0 was mainly
and leaps forward in terms of both capabilities and because of important innovations such as mobile
use cases. internet access, social networking, and cloud
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computing. UNDERSTANDING INTERNET
o Web 3.0: Founded on two core technological The total web content on the internet is broadly
innovations i.e., artificial intelligence and classified into three broad categories:
decentralized data networks, it focuses on the 1. Surface Web
decentralization of data and aims to break down
2. Deep Web
the massive databases stored by Internet giants
3. Dark Web
and give greater control to internet consumers.
SURFACE WEB
o Web 3.0 will work through blockchain making it
trust less and permission less i.e. it will allow the • Usual search engines such as Google, Yahoo & Bing
users to interact with each other without a etc. can ‘look for’ and extract content and present it in
mediator and anyone will be able to participate the form of a website/webpage.
without the authorization of a governing body. • For this, webpages are ‘indexed’ by search engine.
o Web 3.0 will make users the content owners, data • Only about 10-15% of web content is present on
generated by any computing resource will be sold surface web accessible by common searches.
by and to users through decentralized data DEEP WEB
networks, ensuring that users retain the entire
• It is a term used for all those content or webpages
ownership and control instead of a middleman.
that are there on the internet but are not indexed by
• Net-neutrality search engines and therefore not discernible by
• Blockchain conventional search engines.
• NFTs • Thus, webpages on deep web do not show up in
conventional search engines like Google, Yahoo, and
Bing etc.
►DARK WEB
• About 75-80% of the web content/webpages are on
Instances of data leaks of Indians on the dark web/ dark the deep web.
net is on the rise. Dark web/ dark net is increasingly
• Common examples of web content on deep web
being used for various nefarious activities including data
include financial data, back account details, emails,
leaks, identity theft, illegal weapon sales, drug trafficking, personal data etc. that are password protected and
cyber terrorism etc. only way to access these webpages is through login.
ABOUT DARK WEB OR DARK NET DARK NET/DARK WEB
• Darknet is a network of computers on the internet • It is a part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden
that are: to provide anonymity.
o Not accessible through the normal search engines • Key features:
o Provide anonymity to the source of web-content. o No webpage indexing by surface web search
• To access content of the darknet, we need special engines.

software to get into this network of computers. o Virtual traffic tunnels via randomized network
infrastructure.
• In simple words, web content on darknet is
intentionally hidden to provide anonymity to service o Inaccessible by traditional browsers due to its
provider. unique registry operator.

o Further hidden by various network security
measures like firewalls and encryption.
• To do this, Dark Net uses a specialized network of
computers called relays through which the
information passes. Commonly, information on Dark
Net passes through at least 3 relay computers
between the source and destination.
• In addition, dark net uses network technology that
hides the locations of these relay computers (IP
address) to ensure anonymity of the users.
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• Dark net can be accessed through TOR Browser o Data of about 100 GB including Aadhar Cards,
(Anonymity Network). passports, PAN Cards etc. were leaked on dark net.
THREATS OF DARK WEB
1. Malicious software
2. Government monitoring
3. Scams
4. Identity theft monitoring
5. Illegal sales of COVID-19 vaccines
6. Drug trafficking
7. Bitcoin laundering
8. Drug trafficking.
WAY FORWARD
FEATURES OF DARK NET
1. Need for a global effort to tackle the threats of Dark
• While webpages on Darknet are hidden from a search
Web.
engine, they can be accessed and downloaded by
anyone who has the exact IP address of the webpage. 2. Building capacities and capabilities in law
enforcement agencies to tackle threats of dark web.
• Dark net does not provide any protection against
malware, virus attack etc. 3. Global collaboration among law enforcement bodies
to tackle threats of Dark Web.
• Since data is routed through many relay computers
between source and destination, communication and
►5G TECHNOLOGY
downloading of webpages on the dark net is slow.
5G Technology is the next generation cellular technology
• Used for both legitimate and illegitimate activities.
that will provide faster and more reliable communication
1. Legitimate activities of Dark Net with ultra-low latency.
• Using Dark Net is per say is not illegal. With 5G the peak network data speeds are expected to
• By virtue of its ability to provide anonymity, dark net be in the range of 2-20 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
is used by human right activists, free internet activists, In April, South Korea and the U.S. became the first
media personnel etc. in countries where there are countries to commercially launch 5G services.
severe restrictions, censorship on internet usage like In India, 5G is expected to create a cumulative economic
that in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. impact of $1 trillion by 2035.
• Also used by whistleblowers to maintain anonymity. WHAT 5G WILL ENABLE?
Ex Edward Snowden.
What 5G delivers that 4G and earlier networks cannot--
• In the aftermath of glaring revelations on surveillance the blazing speeds and ultra-low latencies (data transfer
by USA’s security agency NSA, number of users of the delays) that allow massive amounts of data to be relayed
dark net has increased, as users are seeking privacy. between connected devices, systems, and infrastructure
2. Illegitimate activities of Dark Net in near real time.
• Increasingly, Dark net has turned into a platform for • Empower invention of thousands of new products,
various nefarious activities including illegal weapon technologies and services, increase productivity and
sales, drug trafficking, child pornography, data theft, allow for new industries to emerge.
data leaks, cyber terrorism, hacking, organized • A global 5G network will unify mobile communication
crimes, money laundering etc. and connect people and devices to everything
• As the location of users on Dark net is hidden due to through the Internet of Things.
hidden IP address, it is not possible to trace the • Support a much larger range of applications and
location of the users of Dark Web. services, including driverless vehicles, tele-surgery
• Instances: and real time data analytics.
o Silk Road is a dark net website used for purchasing • 5G may offer opportunities by providing ‘smart
drugs online. infrastructure’ that offers lower cost and faster
infrastructure delivery.
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• 5G will enable vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to- Enabling Infrastructure: India will have to make a leap in
infrastructure communication. optical fibre penetration for 5G deployment. Bharat Net
All in all, 5G will fully usher in 4th Industrial Revolution. program also plans to link 2.5 lakh gram panchayats
Fourth industrial revolution is current and developing through optical fibre network.
environment in which disruptive technologies and To set a roadmap for the rollout of 5G, the government
trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, has set up a high-level forum, which suggested
virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) are • early allocation of spectrum
changing the way we live and work.
• increasing the available quantum
APPREHENSIONS
• lower spectrum pricing
Two of the three private telcos, Bharti Airtel and
APPLICATIONS
Vodafone have expressed concern about auction stating
that the reserve price of these airwaves is very high. 1. 5G technologies will enhance infrastructure
efficiencies like ‘vehicle platooning’. Platooning can
Besides the spectrum, 5G will require a fundamental
change to the core architecture of the communication double vehicle density in roads promoting efficient
system. and safer use of the limited road infrastructure.
2. In manufacturing, 5G will enable use of robotics for
A report has stated that industry might require an
precision manufacturing.
additional investment of $60-70 billion to seamlessly
3. 5G can also enable better logistics to track goods
implement 5G networks.
from raw materials to product delivery.
WAY FORWARD
4. In agriculture, 5G can enable improvement in the
Deployment: An early roll out of 5G services to maximize
entire value-chain, from precision farming, smart
value proposition of 5G as a technology.
irrigation, improved soil and crop monitoring to
Technology: Build indigenous industrial and R&D livestock management.
capacity, especially for design and Intellectual Property. 5. In the energy sector, ‘smart grids’ and ‘smart
Manufacturing: Expand manufacturing base for 5G metering’ can be efficiently supported enabling
technologies, which includes both semiconductor growth of alternate energy technologies.
fabrication and equipment assembly and testing. 6. In healthcare, 5G can enable more effective tele-
Strengthening Telecom sector: 5G deployment is costly; medicine delivery, tele-control of surgical robotics
debt-ridden telecom service providers must work their and wireless monitoring of vital statistics.
finances out before they plan for acquiring 5G spectrum 7. 5G will be used in in key government projects such as
and rollout. smart cities and Digital India.
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INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

WAY FORWARD telecom products is very limited and India has been
1. 5G spectrum auctions have been recently conducted significant importer of global products. TSDSI has
in India. It is important to expedite the process for been established to enable India industry to take lead
telecom companies to start laying down necessary in International standardization activities.
infrastructure for rolling out of 5G. 1. LMLC TECHNOLOGY
2. Audit of spectrum needs to be done and spectrum TSDSI in collaboration of IITs have been successful in
lying unused with public sector needs to be available getting the Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) use case
for 5G roll out. accepted by ITU as one of the 5G requirements for
3. Spectrum prices in India are exorbitantly high, these rural areas.
need to be tackled also duties on telecom sector Benefits:
needs to be rationalised. a. Increases the distance between two base stations
4. Spectrum for Industrial use: Industry 4.0 is one of to 6 km against 1.7 km by other technology. This
the main drivers of 5G. Industry 4.0 based solutions technology will be beneficial for rural India and
enable better interoperability, more flexible other developing countries.
industrial processes, and autonomous and b. The base stations can be placed at Gram
intelligent manufacturing. Many developed Panchayats and connectivity can be provided to
countries have allocated 5G spectrum for industrial neighboring villages and farms.
use. However, India’s present licensing policy is not
c. Reduction of Capex cost.
conducive to growth of Industry 4.0. All possible
steps should be taken in consultation with industry d. Increase in speed of internet access in rural areas.
to roll out Industry 4.0 in India. e. These rural towers must be located where
5. Developing and participating in generation of IPR BharatNet fiber ends in 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats.
and global standards for 5G. From these towers, neighboring villages
numbering 3.5 lakhs must be provided wireless
6. Promotion of domestic manufacturing of telecom
coverage.
equipments and affordable 5G handsets.
f. This is for the first time a global standard is
7. Development of 5G rollout on Open RAN
emerging from India at ITU.
architecture which disaggregates hardware and
software and creates open interfaces between 2. TSDSI RIT
them. This provides more choice and IIT Madras along with other institutions has developed
interoperability of Telecom service providers. this standard as a variation to 3GPP standards for
8. Uniform Right of Way rules across states. enhanced rural connectivity. This technology is also
called 5Gi technology.
9. Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom
equipment's and other security requirements Benefits:
should be fulfilled to protect privacy of citizens and a. Enhanced coverage in rural areas
tackle possible cyber-security challenges. This is b. Reduced capex costs.
must especially for imported telecom equipment.
c. This standard however, has not been adopted by
10. Ensuring availability of reliable power supply to ITU and thus not globally harmonised.
telecom towers.
3. RELIANCE JIO HAS DEVELOPED ITS OWN
11. Telecom infrastructure needs to be treated as an INDIGENOUS 5G TECHNOLOGY
important strategic sector and no longer only as a
Concerns:
source of revenue. A legislation should be
1. It is important to have globally harmonized
introduced telecom sector is declared as an
standards for 5G to allow interoperability and
important strategic sector and as an essential
economies of scale.
service and telecom infrastructure as critical
infrastructure. 2. If India adopts any standard other than 3GPP, it
would disconnect India from globally harmonised
standard, device & network ecosystem.
►INDIGENOUS 5G 3. Adopting India specific standards will delay 5G
Currently, Indian contribution is design ownership of rollout, reduce 5G adoption.
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4. Increase in cost of roll out of 5G. 1. Optimizing learning for individuals
5. The adoption of TSDSI RIT without global 2. Increasing safety in training
harmonization would make India an isolated APPLICATIONS FOR SMART CITIES
island in the global 5G ecosystem.
1. Improving safety
6. Performance gain of proposed specifications
2. Enabling intelligent infrastructure
compared to 3GPP specifications have not been
established. 3. Optimizing complex transportation hubs
WAY FORWARD 4. Sustaining the environment
1. Indian standards should be harmonized APPLICATIONS FOR BASIC SCIENCES AND SPACE
sufficiently with global standards to ensure inter- RESEARCH
operability, roaming and to derive ecosystem 1. Enabling extended and flexible space exploration. For
benefits such as economies of scale. However, it
e.g., development of autonomous spacecraft and
is possible to adopt carefully enhanced variants
smart habitats.
of the global standard that specifically provide
some features of importance to India such as 2. Expediting
enhanced rural broadband coverage, without APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE
compromising on either inter-operability or 1. Enhanced drug discovery and development
economy of scale.
a. AI in drug design
2. ITU standards are in final stages of approval for
i. Predicting 3-D structure of target protein.
finalization. India has not adopted any standard
for 5G services yet. b. AI in pharmacology
3. Inter- operability and compatibility between the c. AI in chemical synthesis

3GPP 5G and the TSDSI 5Gi standards can easily d. AI in drug repurposing
be ensured since the latter is merely an enhanced
e. AI in drug screening
version of the former. Moreover, there will be no
cost implications as equipment will support both 2. For patients:
standards through mere software selection and a. More personalized diagnosis, prognosis and
in a manner transparent to the user. therapy
CONCLUSION b. Enhanced relationship with care provider
India should adopt only those standards that are 3. Computer vision for diagnosis and surgery (AI
globally harmonized to ensure interoperability, enabled medical imaging)
economies of scale, and help build a conducive device
4. Intelligent personal health records
& network ecosystem. Considering that similar efforts
in the past by other countries like China, Korea, etc. ROBOTICS AND AI POWERED DEVICES
have been failures due to the lack of harmonization of Robots are being used extensively in healthcare to
these standards with the global ecosystem, it is replace human workforce, augment human abilities and
recommended to be extra careful before adopting assist human healthcare professionals. For ex.
such standards in the country.
a. Robots used for surgical procedures such as
laparoscopic operations.
►ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE b. Robotic assistants for rehabilitation and patient
ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE assistance
1. Artificial intelligence is already ubiquitous in everyday c. Robots that are integrated into implants and
life and the pace of innovation is accelerating prosthetics
2. Deploying and adopting AI remains a hard problem d. Robots used to assist doctors and their staff with their
3. AI tools are diffusing broadly and rapidly tasks.
4. AI is changing relationships between humans and e. Mitigating the effects of disabilities. For e.g., assisting
machines the visually impaired by
APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION APPLICATIONS OF AI IN AGRICULTURE
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1. Crop yield prediction & price forecasts: Identify the CHALLENGES WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
output yield of crops and forecast prices for next few UNHRC in its recent report on ‘The right to privacy on
weeks will help farmers to obtain maximum profits. Digital age’ has highlighted the following concerns with
2. Intelligent spraying: Artificial Intelligence based Artificial Intelligence.
sensors can detect weed affected areas and can • Artificial intelligence systems can facilitate and
precisely spray herbicides in the right region reducing deepen privacy intrusions through increased
the usage of herbicides. collection and use of personal data.
3. Predictive insights: Insights on right time to sow • States and businesses often rushed to incorporate Al
seeds for maximum productivity. Insights on the applications, failing to conduct due diligence.
impacts created by the weather conditions.
• The data used to inform and guide Al systems can be
4. Agriculture robots: Using autonomous robots for faulty, discriminatory, out of date or irrelevant.
harvesting huge volumes of crop at a higher volume
• Opaque decision making, undermining people's
and faster pace.
freedom of expression and State accountability.
5. Crop and soil monitoring: Using AI, farmers can
• Long-term storage of data poses risks, as data could
monitor crop health for diagnosing pests/soil defects,
in future be exploited in yet unknown ways.
nutrient deficiencies in soil etc.
• Unprecedented level of surveillance across the globe
6. Disease diagnosis: Using AI farmers can preempt by state and private sector.
diseases in their crops. This will help increase
• Biased datasets relied on by AI systems can lead to
productivity of farming.
discriminatory decisions, which poses acute risks for
APPLICATIONS OF AI IN NATIONAL SECURITY already marginalised groups.
1. Artificial intelligence is a 'dual use' technology - it can • Biometric technologies, which include facial
be used for civilian and military purposes. recognition, are increasingly used to identify people in
2. Likelihood of reckless or unethical uses of AI-enabled real-time and from a distance, potentially allow
technologies by rogue states, criminals or terrorists is unlimited tracking of individuals.
increasing. • Lack of international and global regulations for
a. Many security applications of Artificial intelligence will controlling and regulating AI.
require only modest resources & workable expertise. • Artificial intelligence based natural language
processing applications have been shown to learn
b. AI algorithms are often accessible.
social biases such as those based on gender, race and
c. Hardware is available 'off-the-shelf' and available to religious groups that can perpetuate harmful
consumers (Ex. Graphics Processing Units). stereotypes. For ex. AI system GPT-3
d. 'Deepfake' capabilities can be easily downloaded and disproportionately associates Muslims with violence.
used by anyone. Al-enabled tools • Challenges of Anthropomorphizing: Misplaced trust
3. AI-enabled capabilities will be tools of first resort in a on Artificial Intelligence: Users may trust the AI
new era of conflict: State and non-state actors can system too much. Computers and robots have a
use AI to attack India even by avoiding direct military reputation of being honest. While algorithms rarely
confrontation. make mistakes in their calculations, does not mean
that their decisions are smart or meaningful. For ex.
BIG DATA IN HEALTHCARE
Navigation devices have been known to let drivers
1. Research studies enter illegal and dangerous locations. Therefore,
2. Government agencies robots need to be aware of the certainty of their own
3. Public records results and communicate this to users.
4. Wearable devices
5. Electronic health records
►ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN
6. Social media
DEFENCE
• Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Machine Learning
7. Search engines
have tremendous potential to enhance the efficiency
8. Patient portals. and response capabilities of our defence forces.
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Artificial Intelligence is becoming a necessary • While the act of faking content is not new, deepfakes
component of modern combat. Modern militaries leverage powerful techniques from machine learning
are actively pursuing AI research in the fields of and artificial intelligence to manipulate or generate
intelligence collection and analysis, cyber operations, visual and audio content with a high potential to
information operations, command and control and deceive.
use in a variety of autonomous vehicles. • The main machine learning methods used to create
• AI-based products and systems enable quicker deepfakes are based on deep learning and involve
decision-making. training generative neural network architectures, such
ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DEFENCE as auto-encoders or generative adversarial networks
(GANs).
1. Artificial Intelligence based automation
• Access to commodity cloud computing, algorithms,
2. Autonomous/Unmanned/Robotic Systems
and abundant data has created a perfect storm to
3. Blockchain based automation democratize media creation & manipulation.
4. Cyber Security Deepfakes are a new tool to spread computational
5. Human behaviour Analysis propaganda & disinformation at scale and with speed.
6. Intelligent monitoring systems DEMERITS
7. IOT/Smart cities • Fabricate media: swap faces, lip-syncing, and

puppeteer — mostly without consent and bring threat
a. Internet of Battle things (IoBT): Smart Helmets for
to psychology, security, political stability, and business
improving
disruption.
8. Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems:
• Use against women:
9. Logistics & Supply Chain Management
o The very first use case of malicious use of a deepfake
10. Manufacturing & Maintenance
was seen in pornography, inflicting emotional,
11. Operational Data Analytics reputational, and in some cases, violence towards the
12. Perimeter Security Systems individual.
13. Process flow automation of large systems o Pornographic deepfakes can threaten, intimidate, and
14. Simulators/Test equipment inflict psychological harm and reduce women to
sexual objects. Deepfake pornography exclusively
15. Speech/Voice Analysis Systems using Natural
targets women.
Language Processing
• Threat to internal security
STEPS TAKEN TO ADVANCE AI IN DEFENCE
o A deepfake could act as a powerful tool by a nation-
1. Creation of Defence AI Council (DAIC) for providing
state to undermine public safety and create
guidance to enable and effect development of
uncertainty and chaos in the target country.
operating framework, policy level changes and
structural support for AI adoption. o It can be used by insurgent groups and terrorist
organizations, to represent their adversaries as
2. Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA):
making inflammatory speeches or engaging in
3. Setting of Task Force for AI in Defence provocative actions to stir up anti-state sentiments
4. Specific targets given to DPSUs for Ai product among people.
development. • Undermining Democracy
5. Rs 100 crore allocated by each service for AI o To undermine a discourse: A deepfake can also aid
implementation. in altering the democratic discourse and
6. AI infrastructure for storage and computing under undermine trust in institutions and impair
creation. diplomacy. False information about institutions,
7. User review conducted public policy, and politicians powered by a
deepfake can be exploited to spin the story and
manipulate belief.
►DEEPFAKES o Sabotaging image: A deepfake of a political
• These are fake videos or audio recordings that look candidate can sabotage their image and
and sound just like the real. reputation. A well-executed one, a few days before
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polling, of a political candidate spewing out racial • Accountability: Internet Regulations and social media
epithets or indulging in an unethical act can accountability needs to be enforced. Efforts should be
damage their campaign. There may not be enough made to protect dignity of females and children.
time to recover even after effective debunking. • To counter menace of deepfakes, we all must take
Voters can be confused, and elections can be responsibility to be a critical consumer of media on
disrupted. A high-quality deepfake can inject Internet, think and pause before we share on social
compelling false information that can cast a media, and be part of the solution to this infodemic.
shadow of illegitimacy over the voting process and
election results.
►EDGE COMPUTING
SOLUTIONS
• Edge computing enables data to be analyzed,
• Multi-stakeholder and multi-modal approach:
processed, and transferred at the edge of a network –
Collaborative actions and collective techniques across
where things & people produce or consume that
legislative regulations, platform policies, technology
information.
intervention, and media literacy can provide effective
and ethical countermeasures to mitigate the threat of • Brings computation & data storage closer to devices
malicious deepfakes. where it is being gathered, rather than relying on a
central location that can be thousands of miles away.
• Role of Media:
BENEFITS OF EDGE COMPUTING
o Media literacy for consumers and journalists is the
most effective tool to combat disinformation and • Useful for real time data processing applications.
deepfakes. • Very low or no latency.
o Media literacy efforts must be enhanced to • Cost effective: as processing is done locally.
cultivate a discerning public. • Faster response time
o As consumers of media, we must have the ability to • Interoperability between legacy and modern devices.
decipher, understand, translate, and use the
• Reliable operations with intermittent connectivity; low
information we encounter.
pressure on bandwidth
o Even a short intervention with media
• Enhanced data security and privacy for users.
understanding, learning the motivations and
• Reduction of energy consumption
context, can lessen the damage. Improving media
literacy is a precursor to addressing the challenges
presented by deepfakes.
• Creating regulations:
o Meaningful regulations with a collaborative
discussion with the technology industry, civil
society, and policymakers can facilitate
disincentivizing the creation and distribution of
malicious deepfakes.
o We need easy-to-use and accessible technology
solutions to detect deepfakes, authenticate media,
and amplify authoritative sources.
WAY FORWARD
• Deepfakes can create possibilities for all people
irrespective of their limitations by augmenting their
agency. However, as access to synthetic media
technology increases, so does the risk of exploitation.
Deepfakes can be used to damage reputations,
fabricate evidence, defraud the public, and
undermine trust in democratic institutions.
• Use of tools developed by Google, Facebook & Twitter
for verifying content.
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• Reduced amount of data that needs to be processed • Energy utilization: Smart Grids will be able to detect
in a centralized or cloud-based location. sources of power outages, can automatically take
• Enables Internet of Things as it has scalability, low inputs of solar panel, making possible distributed
energy system
latency, longer battery life for devices, efficient data
management
• 5G networks are expected to be 1000 times faster
than 4G networks. Edge computing was developed
due to exponential growth of IoT devices, which
connect to internet for either receiving information
from cloud or delivering data back to the cloud. Many
IoT devices generate enormous amounts of data
during their operations.
EDGE COMPUTING VS CLOUD COMPUTING
• Basic difference between edge computing & cloud
• Healthcare: Personalized analysis of an individual’s
computing is where the data processing takes place.
health and tailor-made strategies to combat illness
• Existing Internet of Things (IoT) systems perform all will be possible. Enhanced patient monitoring and
their computations in the cloud using data centres. better health outcomes.
• Edge computing, on the other hand, essentially • Manufacturing: The IoT intelligent systems enable
manages the massive amounts of data generated by rapid manufacturing of new products, dynamic
IoT devices by storing and processing data locally. response to product demands, and real-time
CHALLENGES WITH EDGE COMPUTING optimization of manufacturing production and supply
chain networks, by networking machinery, sensors,
• Manage massive number of disparate devices in field.
and control systems together.
• Process unprecedented volumes of both structured
• Environmental monitoring: to assist in environmental
and unstructured data.
protection by monitoring air or water quality,
atmospheric or soil conditions. It can even include
►INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) areas like monitoring the movements of wildlife and
• IoT is a seamless connected network system of their habitats
embedded objects/ devices, with identifiers, in which • Supply chain: By placing RFID tags on individual
communication without any human intervention is products, the exact location of single items in a large
possible using standard and interoperable warehouse can be shared, thus saving search time,
communication protocols. streamlining infrastructure, and lowering labour
costs.
• Internet of things (IoT) is extension of Internet
connectivity into physical devices & everyday objects. • Elderly, sick and disabled population can be
particularly assisted using IoT technology with greater
• Embedded with electronics, Internet connectivity, and
care.
other hardware like sensors, these devices can
communicate and interact with others over the • Overall boosting of efficiency which will result in
Internet, and they can be remotely monitored and economic growth and employment creation.
controlled by computers and smart phone. STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT
APPLICATIONS OF INTERNET OF THINGS 1. Centres of Excellence for Internet of Things have been
established at Bengaluru, Gurugram and Gandhi
• Smart cities: Cellular communication enabled Smart
municipal bins will send alerts to municipal services Nagar. These COEs aim to enable India to emerge as
when a bin needs to be emptied innovation hub in IoT through democratisation of
innovation and realisation of prototypes.
• Agriculture: Sensing for soil moisture & nutrients,
controlling water usage for plant growth & 2. Development of standards in IoT.
determining custom fertilizer are uses of IoT. 3. Higher R&D in IoT
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4. Skill development and human resource development • On one hand China and Russia have been blamed for
for IoT. such state-sponsored attacks (for instance in
CHALLENGES WITH IOT Australia, UK, US, India etc.). On the other side, the
governments across the world have imposed
1. Lack of openness in IoT technology, research &
restrictions and bans on technology products like the
development.
recent app bans in India and US, ban on 5G
2. IoT devices gather a lot of personalised data, which technology rollout from Huawei in UK and US etc.
can be used to breach privacy of individuals.
• While national laws have been evoked to protect the
3. IoT can soon become indispensable for consumers.
domestic assets, given the cross-border nature of the
4. Possibility of greater government monitoring, civil internet and digital technologies, the need for a global
rights violations and suppression of dissent. framework to govern the internet is desperately felt
5. Lack of development of standards and protocols to keep the cyberspace secure.
which are accepted widely. WHAT IS INTERNET GOVERNANCE?
6. Threat of cyber-security violation and hacking. Refers to the rules, policies, standards, and practices
WAY FORWARD that coordinate and shape global cyberspace. Currently
there is no global internet governance framework.
1. India should play a leadership role in R&D,
development of standards and protocols for IoT NEED FOR INTERNET GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
technology. Internet has fundamentally changed the social,
2. To safeguard against loss of privacy, a comprehensive economic, and political milieu of the world by its sheer
data security legislation as suggested by B N Sri reach. This has enabled one country to shape activities
in another. E.g.: Arab Spring was triggered by Social
Krishna Committee should be enacted.
Media Platforms owned by US companies.
3. Greater collaboration between technology developers,
• Cross-border nature: Data is seen as the new engine
law enforcement agencies, government and other
of growth and thus where the data is produced, who
stakeholders.
owns the data and for what purpose have significant
NARROW BAND INTERNET OF THINGS (NB-IOT) impact on the economies. Further with increasing
NB-IoT technology is a low power wide area deployment of digital technology the critical
technology that may be used almost everywhere. infrastructure of countries is vulnerable to attacks
from across borders.
• Will allow many devices to connect to IoT,
allowing development of new applications. • Power Struggle: Internet is used by both state and
• Designed for applications that send tiny non-state actors of one country to influence political
quantities of data across great distances. and social life of another. E.g., Russia in US elections.
• Secure and dependable since it runs on licensed • Equitable Use of Internet: While the use of internet
spectrum, offering assured service quality. for development was discussed as early as 1998 in
• Integrates into cellular system ensuring easy the UN there is no consensus among countries about
deployment. Links devices to existing mobile what constitutes internet governance. Ex. Although
networks more easily, effectively. the users of internet are spread across the world yet
• Securely and reliably handles tiny quantities of the infrastructure like undersea cables that fuel the
very occasional two-way communication. internet is dominated by few countries.
• Optimised for low power consumption. • Lack of uniform cyber laws: Given the cross-border
• Extended long-range coverage and deep nature of data flow, countries lack jurisdiction over
penetration both indoors and underground. another. Thus, there is an increasing need for “cyber
norms” that can balance competing demands of
national sovereignty and transnational connectivity.
►INTERNET GOVERNANCE
ACTIONS TAKEN FOR INTERNET GOVERNANCE
While the cyberspace has enabled new modes of digital
As stated above, the first time the issue of use of
interaction like work-from-home etc. it is also becoming
internet for development was discussed at the UN
increasingly vulnerable to attacks, even state-sponsored
platform in 1998. Accordingly, the UN set up a
ones. This has highlighted the need for Internet Governance.
mechanism called Group of Governmental Experts to
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discuss the issue of internet governance. However, the 1. In recent years, electronics manufacturing has
problem is this body has limited membership and thus substantially in India. India is steadily moving up the
proven ineffective. value chain from Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) to
For the first time in October 2019, this was made more Completely Knocked Down (CKD) stage of
inclusive by another mechanism called Open-Ended manufacturing.
Working Group which included all 193 members. 2. National Policy of Electronics 2019 aims to develop
India as a global hub for Electronics System Design
and Manufacturing (ESDM) and create an enabling
►SEMICONDUCTOR FAB
environment for industry to compete globally.
Electronics industry is the world’s largest and fastest
WAY FORWARD
growing industry with applications in all sectors of the
economy. Semiconductors are a key enabler in the 1. Incentivise and attract investment in setting up of
advancement of electronics industry and will play an Semiconductor FABs in India.
even greater role with introduction of new technologies 2. Ease of doing business for fab manufacturing.
such as IoT, AI, 5G, smart cars, smart factories, data 3. Research and development in the semiconductor
centres, robotics etc. design and fabrication technologies.
GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR MICROCHIPS SHORTAGE 4. Mandating a public sector firm for fab manufacturing.
1. Factories that makes these chips had to shut down
temporarily due to the pandemic. ►NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR
2. Concentration of microchip manufacturing: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Microchips are designed by just a handful of
ABOUT ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
companies such as Samsung, Intel, NVIDIA, and
Qualcomm. However, most of these companies do • Additive manufacturing is defined as the technology
not manufacture microchips. These companies that constructs a 3-D object from a digital 3D model
usually outsource manufacturing to third parties. The or a CAD model by adding material layer by layer.
biggest manufacturer is Taiwan Semiconductor • Addition of material can happen in multiple ways,
Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung. namely power deposition, resin curing, filament
3. Increase in demand of semiconductor microchips: fusing.
Need for technology for working from home, • Deposition and solidification are controlled by
fluctuations in the automotive sector, deployment of computer to create a 3-D object.
5G infrastructure, a push for hardware for artificial GOAL OF NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ADDITIVE
intelligence. MANUFACTURING
4. Supply chain disruptions due to closing of shipping 1. Position India as a global hub for additive
lines and non-availability of containers etc. manufacturing development & deployment.
Impact of global microchip shortages: 2. Create and protect the integrity of India’s Additive
Lack of availability microchips led to shortages. Many Manufacturing intellectual properties.
manufacturing industries were adversely affected such MATERIALS USED IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
as telecom, automotive and electronics.
1. Thermoplastics
CHALLENGES IN SETTING UP OF SEMICONDUCTOR 2. Metals
FAB IN INDIA
3. Ceramics
1. Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex and
4. Biomaterials
research-intensive sector.
APPLICATIONS AND ADVANTAGES OF ADDITIVE
2. Capital intensive nature of this industry.
MANUFACTURING
3. Rapid changes in technology.
INDUSTRY ADVANTAGES
4. Semiconductors are at heart of electronic products
and constitute a significant part of the total value of
• Low volume production of high value
bill of material (BOM). Aerospace &
products with complex geometries.
NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SEMICONDUCTOR FABS Defence
• Fuel efficiency through weight
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reduction of parts. centric products.

• Improved product utility through on- • Decentralised manufacturing reducing
demand production of replacement transferred costs to consumers.
parts.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
• Cost effective solution for Additive manufacturing is expected to impact the
customisation of luxury vehicles. manufacturing ecosystem significantly.
• Obsolescence management for 1. Economic competitiveness
Automotive
defective parts. Upstream supply chains will be flattened and
• Testing & production of lightweight, simplified as semi-fabricated products replace raw
high strength parts. materials.
Will enable supplier consolidation as a single source
• High resolution, multi-material, large
may suffice for a variety of parts, increasing
area fabrication of electronic devices
production agility.
that are free of printed circuit boards
(PCBs). Enable fast and cost-effective manufacturing of
smaller batches and greater product customisation.
• Production of complex, lightweight
impact resistant structures with On-demand manufacturing will rationalise
multiple functionalities. warehousing and distribution thus reducing physical
inventory and costs.
• Designing of complex geometry parts
Electronics 2. Increase in Gross Value Addition (GVA): Lead to
with embedded electronics, sensors
and antennas, which cannot be democratisation of innovation, thereby developing
new technology-driven industries and jobs.
produced by conventional
manufacturing process. 3. Workforce: Increase in productivity will lead to
• Internal manufacturing of circuits and reduction of employment in manufacturing.
circuit boards which reduces 4. Social implications: Considerable reduction in use of

procurement time and eliminates raw materials due to material efficient designs.
intellectual property related issues. 5. Innovation diffusion
a) Enables greater design flexibility through
• Production of customised implants,
modification of virtual design models and new
devices, dental crowns etc.
material properties.
• Reduction in healthcare costs due to
b) Allows for limited design constraints without the risk
minimal re-intervention enabled by
of high expenditure thereby boosting innovation in
accurate diagnosis.
product development process.
• Rapid response time during
c) Enhanced product differentiation and flexibility in
emergencies through rapid scaling of
Healthcare design innovation.
production.
6. Healthcare
• Staff training in specific applications,
leveraging datasets of patients affected a) Potential to fabricate biomedical implants,
by rare pathologies. prosthetics, skin and tissues and intricate organs.
• Patient centric healthcare through b) Specialised surgical instruments and medical devices
personalisation of drugs for complex can be manufactured quickly and cost effectively.
patient specific release profiles. 7. Military superiority
a) Advancement in additive manufacturing has the
• Fabrication of complex internal and potential to fortify India against military and cyber
external structures compels innovative warfare.
Consumer
product design.
goods b) Transformation of Indian military supply chain:
• Faster time to market and cost-
i) In place of storing important stocks, military entities
effective customisation of customer
will only require adequate Additive manufacturing
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facilities and raw materials to help the manufacturing or stacks of central processing units from past that
process even in severe places. are connected by tangled wires in freezing rooms.
ii) Transformation of physical inventory into a digital • Conventional computers process information in ‘bits’
one will help in reduction of supply chain overhead, or 1s and 0s, following classical physics under which
conveyance costs and additional logistical challenges our computers can process a ‘one’ or a ‘0’ at a time.
faced by military forces in the battleground. The world’s most powerful supercomputer today can
CHALLENGES TO ADOPTION OF ADDITIVE juggle 148,000 trillion operations in a second and
MANUFACTURING (AM) requires about 9000 IBM CPUs connected in a
particular combination to achieve this feat.
1. Cost of equipment & material
• Quantum computers compute in ‘qubits’ (or quantum
2. Lack of formal AM standards
bits). They exploit properties of quantum mechanics,
3. Lack of AM ecosystem
the science that governs how matter behaves on
4. Monopoly of AM market by foreign OEM’s atomic scale. In quantum computing, processors can
5. Lack of skilled manpower be a 1 and a 0 simultaneously, a state called quantum
superposition. While this accelerates speed of
6. Domestic market transition
computation, a machine with less than 100 qubits can
7. Lack of clarity around the issue of liability
solve problems with a lot of data that are even
8. Legal & ethical issues theoretically beyond capabilities of powerful
RECOMMENDATIONS supercomputers. Because of quantum superposition,
India must adopt additive manufacturing technologies in a quantum computer — if it works to plan — can
all manufacturing segments including defence and mimic several classical computers working in parallel.
public sectors and position itself as a pioneer in • The ideas governing quantum computers have been
restructuring its supply chain. A conducive ecosystem for around since the 1990s, but actual machines have
design, development and deployment of these been around since 2011, most notably built by
technologies should be created. Canadian company D-Wave Systems.
1. National Additive Manufacturing Centre to function
as an aggregator of knowledge and resources and
accelerator for technology adoption and
advancement.
2. Development of a Phased Manufacturing Program
3. National strategy to address the human resource and
skill development needs for additive manufacturing.
4. Research & IP creation by enhanced funding, creation
of centre of excellence in additive manufacturing, IP
Access forum and International R&D Partnership.
BENEFITS
5. Supply chain development by incentives through
government procurement policies, preferential • Speed and capability of classical supercomputers are
market access policy and creation of regional limited by energy requirements. Along with these they
industrial innovation clusters etc. also need more physical space. That translates into
reduced processors and reduced energy.
• A quantum computer can solve problem rapidly
►QUANTUM COMPUTING
because it can attack complex problems that are
• Quantum computers work differently from classical beyond scope of a classical computer. Basic
computers. By exploiting principles of quantum advantage is speed as it can simulate several classical
mechanics, they can easily tackle computational computers working in parallel. Several encryption
problems that may be tough for classical computer as systems used in banking and security applications are
size of numbers and numbers of input grows bigger. premised on computers being unable to manage
• Quantum computers do not look like desktops or mathematical problems that are computationally
laptops that we associate ‘computer’ with. Instead, demanding beyond a limit. Quantum computers, in
they resemble air-conditioned server rooms of offices theory, can surpass those limits.
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CHALLENGES Security of public key cryptography depends on the
1. Technology has not matured yet. complexity of mathematical theories they are based and
hence, they are vulnerable to efficient algorithms. With
2. India currently has not functional or experimental
quantum computers. the impending dawn of quantum computation, public
key cryptography might soon cease to be staying
3. Quantum computers are prone to errors and are not
unbreakable.
stable.
QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION
4. The technology is very costly.
It is a cryptographic technique which allows two remote
5. They are highly sensitive to disturbances from
environment, even necessary controls and users to establish a secure key between them which can
observations perturb them. Available and upcoming be used further for secure communication, using the
Quantum Devices are noisy and techniques to bring principles of quantum mechanics. The most important
down the environmental error rate are being advantage of QKD is that, in principle, the users can
intensively pursued. detect the presence of an eavesdropper who is trying to
STEPS BY GOVERNMENT gain information from the transmission of information

occurring between the sender and the receiver. If the
1. Launch of National Mission Quantum Technologies
eavesdropping level is below a certain threshold, a key
and Applications (NM-QTA).
can be established which is guaranteed to be secured.
2. Peripheral research based on Quantum technologies
The most important features of quantum mechanics
have started in India.
which are used are
a. QSIM which is quantum computer simulator has
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle which puts a
been launched to make it easier for researchers to
fundamental limit to the knowledge an observed might
practice.
have of a quantum system.
b. Quantum random number generator has been
No-cloning theorem which states any arbitrary quantum
developed by Indian researchers.
state cannot be copied to generate replicas.
Quantum Entanglement which creates a non-classical
►QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION
correlation between two quantum entities.
Cryptography is seen as an essential part of our
Two protocols have been developed for Quantum Key
everyday life and the importance of it is increasing each
Distribution:
passing day. Concerns of data security be it financial
transactions, security for strategic and defence purpose • BB84 protocol which uses 4 different polarisation
have cryptography at the centre. states of photons to encode key bits.
Modern cryptography is classified into two main forms: • B92 protocol is modified version of BB84 protocol
Private key cryptography: Same key is used for which uses two polarisation states of photons.
encryption as well as decryption of the message i.e.,
sender and receiver of the message must hold same key
Public key cryptography: Sender encrypts the message
with public key while receiver decrypts the message with
private (secret) key. Thus, anyone will be able to send an
encrypted message, but intended recipient will be only
one to be able to decrypt it.
Need for Quantum Key Distribution:
Modern cryptographic schemes have some drawbacks.
Security of private key cryptography depends on the
length of the key. Larger the key, more secure it is. With
increase in computational power of computers, efficient
algorithms and anticipation of more efficient quantum
computers, the resource-oriented problem of secure key
distribution has come up.
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Uses of Quantum Key Distribution: • “Quantum supremacy” has opened the door for the
• Secure communication with satellites and ground actual realization of this path breaking technology.
stations. APPLICATIONS OF QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
• Since it is unhackable it offers for secure • Advancement of science/innovation:
communication especially for defence, national
o It can help in solving some of the fundamental
security related data.
questions in physics related to Einstein theory of
Challenges of using Quantum Key Distribution relativity, gravity, black hole etc.
technology: Technology is slow and requires expensive
o It can boost the Genome India project
equipment to send and receive individual photons.
• Boosting advancement of other technologies:
CONCLUSION
o Quantum computing is an integral part of
As concerns of data security increases especially for
Industrial revolution 4.0.
critical public infrastructure and onset of more powerful
computers and Quantum computing on the corner, it is o Success in it will help in Strategic initiatives the
important to invest in Quantum Key Distribution to Internet-of-Things, machine learning, robotics,
make our communication network more secure. Thus, and artificial intelligence across sectors will
India should make more investment in these field. further help in laying the foundation of
Government has launched National Mission for Knowledge economy.
Quantum Technologies in this regard. o Harnessing Quantum Computers statistical as the
potential to accelerate or otherwise improve
machine learning relative to purely classical
►NATIONAL MISSION ON
performance
QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES & o QC could potentially supercharge AI, plus manage
APPLICATIONS (NM-QTA) an autonomous-vehicle-choked traffic future and
Government in budget 2020 has announced a National accelerate its logistics.
Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) • Quantum improvement of Haber Process: It can
with a total budget outlay of Rs 8000 Crore five years. reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions.
ABOUT QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
• Financial modelling: faster calculations for risk
Quantum Technology is based on the principles of
related to an investment.
quantum theory, which explains the nature of energy
and matter on the atomic and subatomic level. • Logistics & Scheduling: Quantum computing can
make logistics more efficient. For example, airlines
It concerns the control and manipulation of quantum
can figure out how to stage their airplanes for the
systems, with the goal of achieving information
best service at the lowest cost.
processing beyond the limits of the classical world.
• Encourage entrepreneurship and start-up
Quantum principles will be used for engineering
ecosystem development.
solutions to extremely complex problems in computing,
communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography, • Pharmaceutical: India’s interest in the
pharmaceutical and healthcare industry is huge.
imaging and mechanics. Quantum field has not yet
matured for commercialization, due to the extreme o Quantum computing could reduce the time frame
scientific challenges involved. of the discovery of new molecules and related
processes.
• Quantum computers compute in ‘qubits’. They use
the properties of quantum mechanics like o tracking protein behaviour or even modelling new
Superposition and Entanglement, principles that proteins could be made easier and faster.
governs how matter behaves on the atomic scale. o Tackling chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s
• Quantum mechanics has increased our and heart ailments is a big possibility of the
understanding of the universe like the structure of technology.
matter, the interaction of light and matter. It has also • Weather prediction can be improved by quantum
led to inventions such as lasers and revolution of modelling.
semiconductor transistors. • Improved batteries for electric vehicles cell
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chemistry of the batteries can be better harnessed. INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
• Climate change: Collection of data regarding climate • Department of Science & Technology unveiled
change can be streamlined in a better way through Quantum-Enabled Science & Technology (QuEST)
quantum technology. This in turn will have a and committed to investing Rs. 80 crores over next
profound impact on agriculture, food technology three years to accelerate research.
chains and the limiting of farmland wastage. • In the 2020 Budget speech, the Finance Minister of
• Secure Communication: Significant for cyber security India announced National Mission for Quantum
as it promises unimaginably fast and unhackable Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA) with a total
satellite communication. outlay of ₹8000 crore over five years for
• Internal security: Prepare India to develop these strengthening the quantum industry in the country.
emerging and disruptive technologies to secure our • National Mission for Quantum Frontier: This mission
communications and financial transactions. aims to initiate work in control of quantum
• Disaster Management: Tsunamis, drought, mechanical systems with many degrees of freedom.
earthquakes and floods may become more • In 2021, government inaugurated C-DOT’s Quantum
predictable with quantum applications. Communication Lab and unveiled the indigenously
CHALLENGES IN QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution.
• Technological challenge: • ‘Quantum Computer Simulator (QSim) Toolkit’: It

provides first quantum development environment -
o The challenge lies in harnessing properties of
to academicians, industry professionals, students,
quantum superposition in a highly controlled
and the scientific community in India.
manner. It is difficult to maintain
‘superimposition’ and ‘entanglement’ for a long ABOUT NM-QTA
time. Quantum Technologies & Applications is one of 9
o Challenge of scaling up Qubits in the processor. missions of national importance, being driven by Prime
o A careful choice of materials, design and Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory
engineering is required to get them to work. Council (PM-STIAC) through (Principal Scientific Advisor)
PSA’s office to leverage cutting edge scientific research
o Creating algorithms & applications for quantum
for India’s sustainable development.
computers.
Areas of focus would both be in fundamental science
• Slow Progress in policy implementation: Although
and towards developing technology platforms in Four (4)
the NM-QTA was announced in the 2020 Budget
identified verticals viz., (i) Quantum Computing &
speech, the mission has still not received any
Simulations; (ii) Quantum Materials & Devices; (iii)
approval and no funds were allocated, disbursed or
Quantum Communications; & (iv) Quantum Sensor &
utilised under NM-QTA during the FY 2020-21.
Metrology.
• Limited Private Sector Involvement in NM-QTA: For
The mission can help prepare next generation skilled
NM-QTA, no private sector partners had been
manpower, boost translational research, and encourage
identified yet.
entrepreneurship and start up ecosystem.
• Absence of research ecosystem: small pool of skilled
Quantum principles will be used for engineering
professionals, absence of common platform,
solutions to extremely complex problems in computing,
Industry-academia gap, low international
communications, sensing, chemistry, cryptography,
collaboration, low patent application etc.
imaging, and mechanics.
• Supply chain hurdle: Absence of indigenous
Their applications which will be boosted include those in
development of critical quantum components.
aero-space engineering, numerical weather predictions,
• Security Related Issues: Quantum computing will simulations, securing the communications & financial
have a disruptive effect on cryptographic encryption, transactions, cyber-security, advanced manufacturing,
which secures communications and computers. If health, agriculture, education.
this technology goes into the wrong hands, all
It can bring India in the list of few countries with an edge
the government’s official and confidential data will
in this emerging field. India will have a greater
be at risk of being hacked and misused.
advantage in garnering economic growth and dominant
leadership role.
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RATIONALE PERFORMANCE OF NSM SO FAR
New economy is based on innovations that disrupt NSM’s first supercomputer — PARAM Shivay installed in
established business models. Artificial intelligence, IIT-BHU, Varanasi. This supercomputer has 837 Teraflop
Internet-of-Things (IoT), 3D printing, drones, DNA data
capacity.
storage, quantum computing, etc., are re-writing the
world economic order. Second supercomputer with a capacity of 1.66 Petaflop
was installed at IIT-Kharagpur.
Quantum technology is opening new frontiers in
computing, communications, cyber security with wide- Third system, PARAM Brahma is at IISER-Pune, has a
spread applications. capacity of 797 Teraflop.
It is expected that lots of commercial applications would There will soon be 11 supercomputers; expected to be
emerge from theoretical constructs which are
installed by 2020 or latest by March 2021.
developing in this area.
APPLICATION AREAS OF SUPERCOMPUTERS
• Climate Modelling
►NATIONAL SUPERCOMPUTING
• Weather Prediction
MISSION
• Aerospace Engineering including CFD, CSM, CEM
Mission was set up to provide the country with
• Computational Biology
supercomputing infrastructure to meet increasing
computational demands of academia, researchers, • Molecular Dynamics
MSMEs, and start-ups by creating the capability design, • Atomic Energy Simulations
manufacturing, of supercomputers indigenously in India.
• National Security/ Defence Applications
India has produced just three supercomputers since
• Seismic Analysis
2015 —less than one a year on average — under the
National Supercomputer Mission (NSM). • Disaster Simulations and Management
OBJECTIVES OF NSM • Computational Chemistry
• Make India leaders in Supercomputing and to • Computational Material Science and Nanomaterials
enhance India’s capability in solving grand challenge • Discoveries beyond Earth (Astrophysics)
problems of national and global relevance. • Large Complex Systems Simulations and Cyber
• Empower scientists & researchers with state-of-art Physical Systems
supercomputing facilities and enable them to carry • Big Data Analytics
cutting-edge research in their respective domains
• Finance
• Minimize redundancies and duplication of efforts, and
• Information repositories/Government Information
optimize investments in supercomputing
Systems
• Attain global competitiveness & ensure self-reliance in
the strategic area of supercomputing technology.
►BROADBAND IN INDIA
• Target: To establish a network of supercomputers
ranging from a few Tera Flops (TF) to Hundreds of Broadband is a basic infrastructure essential for
Tera Flops (TF) and three systems with greater than or improving socio-economic development, job creation
equal to 3 Peta Flops (PF) in academic and research INDIA'S BROADBAND LANDSCAPE
institutions of National importance across the country 1. Rapid expansion of internet and broadband usage:
by 2022. Overall average data usage per month has increased
• This network of Supercomputers envisaging a total of at CAGR of 76% from 2015 to 2020 reaching 13.5 GB
15-20 PF was approved in 2015 and was later revised in December 2020. This happened due to upgradation
to a total of 45 PF (45000 TFs), a jump of 6 times more of mobile networks to 4G which facilitated online
compute power within the same cost and capable of education, remote working for professionals and
solving large and complex computational problems. higher OTT viewership.
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2. Dominance of mobile based broadband: Mobile 1. New definition of broadband: Minimum speed for an
based broadband accounted for 97% of total internet connection to be called Broadband to be
broadband connections. Overall broadband raised to 2 Mbps. National Digital Communications
connections in India are about 74.5 crores out of Policy 2018 aims to provide universal access of 50
which 72.5 crores are mobile broadband connections. Mbps to every citizen.
4G accounts for 98.7% of total data traffic consumed 2. Standardized categories in fixed line broadband
across the country. connections:
3. Rural India not left behind: India's digital revolution
Name of category Internet download speed
continues to be propelled by rural masses. Rural India
Basic Broadband Between 2 to 50 Mbps
accounts for 38% of broadband users in 2020. Rural
data consumption accounts for 45% of overall mobile Fast Broadband Between 50 and 300 Mbps
data usage. Super-fast Broadband More than 300 Mbps
4. Fixed line broadband's share is limited: Only 9% of
3. Encouraging cable operators to provide broadband
households have access to fixed broadband. FTTH
services by addressing issues related to computation
broadband connections constitute only 30% of the
of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) by removing
fixed broadband connections in the country.
revenue from operations other than telecom
5. Still millions are untouched by internet and the activities from the total gross revenue on which AGR
possibilities it opens: Despite rapid spread of is applicable.
broadband and the increasing opportunities it brings,
4. Passive as well as active infrastructure sharing should
nearly 45% of India's population still does not have
be allowed under the Internet Service License and
access to broadband.
Internet service authorization.
6. Low Speed: As per Ookla speed test global Index,
5. For efficient utilisation of available spectrum and
India ranked 131st among 140 nations in terms of
supporting mobile broadband speed enhancement,
mobile broadband and 66th among 177 countries in
entire spectrum allocation for International Mobile
fixed broadband. Reasons for low speed are:
Telecommunications (IMT) purposes should be
a. Lower spectrum availability for access as well as assigned to service providers on a regular basis.
backhaul
6. In rural and remote areas, BharatNet network should
b. Lower fiberisation of towers be quickly implemented by implementing PPP.
c. Power outages 7. Radio spectrum available for backhauling purpose
7. Right of Way Issues: As RoW permissions are required should be assigned to service providers on demand
by all types of utility services. Right of way issues and time-bound manner.
hamper quick scale up of broadband in remote areas. 8. National Right of Way (RoW) Policy: As RoW
STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT permissions are required by all types of utilities like
1. National Broadband Mission has been launched to telegraph, electricity, water, gas etc. from authorities
provide broadband access to all villages by 2022. for establishment, maintenance of underground,
2. Telecom reforms: Ex. Relaxing AGR dues and overground infrastructure and such permissions are
rationalizing Spectrum Usage Charges will make regulated under different laws, rules and regulations,
telecom companies financially resilient to make it leads to
further investments to increase broadband coverage. 9. Incentivize establishment of common ducts to be

3. Launch of PM-WANI project will facilitate setting up of shared on non-discriminatory basis with service &
public Wi-fi hotspots, termed public data offices. infrastructure providers for establishing telegraph
RECOMMENDATIONS lines.
TRAI has made following recommendations for boosting 10. Financial and taxation incentives for internet service
penetration of high-speed broadband across India. providers for boosting broadband coverage
especially in rural and remote areas.
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11. TRAI needs to set up strong Quality of Service Rules • Provide internet connectivity to one lakh villages
and establish telecom ombudsman to stop protect which will push our economy to 5 trillion-dollar
consumers. Mandating ISPs to provide details about milestone.
network congestion, • Significantly improving quality of services for mobile
NATIONAL BROADBAND MISSION (NBM) and internet.

• Increasing fiberisation of towers to 70% from 30% at
• Objective: To provide broadband access to all villages
present.
by 2022.
• Enable strengthening of technological infrastructure
• Facilitate universal & equitable access to broadband
for education, health, industry & development
services across the country, especially in rural and
remote areas.
• Laying down around 30 Lakhs km route Optical Fiber
Cable, increase tower density from 0.42 to 1.0 tower
per thousand of population by 2024 and significantly
improve quality of services for mobile and internet.
• Envisages Rs 7lakh crore investment in next 3-4 years.
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Section-2
PACE
2019 What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space program?
India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan
2017 and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of
technology and logistics? Explain critically.
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How has the application
2016
of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?
What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Protection Positioning Systems’ in
2015 the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS program employing
just seven satellites.
►SPACE SCIENCE to schools and colleges.
BENEFITS OF SPACE SCIENCE International

Cooperation and trust building
relation and
E-visit to museums, remote sensing among nations,
cooperation
Art & Culture to monitor the conditions of ancient
architectures etc. Remote Sensing Satellite data has
helped improve agricultural
Fulfills people’s curiosity about
Society Economy – productivity.
universe, removes superstition,
Infrastructure, Space mining has the prospect for
Polity & High resolution data helps in Urban Agriculture, infinite supply of precious and
Governance planning. Manufacturing, scarce resources like He-3, cobalt,
‘Village Resource Centers’ have been Energy, rare earth metals etc
created by ISRO to provide space- Employment Attracts young people towards
based services (tele-medicine, tele- career in Science, Astronomy,
Social Issues
education etc) directly to rural Mathematics, Physics etc
areas.
Technological
EDUSAT has provided connectivity enhancement/
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SPACE
Innovation of space
dispersion
International Cooperation and trust building
Study of Martian surface and cooperation among nations,
atmosphere will help in
Ethical concern over space-
Environment & understanding climate change on
based data collection due to
Ecology earth.
Ethical challenge dual use of satellites.
Earth Observation Satellites helps in
Uneven distribution of benefit of
effective resource management.
space exploration
International preparedness for
WAY FORWARD
Security protecting earth from catastrophic
event. People Increased space debris
BHUVAN helps in management of IN-Space must be more

natural disaster using space-based effective in increasing the
Disaster
inputs. private sector participation in
management
Desertification and land Institution space; the conflict in the role
degradation mapping of ISRO – acting as both
promotor and regulator –
CHALLENGES OF SPACE SCEINCE must be resolved.
Technological Clear policy on space
Increased space Debris
challenge exploration, setting up an
R&D expenditure in India is less Governance/regulation independent space regulator,
than 1%. Manufacturing implementation of Drone
Economic challenge policy etc.
semiconductor chips and
– skilled manpower,
ancillary equipment like Technological Recognition of Intellectual
financial resource,
transponders, sensors etc. are advancement, new Property Rights in space to
miniscule. uses, alignment with encourage private
State centric nature of space other technologies participation.
governance. Cooperation for an
Obsolete space laws and International Code of
International relation
regulations. Conduct for Outer Space
and cooperation
United Nations Committee on Activities, Prevention of Arms
Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for Race in Outer Space.
discussing issues of Ethical concern over space-
international space law and based data collection due to
Governance
policy. dual use of satellites.
challenge – robust Ethical challenge
Five United Nations treaties on Uneven distribution of
institutions, process
regulation outer space under UNCPUOS: benefit of space exploration
• Outer Space Treaty
• Rescue Agreement
• Liability Convention
►USES OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY
• Registration Convention Space technology applications, derived through
synergistic use of earth observation, communication &
• Moon Agreement
navigation satellites and complemented with ground-
Formation of space oligopoly based observations, play a key role in harnessing
due to space privatization benefits of space technology for national development.
Cyber-attacks on space assets Satellite based Earth observation is a cost-effective
Security
Militarization and weaponization means of obtaining essential and reliable data. Such
data on natural resources have become an integral part
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of planning and implementation of action plans for APPLICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
managing land & water resources, developing urban & (a) Mapping and monitoring of India’s forest and
rural infrastructure, monitoring weather & climate, biodiversity resources, annual forest loss, monitoring
protecting environment including disaster risk reduction. of India’s reserved forests, national parks, sanctuaries
APPLICATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE and forest boundaries etc. Inputs for forest
a) Estimation of crop acreage and production Use of management plans.
seasonal (Kharif, Rabi & Summer) space images for b) Forest biomass estimation. Monitoring of coral reefs,
advance information on the crop acreage and mangroves, coastal areas, islands etc.
production estimation for major crops. c) Monitoring of desertification and land degradation.
b) For Agricultural drought assessment and monitoring d) Monitoring of snow, snow line, glacier and glacial
c) For Crop Insurance related assessment and relief lakes.
e) Forest fire location using thermal satellites during fire
d) Soil Health Card Applications:
season. Agriculture stubble burning and burnt area
e) Mapping and monitoring of various plantation crops analysis.
at national level for inventory & management (Tea,
f) Environmental monitoring for air, water, atmosphere,
Coffee, Spices, Rubber)
climate change etc. The availability of higher
f) Space based inputs for the management of in-season frequency bands allows enhanced traffic, increase
fertiliser demand and potential. protection from jamming and lower probability of
intercepting transmissions from covert terminals.
g) Mapping and monitoring of plantation crops. (Tea,
Satellite communication system has several
Coffee, Rubber, Spices etc.)
advantages which are being extensively exploited for
h) Mapping & monitoring, optimal produce for inland military applications.
and aquaculture activities.
They include the following:
APPLICATIONS FOR ENERGY
a. A single satellite can provide communication coverage
Use of space technology for potential solar energy over a large geographical area.
harvesting, potential roof top energy harvesting, night- b. Satellite transponders have large transmission
lights. capacities that enable them to support high data
APPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION rates.
a) Satellite based education for remote areas in mass c. The inherent flexibility has the advantage to control
scale using SATCOM technology to improve the remotely and hence less vulnerable to direct attack.
literacy in rural areas. d. They are physically remote and hence less vulnerable
b) Use of Tele-education and Distance learning programs to direct attack.
and integrate programs through the Digital India APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC AND MILITARY
network Space technology has many spinoffs effects in military
APPLICATIONS FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT and space fields. Space warfare is an emerging field of
warfare. Though the Outer Space Treaty expressly bans
a) Assessment of various disaster-prone areas using
the militarisation of space, however, satellite
space technology can give us an idea about the extent
communication technology is currently being used for
of vulnerability of an area to a disaster.
the following purposes:
b) During a disaster, space technology can help us better a) Used in guided missile systems: Satellites are guided
plan disaster response. For ex. (i) Satellite phones can by location feed to strike their targets.
help us communication in the event of formal
b) Used in missile defence systems: They use satellite
communication networks not functioning. (ii) Judge
feed to locate incoming satellites and destroy them.
the extent of disaster affected area and direct
c) Used in reconnaissance and surveillance systems. Ex.
resources to most affected areas.
India’s AWACS.
(c) Space technology can help us in better planning to
d) Satellites can be destroyed adversely affecting
make infrastructure and settlements disaster resilient
communications networks.
to reduce disaster risk.
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►CHANDRAYAAN-2 signature was from water or hydroxyl ions (OH-

ions).
Many people were disappointed when Chandrayaan-2,
o The Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS) onboard
India's second mission to the Moon, failed to land softly on
Chandrayaan-2 was able to differentiate between
the lunar surface. That did not, however, imply that the
hydroxyl and water molecules using considerably
entire mission had been in vain.
more sensitive equipment and discovered distinct
signals for both.
o This is the most exact data on the existence of
water molecules on the Moon that has been
discovered so far.
o Water was formerly thought to be only found in the
Moon's polar regions. Water signals have now
been discovered by Chandrayaan-2 at all latitudes,
albeit their quantity varies.
2. Minor elements
o The Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS)
analyses the Moon's X-ray spectra to look for key
ABOUT CHANDRAYAAN-2 elements including magnesium, aluminum, silica,
calcium, titanium, iron, and others.
• Chandrayaan-2 was made up of three parts: an
Orbiter, a Lander, and a Rover, all of which were o This equipment has identified minor elements like
equipped with scientific instruments for studying the chromium and manganese for the first time using
moon. remote sensing.
• Orbiter would circle the moon at 100 kilometers, o The discovery might pave the way for a better
while the Lander and Rover modules would be understanding of magmatic development on the
detached and land softly on the moon's surface. Moon, as well as deeper insights into nebular
circumstances and planetary differentiation.
• The Lander module was called Vikram after Vikram
Sarabhai, India's space pioneer, while the Rover o For the first time, CLASS has mapped
module was named Pragyaan, which means approximately 95% of the lunar surface in X-rays.
knowledge. o For the first time, sodium, a minor element on the
• The Lander was unsuccessful. However, the Orbiter Moon's surface, was identified without ambiguity.
was orbiting the moon all this while and sending 3. Study of Sun
significant data, which has advanced the o One of the payloads, the Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM),
understanding of moon. has acquired data on solar flares in addition to
UTILITY OF THE ORBITER monitoring the Moon through the Sun's radiation.
• The Orbiter component of the mission has been o For the first time, XSM has detected a substantial
performing well. It has eight instruments on board. number of microflares outside the active area.
• Each of these sensors has generated a substantial o This has huge ramifications for our knowledge of
quantity of data that throws fresh light on the moon the process that causes the solar corona to heat
and provides new insights that might be useful in up, which has been a long-standing mystery.
future exploration. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FINDINGS
SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT RESULTS SO FAR • While the Orbiter payloads add to what we already
1. Water know about the Moon's surface, subsurface, and
o Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to the Moon, exosphere, they also lay the way for future Moon
verified the existence of water on the Moon. missions.
However, the spectrographic signature for Water • Future study will focus on four areas: lunar surface
and Hydroxyl ions is same. Using data from mineralogical and volatile mapping, surface and
Chandrayaan-1, it was not confirmed whether the subsurface characteristics and processes, measuring
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water in various forms across the Moon surface, and • It weighs approximately 7 tons and will be carried by
maps of elements found on the moon. a rocket.
• The investigation of permanently dark areas, as well • Crew module’s size will be 3.7 meters and 7 meters.
as craters and boulders under the regolith, the loose
• Aims to send a three-member crew to space for a
deposit that makes up the top surface and extends up
period of five to seven days.
to 3-4m in depth, was a significant result of
Chandrayaan-2. This should aid scientists in • Crew will do microgravity experiment during the
determining future landing and drilling locations, mission.
including those for human missions. • Crew will be selected by Indian Air Force (IAF) and
FUTURE MOON MISSIONS ISRO jointly after which they will undergo training for
two-three years.
• JAXA-ISRO partnership LUPEX mission, slated to
launch in 2023/2024, is one of the prospective Moon • Crew, while coming back to Earth, could land in
missions that hopes to make use of such data. Its goal Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast or in Bay of Bengal or
is to learn more about lunar water resources and even on land.
determine if the lunar polar area is suitable for
establishing a lunar colony.
• NASA's Artemis mission aims to enable human
landing on Moon in 2024, with long-term lunar
exploration planned by 2028.
• Chinese Lunar Exploration Program intends to create
a platform for large-scale scientific exploration at the
lunar south pole, like the International Lunar
Research Station (ILRS).
WAY FORWARD
1. ISRO should develop competence in developing soft
landing capability, which will increase our knowledge
of moon and other planets of solar system in future.
2. Chandrayaan-3 mission should be planned with a well
functional rover and lander and take forward the
findings of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.
►GAGANYAAN
• India’s Mission sent a three-member crew to space. It
aims for demonstration of Indian Human Spaceflight
capability to low earth orbit for a mission duration
ranging from one orbital period to a maximum of 7
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES IN GAGAYAAN MISSION
days.
• Pressure maintenance: ‘Gaganayan’ has to create an
• A human rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the
orbital module which will have necessary provisions atmosphere like Earth inside a small volume & ensure
for sustaining a 3-member crew for the duration of that is adequate maintained throughout the mission.
the mission. • Crew escape System: to prepare for any emergency
• Gaganyaan will be launched after the second from launch phase onwards and ensure reliability of
unmanned mission planned in 2022-23. such a system. Environmental Control & Life Support
SALIENT FEATURES OF GANGAYAAN MISSION System (ELCSS), space suit and crew support systems
are still in the developmental phase.
• The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of
300-400 km. • Re-entry and Recovery: The spacecraft’s re-entry into
• The spacecraft will comprise of a crew module and the atmosphere must be very precise, even the
service module that constitute an orbital module. slightest deviation could lead into a disaster.
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• Radiation-proof module: In space stations, astronauts • Government has announced a
receive over ten times the radiation than what people new organisation, IN-SPACe, to
are subjected to on Earth. increase private participation in
• Coping with change in gravity field: Transitioning from the space sector.
one gravity field to another has impact on the Polity &
• Establish a broader framework
Governance
physical bodies. It affects hand- eye and head-eye for collaboration between ISRO,
coordination. academia, industry, national
• Psychological preparedness: Due to isolation, one agencies and other scientific
may encounter depression, fatigue, sleep disorder organizations.
and psychiatric disorders.
• Help in enhancement of science
• Threat from Space Debris: There is increasing threat and technology levels in the
of Space debris in the low earth orbits which can country and help inspire youth.
result in depressurization of the cabin of the crew
Social Issues • Additional human resource
module in case of a collision with small debris.
development.
BENEFITS OF GAGANYAAN PROGRAM
• Development of technology for
• Establish a broader framework for collaboration social benefits.
between ISRO, academia, industry, national agencies
• Human Space Flight Centre of the
and other scientific organizations.
ISRO and the Russian
• Allow pooling of diverse technological and industrial
government owned Glavkosmos
capabilities and enable broader participation in
signed a contract for the training.
research opportunities and technology development International
• Candidates will study in detail
benefitting large number of students & researchers. relation and
systems of the Soyuz manned
• Flight system realization will be through Industry. cooperation
spaceship.
• Generate employment and train human resources in
• Ground monitoring station will
advanced technologies.
be developed in collaboration
• Spur research and development within the country in with Australia.
niche science and technology domains.
• Help in improvement of
• Technology spinoffs in medicine, agriculture,
industrial growth. Gaganyaan
industrial safety, pollution, waste management, water Economy –
Infrastructure, mission is expected to source
& food resource management etc.
Agriculture, nearly 60% of its equipment from
• Provide a micro-gravity platform in space for Manufacturing, the Indian private sector.
conducting experiments & test bed for future Energy, • Gaganyaan mission would create
technologies. Employment 15,000 new employment
• Give impetus to economic activities within the country opportunities.
in terms of employment generation, human resource
Enhanced S&T level of the country
development and enhanced industrial capabilities.
• Human Space flights are frontier
• Enable India to participate as a collaborating partner
field in science and technology.
in future Global space exploration initiatives with long
• Human spaceflight program will
term national benefits.
provide a unique platform in
• Development of research Technological space for conducting
ecosystem. enhancement/ experiments and test bed for
• Low gravity experiment can be Innovation future technologies.
conducted. dispersion • It will thrust significant research
Science &
• Development of advances in areas such as materials
Technology
material to protect the processing, astro-biology,
astronauts, pressure control resource mining, planetary
systems, better navigation chemistry, planetary orbital
control etc calculus and many other areas.
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• Other missions like o As LEO satellites orbit closer to earth, they
Chandrayaan-3, Shukrayaan can provide stronger signals & faster speeds than
Mission will get boosted. traditional fixed-satellite systems.
Study of sun and solar radiations, o Because signals travel faster through space than
Environment &
remote sensing of sea and forest, through fiber-optic cables, they also have potential
Ecology
climate change modelling etc to rival if not exceed existing ground-based
Quantum mechanics experiments networks.
can help in advancement of
Security • Higher Investment: LEO satellites travel at a speed of
quantum computing and Quantum
27,000 kph and complete a full circuit of the planet in
Key Distribution techniques.
Dignity and honor to the nation. 90-120 minutes.
India will be 4th country to launch o As a result, individual satellites can only make
Ethical
human space mission. This will also direct contact with a land transmitter for a short
consideration
enhance leadership opportunity for period of time thus requiring massive LEO satellite
India. fleets & consequently, a significant capital
ABOUT GSLV MK III & CARE investment.
• GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle o Due to these costs, of three mediums of Internet –
developed by ISRO. It has two solid strap-on, a core fiber, spectrum & satellite, latter is most expensive.
liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage. SPACE INTERNET FROM GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE
• GSLV Mk III is designed to carry 4-ton class of • Positioning of Satellites: Geostationary orbit is located
satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) at a height of 35,786 km over Earth’s surface,
or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). directly above the Equator.
• Two strap-on motors of GSLV Mk III are located on o Most existing space-based Internet systems use
either side of its core liquid booster, designated as satellites in geostationary orbit.
‘S200’, each carry 205 tons of composite solid
o Satellites in this orbit move at speeds of about
propellant.
11,000 km per hour, complete one revolution of
• Two clustered Vikas liquid Engines of L110 liquid core the Earth while the earth rotates once on its axis.
booster will further augment thrust of vehicle.
o To the observer on ground, therefore, a satellite in
• CARE is acronym for Crew Module Atmospheric Re- a geostationary orbit appears stationary.
entry Experiment. The mission would be used as a
• Coverage: The signals from one geostationary satellite
platform for testing re-entry technologies envisaged
can cover roughly a third of the planet — and three to
for Crew Module including validating performance of
four satellites would be enough to cover entire Earth.
parachute-based deceleration system.
• Easier Connectivity: As satellites appear to be
stationary, it is easier to link to them.
►SATELLITE INTERNET
• Latency Issues: The transmission from a satellite in
Various private companies are aiming to deliver geostationary orbit has a latency of about 600
broadband satellite Internet around world through their milliseconds. Geostationary satellites are located at
fleet of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Some companies higher altitudes compared to LEO, thus longer
are planning to develop space-based internet through
distance that needs to be covered, results in greater
Geostationary Satellite for selective users. Space based
latency.
internet can help make internet available to parts where
RELATED INITIATIVES
conventional ground-based internet cannot reach.
• ‘Five to 50’ service (One Web): One Web, a private
INTERNET FROM LOW EARTH ORBIT SATELLITE
company, has successfully launched constellations of
• Positioning of Satellites: LEO satellites are positioned
218 satellites in LEO.
around 500-2000km from earth, compared to
stationary orbit satellites which are o Company only has one more launch to complete
approximately 36,000km away. before it obtains the capacity to enable its ‘Five to
50’ service of offering internet connectivity to all
• Latency: Latency, or the time needed for data to be
regions north of 50 degrees latitude.
sent and received, is contingent on proximity.
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o Five to 50 service is expected to be switched on by nations that contribute to individual projects. It makes
June 2021 with global services powered by 648 regulatory framework complicated.
satellites available in 2022. • Logistic Challenge: There are logistical challenges with
• Star link: It is a venture of SpaceX. launching thousands of satellites into space as well.
o Star link currently has 1,385 satellites in orbit. • Difficulty in Space Observation: Satellites can
Company has started testing in North America. sometimes be seen in the night skies which creates
o However, Star link’s satellites fly closer to the earth difficulties for astronomers as the satellites reflect
and therefore, the company requires a larger fleet sunlight to earth, leaving streaks across images.
to provide global connectivity than One Web. • Interruptions: Satellites travelling at a lower orbit can
• Project Kuiper: It is a project of Amazon announced in interrupt frequency of those orbiting above them.
2019. • Space Junk: There are already almost one million
• Loon Project: Google launched its ‘Loon’ project in objects larger than 1cm in diameter in orbit, a by-
2013, using high-altitude balloons to create an aerial product of decades of space activities. Those objects,
wireless network. The project was later abandoned. colloquially referred to as ‘space junk,’ have potential
to damage spacecraft or collide with other satellites.
ADVANTAGES OF SPACE BASED INTERNET
• Telcom and Internet regulations: Currently, TRAI
• Reduced Latency: 20-30 milliseconds roughly time it regulates telecom and internet companies in India. It
takes for terrestrial systems to transfer data. is not clear how access to space-based internet will be
Transmission from a satellite in geostationary orbit regulated in India. Current, regulations need to be
has a latency of about 600 milliseconds. updated.
• High Bandwidth: Satellite internet connections can
handle high bandwidth usage, so internet speed
/quality shouldn’t be affected by lots of users or “peak ►LASER COMMUNICATION IN
use times.”
SPACE
• Viability: Signals from satellites in space can overcome
Recently, NASA has launched its new Laser
obstacles faced by fibre-optic cables or wireless
Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD). It is
networks easily.
first-ever laser communications system that will pave
• Quick recovery post-disaster. the way for future optical communications missions.
• We don’t need a phone line for satellite internet. • Laser communication in space is use of free-space
DISADVANTAGES optical communication in outer space.
• More vulnerable to bad weather. • Laser uses infrared light, has a shorter wavelength
• Coverage: Due to its lower height, its signals cover than radio waves. This will help transmit more data in
a relatively small area. a short time.
• Space Debris: Generate more space debris. • Optical communications will help increase bandwidth
10 to 100 times more than radio frequency systems.
• Difficulty in Space Studies: Constellations of space
internet satellites will make it difficult to observe • It takes roughly nine weeks to transmit a completed
other space objects and detect them. Light reflected map of Mars back to Earth with current radio
from man-made satellites can interfere with and be frequency systems. With lasers, we can accelerate
mistaken for light coming from other space bodies. that to about nine days.
• Light Pollution: Increased risk of light pollution. • Communication may be fully in space (an inter-
satellite laser link) or in a ground-to-satellite or
ISSUES IN LEO SATELLITES LAUNCH
satellite-to-ground application.
• Regulation Issues: During days of Sputnik and Apollo
• In outer space, communication range of free-space
missions, governments dominated & regulated space-
optical communication is currently of order of several
based activities. Most LEO based internet initiatives
thousand kms, suitable for inter-satellite service.
are being developed by private companies. As a
• It has potential to bridge interplanetary distances of
result, there are questions related to regulation of
millions of kms, using optical telescopes as beam
these companies, especially given large number of
expanders.
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LI-FI ►SPACE DEBRIS
• Li-Fi, or light fidelity, is a Visible Light Communications
• Most Space debris comprises human-generated
(VLC) system.
objects, such as pieces of spacecraft, tiny flecks of
• Unlike Wi-Fi, which uses radio waves, Li-Fi runs on paint from a spacecraft, parts of rockets, satellites
visible light. that are no longer working, or explosions of objects in
• It transmits data at terabits per second speeds—more orbit flying around in space at high speeds.
than 100 times the speed of Wi-Fi. • Most space junk is moving very fast and can reach
• It accommodates a photo-detector to receive light speeds of 18,000 miles per hour, almost seven times
signals and a signal processing element to convert the faster than a bullet.
data into ‘stream-able’ content. KESSLER SYNDROME
Advantages of LIFI • Proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978. It
states that if there was too much space junk in orbit,
• Li-Fi could make a huge impact on internet of things,
it could result in a chain reaction where increased
with data transferred at much higher levels with even
objects collide and create new space junk, to the point
more devices able to connect to one another.
where Earth’s orbit becomes unusable. Also known as
• Due to its shorter range, Li-Fi is more secure than Wi-
collisional cascading.
Fi.
• This cascade of collisions first came to NASA’s
• Li-Fi systems consume less power.
attention in 1970s when derelict Delta rockets left in
Disadvantages of LIFI orbit began to explode creating shrapnel clouds.
• Main challenge is to create a Li-Fi ecosystem, which • Kessler proposed it would take 30-40 years for such a
will need conversion of existing smartphones into Li- threshold to be reached and today, experts think we
Fi enabled ones by the use of a converter/adapter. are already at critical mass in low-Earth orbit at about
• Visual light can’t pass through opaque objects and 560 to 620 miles (900 to 1,000 kilometers).
needs line of sight for communication. HOW CAN KESSLER SYNDROME BE AVOIDED?
• Interference from external light sources, such as • Successful ‘passivation’ of all spacecraft, which would
sunlight and bulbs limit on-orbit breakups, and widespread, i.e., more
Potential applications of LIFI than 90%, adoption of effective disposal strategies at
end of missions would contribute to containing
• Li-Fi can be used in street & traffic lights. Traffic lights growth of space debris.
can communicate to vehicles and with each other.
• Clean Space by cutting debris production from future
Through use of Li-Fi, traffic control can be made
space missions.
intelligent and real-time adaptable. Each traffic and
street light post can be converted into access points • Then an urgent need to reduce total mass of current
to convert roadsides into wireless hot spots. debris, such as robotic salvage of derelict satellites.
• Vehicles having LED-based headlights and tail lamps WAYS TO CLEAN SPACE DEBRIS
can communicate with each other and prevent • Removing dead satellites from orbit and dragging
accidents by exchanging information. them back into the atmosphere, where they will burn
• Visible light being safer, they can also be used in up. To do this-
places where radio waves can’t be used such as o Use a harpoon to grab a satellite.
petrochemical and nuclear plants and hospitals. o catching it in a huge net.
• They can be used in aircraft, where most of control o using magnets to grab it.
communication is performed through radio waves.
o firing lasers to heat up the satellite.
• Li-Fi can easily work underwater, where Wi-Fi fails
o execute a collision avoidance maneuver.
completely, thereby throwing open endless
o increasing its atmospheric drag so that it falls out
opportunities for military & navigational operations.
of orbit.
• Transmitting power wirelessly, wherein smartphone
• However, these methods are useful for large satellites
will not only receive data through Li-Fi, but will also
orbiting Earth. There is not a way to pick up smaller
receive power to charge itself.
pieces of debris such as bits of paint and metal.
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• There are international guidelines for getting rid of • Space traffic management is a crucial area that
old satellites and rockets from Inter-Agency Space requires attention since satellites in orbit can come in
Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). the way of each other.
• By making sure that satellites are removed from orbit • Space Debris management & monitoring play a
in a reasonable amount of time once they are no crucial role as space participation intensifies.
longer active, we can mitigate the problem of space • Space debris monitoring removal has an estimated
junk in the future. market revenue of around 2.7 billion dollars in 2020s.
CHALLENGES IN SPACE DEBRIS REMOVAL • Space junk is no one countries’ responsibility, but the
• Space is a global common, with rising incomes, responsibility of every spacefaring country.
participation of developing countries has increased in • Problem of managing space debris is both an
space activities. Unfortunately, there is an explosion international challenge & opportunity to preserve
risk in removing more dangerous objects. space environment for future space exploration.
• Issue of property rights; one cannot grab a satellite or
rocket that belongs to another country without their ►SCRAMJET TECHNOLOGY
permission.
Hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology was
• It is hard to eliminate space debris as there are huge successfully demonstrated by DRDO with a flight test of
chances of creating more junk while doing it. hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle (HSTDV), which
• Most satellite operators require hours or days to plan will lead to development of hypersonic cruise missiles and
and execute a collision-avoidance maneuver. vehicles in future.
• Lack of an international body to set rules on space • In aerodynamics, a hypersonic speed is one that
traffic and debris. Thus far, space missions have been greatly exceeds speed of sound, often stated as
supervised at the national level only and states have starting at speeds of Mach 5 and above.
been encouraged to translate non-binding space • HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration
debris guidelines into national regulations. aircraft for hypersonic speed flight. It is being
• Lack of availability of an updated and up-to-date list developed as a carrier vehicle for hypersonic and
long-range cruise missiles.
of space objects: The main global catalogue of space
objects is published by Space-Track.org by US Space • It will have multiple civilian applications including
Command, a branch of US military. This catalogue launching of small satellites at low cost. HSTDV
lacks some satellites and is not comprehensive. program is run by DRDO.
WAY FORWARD • WHAT IS SCRAMJET ENGINE?
• Spacefaring nations must minimize risks to people

and property on Earth of re-entries of space objects &
maximize transparency regarding those operations.
• All spacefaring nations and commercial entities must
act responsibly and transparently in space to ensure
safety, stability, security, and long-term sustainability
of outer space activities.
• International binding agreement for the management
of debris and space traffic needs to be negotiated as
space is common good. International harmonization • Scramjets are a variant of a category of jet engines
of space traffic would be required for an efficient and called air breathing engines. Ability of engines to
interference free use of space. handle airflows in multiples of speed of sound, gives it
a capability of operating at those speeds.
• High-accuracy assessment and prediction tools are
essential for reducing risk to current systems and • A ramjet operates by combustion of fuel in a stream
future launches. of air compressed by the forward speed of the aircraft
itself, as opposed to a normal jet engine, in which the
• Space Debris Monitoring & Space Traffic Management
compressor section (the fan blades) compresses the
(ISRO’s NETRA Project).
air. The air flow through a ramjet engine is subsonic,
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or less than the speed of sound. Ramjet-propelled ramjet efficiency starts to drop when the vehicle
vehicles operate from about Mach 3 to Mach 6. reaches hypersonic speeds.
• A scramjet (supersonic-combustion ramjet) is a ramjet 2. Scramjet
engine in which the airflow through the engine • A scramjet engine is an improvement over ramjet
remains supersonic, or greater than the speed of engine.
sound. Scramjet powered vehicles are envisioned to
• Scramjet draws oxygen from air when rocket travels
operate at speeds up to at least Mach 15.
through atmosphere. Though, ordinary rockets also
• Advantages of scramjet engine draw oxygen from air, but they use compressor to
o Does not have to carry oxygen tank. draw in air, compress and ignite to burn fuel.
o No rotating parts makes it easier to manufacture. • Scramjet’s heating and compression is done by
o Less weight and simple design. movement of rocket itself as it is moving at
supersonic speed. Thus, it is known as Supersonic
o As hydrogen is used as a propellant and
Combustion Ramjet, or Scramjet.
combustion is carried out at supersonic velocity
with the help of oxygen from the atmosphere. WHAT ARE HYPERSONIC MISSILES?
o Steam (H2O) is being exhaust gas which is eco- • Hypersonic Weapons are much harder to track &
friendly in nature. intercept than traditional projectiles because they can
travel more than five times speed of sound and
NEED OF SCRAMJET ENGINES
maneuver in mid-flight.
Presently, satellites are launched into orbit by multi-
HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY
staged satellite launch vehicles that can be used only
• Speed: 5 or more times the Mach or speed of sound.
once (expendable). These launch vehicles carry oxidizer
along with the fuel for combustion to produce thrust. • Mach Number: It describes an aircraft’s speed
Nearly 70% of the propellant (fuel-oxidizer combination) compared with the speed of sound in air, with Mach 1
carried by launch vehicles consists of oxidizers. Launch equating to the speed of sound i.e., 343 m per
vehicles designed for one-time use are expensive and second.
their efficiency is low because they can carry only 2-4% • Technology Used: Most hypersonic vehicles
of their lift-off mass to orbit. Thus, there is a worldwide primarily use the scramjet technology, which is a type
effort to reduce the launch cost. of Air Breathing propulsion System. This is extremely
complex technology, which also needs to be able to
• Next generation launch vehicles must use a
handle high temperatures, making the hypersonic
propulsion system which can utilize atmospheric
systems extremely costly.
oxygen during their flight through atmosphere which
TYPES
will considerably reduce total propellant required to
place a satellite in orbit. • Hypersonic cruise missiles: These are the ones that
use rocket or jet propellant through their flight and
• Ramjet & Scramjet and are concepts of air-breathing
are regarded as being just faster versions of existing
engines, being developed by various space agencies.
cruise missiles.
ABOUT RAMJET AND SCRAMJET ENGINE
• Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV): These missiles first go
1. Ramjet up into the atmosphere on a conventional rocket
• A ramjet is a form of air-breathing jet engine that uses before being launched towards their target.
vehicle’s forward motion to compress incoming air for IMPORTANT HYPERSONIC MISSILES
combustion without a rotating compressor. Fuel is
Only USA, Russia and China have hypersonic missiles
injected in combustion chamber where it mixes with
AVANGARD
hot compressed air and ignites.
• A ramjet-powered vehicle requires assisted take-off • Russia’s nuclear capable, hypersonic boost glide
like a rocket assist to accelerate it to a speed where it vehicle.
begins to produce thrust. • Capable of hitting target more than 6000 km
• Ramjets work most efficiently at supersonic speeds • Can travel at a speed of 20 Mach (20 times the speed
around Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) and
of sound).
can operate up to speeds of Mach 6. However, the
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KINZHAL • Technology transfer and partnerships should be
undertaken with friendly countries to get hypersonic
• Russia’s nuclear capable air launched ballistic missile.
technology for India.
• It has a range of more than 2000 km.
• Can travel at speeds of 10 Mach. ►IN-SPACE & NSIL

STARRY SKY 2 HYPERSONIC AIRCRAFT • IN-SPACE aims to boost private sector participation in
China's first hypersonic aircraft with waverider entire range of space activities. Such reforms will lead
technology. Known as waverider for its ability to ride on to accelerated growth of space sector and will enable
the shock waves it generates. Indian Industry to be an important player in global
space economy.
DONGFENG MISSILES BY CHINA
• With this, there is an opportunity for large-scale
HYPERSONIC TECHNOLOGY IN INDIA employment in the technology sector and India
• India, too, is working on hypersonic technologies. becoming a Global technology powerhouse.
• As far as space assets are concerned, India has INDIAN NATIONAL SPACE PROMOTION AND
already proved its capabilities through the test AUTHORIZATION CENTRE (IN-SPACe)
of ASAT under Mission Shakti. • IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private
o Hypersonic technology has been developed and companies to use Indian space infrastructure.
tested by both DRDO and ISRO. • Handhold, promote and guide private industries in
space activities through encouraging policies and a
o Recently, DRDO has successfully flight-tested
friendly regulatory environment.
the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle
(HSTDV), with a capability to travel at 6 times the • IN-SPACe is an independent nodal agency under
Department of Space (DOS) for allowing space
speed of sound.
activities and usage of DOS owned facilities by non-
o Also, a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) test facility
government private entities (NGPEs) as well as to
of DRDO was inaugurated in Hyderabad. It is a prioritize the launch manifest.
pressure vacuum-driven, enclosed free jet facility
IN-SPACe is to be established as a single window nodal
that simulates Mach 5 to 12.
agency, with its own cadre, which will permit and
SIGNIFICANCE oversee the following activities of NGPEs.
• They are a mix of the speed of a ballistic missile and a. Space activities including building of launch vehicles
maneuvering capabilities of a cruise missile and satellites and providing space-based services as
per the definition of space activities.
• While cruise missiles achieve speeds of 550 mile per
hour, the hypersonic missiles aircrafts can reach b. Sharing of space infrastructure and premises under
speeds more than 3500 miles per hour. the control of ISRO with due considerations to on-
going activities.
• Capable of penetrating any antimissile defence
c. Establishment of temporary facilities within premises
system currently available that are designed to
under ISRO control based on safety norms and
intercept cruise and ballistic missiles.
feasibility assessment
• Specifically designed for increased survivability
d. Establishment of new space infrastructure and
against modern ballistic missile defence systems.
facilities, by NGPEs, in pursuance of space activities
SUGGESTIONS FOR INDIA based on safety norms and other statutory
• India should focus on developing indigenous capacity guidelines and necessary clearances.
to develop hypersonic weapons. Hypersonic capacity e. Initiation of launch campaign and launch, based on
will increase the credibility of India’s nuclear readiness of launch vehicle and spacecraft systems,
deterrence. ground and user segment.
• India’s missile defence system should be upgraded to f. Building, operation, and control of spacecraft for
registration as Indian Satellite by NGPEs and all the
respond to the threat of hypersonic weapons.
associated infrastructure for the same.
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g. Usage of spacecraft data and rolling out of space- • Flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites (Ride
based services and all the associated infrastructure Sharing)
for the same. • Minimum launch infrastructure requirements
NEW SPACE INDIA LIMITED (NSIL) • Heritage of proven design practices.
• Public Sector Enterprise ‘New Space India Limited
(NSIL)’ will endeavor to re-orient space activities from
a ‘supply driven’ model to a ‘demand driven’ model,
thereby ensuring optimum utilization of our space
assets.
• NSIL is a CPSE under Department of Space and has
been incorporated as a wholly owned Government of
India company under DOS and is commercial arm of
ISRO.
• These reforms will allow ISRO to focus more on
research & development activities, new technologies,
exploration missions and human spaceflight program.
• Some planetary exploration missions will be opened
to private sector through an ‘announcement of
opportunity’ mechanism.
NSIL MANDATE
• Owning satellites for Earth Observation and
Communication applications and providing space-
based services
• Building satellites and launching them as per demand
• Providing Launch Services for satellite belonging to
customer
• Building launch vehicles through Indian Industry and
launch as per satellite customer requirement
• Space based Services related to Earth Observation
and Communication satellites on commercial basis
• Satellite building through Indian Industry
• Technology Transfer to Indian Industry. ►COMMERCIALISATION OF SPACE
SECTOR
►SMALL SATELLITE LAUNCH Collaboration between NASA and SpaceX is amazing. With
VEHICLE (SSLV) its reusable rockets, large capsules to carry payloads and
Developed by ISRO to cater to emerging global small crew and competitive pricing, SpaceX has revolutionised the
satellite launch service market. It is designed to meet space sector.
'Launch on Demand' requirements in a cost-effective • Collaboration between NASA & SpaceX is remarkable
manner. because it has taken American space program to a
Manufacturing of SSLV will be through Indian industry level that had not been possible for NASA to achieve
partners led by New Space India Limited, ISRO's by itself. Having their own rockets to transport
commercial arm.
astronauts to International Space Station and back
IT WOULD HELP IN has prevented Americans from spending hugely on
• Reduced Turn-around time the mission, as they were doing earlier. This was
• Launch of Demand i.e., it can be launched on a short possible only because of NASA’s active collaboration
time based on the demand for launch services. with SpaceX. Thus, opening of space sector could
• Cost optimization for realization and operation have many such advancements in store.
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• Space tourism could become more common as space • In India too, government has started to cede its
travel becomes less expensive. Companies such as control over the space industry, starting from hiring
Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin & SpaceX offer space of vendors and active outsourcing of rocket
flights, however for a very high fee. components to the present idea of allowing external
agencies to use ISRO facilities.
NEED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE INDUSTRY strategic, security and regulatory constraints, a
1. Increasing Demand: ISRO’s annual budget has limited private ecosystem has evolved around the
crossed Rs. 10,000 crore and will grow annually. ISRO. Private are merely contracting with national
However, demand for space- based services in India is space agencies to build satellites and subsystems.
far greater than what ISRO can provide. Therefore, Contrarily, the current trend is developing entire
private sector investment will provide the additional vertically integrated operations without licensing or
boost in the sector. It will also increase purchase agreements with national agencies.
entrepreneurship in the space sector after recent BENEFITS OF PRIVATE SECTOR’S IN SPACE INDUSTRY
decision of central government on opening the sector 1. Greater pool of resources - Public resources (land,
for private participation. labour, capital) are limited. Private sector
2. Overall growth of space sector: Private sector participation will open new pool of resources and
participation is needed to ensure overall growth of talent. It will bring more funding, and experience into
space sector. ISRO has a strong association with the space exploration activities.
industry, particularly with Public Sector Undertakings 2. Human Capital: Restricting space activities to ISRO,
(PSUs) like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and large limits proper utilization of talent of the country. With
private sector entities like Larsen and Toubro. But demographic dividend, private sector participation
most private sector players are Tier-2/Tier-3 vendors, can exploit the human resources contributing to
providing components and services. Assembly, space explorations in India.
Integration and Testing (AIT) role is restricted to ISRO.
3. More time for ISRO: Today every space mission is
Role of private industries should be deepened.
done by ISRO, whether its communication satellite or
3. Very less global contribution: Global space industry is any weather monitoring satellite. With increased role
estimated to be $350 billion and is likely to exceed of private player, ISRO can concentrate more on its
$550 billion by 2025. Despite ISRO’s capabilities, path breaking innovations like Reusable PSLVs,
India’s share is estimated at $7 billion (just 2% of Cryogenic rockets, mars inhabitation.
global market). Private sector role is must to increase
4. Technological advancement– Commercialization will
India’s contributions globally.
develop better technologies. It will allow integration
4. International trends and experience: Elon Musk’s of other technologies like artificial intelligence into
“SpaceX” and its high-profile projects have highlighted space exploration activities. With experience from
the increasing significance of the private players in space activities, private sector can increase role of
the space sector. In India, despite the various technology in other areas. Ex. Startups in India are
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developing alternative fuels without hydrazine to 3. Promoting start-ups: Boost start-ups by private
make space travel eco-friendly. players and will encourage young scientists to take
5. Risk Sharing- Every launch consists of Risk. Privatizing future steps in this regard. A dedicated fund vehicle
helps in sharing the risk of cost factor. Failure costs can be set up which would disburse money based on
will be distributed. Also with increased private a national prize event, like Google’s XPRIZE, with
participation, failures will reduce due to increased industry leaders being the primary promoters (with
available human capital and mind. Joint venture the backing of ISRO) and bringing potential investors
brings the knowledge from various stakeholders and stakeholders on the same table to promote
minimizes failures and increases productivity. innovation and entrepreneurship in this sector.
6. Commercial demand- There is need to enhance 4. ISRO and Antrix providing mentorship: Emergence of
internet connectivity for the masses, which is another Bengaluru as an IT and aerospace hub should be
demand-pull factor for increased commercial interest leveraged for space industry. Dedicated infrastructure
in space. Asteroid mining is also another potential to enable technology development should be
area that looks promising, with scope for allocated to space ventures emerging from India to
monetization and disrupting commodity markets. assist them in the start-up stage.
CONCERNS OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN SPACE INDUSTRY 5. Mentorship by senior ISRO and Antrix executives will
ensure they operate within the Indian space policy
1. Data Risk– Though space it gives an opportunity to
framework but are still able to leverage technical
entrepreneurs but raw data of ISRO in the hands of
expertise built by ISRO in an appropriate manner.
public is sensitive and consists of danger of misuse or
improper utilization of data. 6. Space laws: The enactment of space legislations to
define regulatory, legal, and procedural regimes with
2. Regulation- Though it is a profitable investment,
transparent timelines for pursuing space activities by
regulation of private sector participation is not easy.
the private space industry is currently at a nascent
The time taken for regulatory clearances and unstable
stage. Space Activities Bill needs to be enacted.
political institutions can cause delays and hurdle in
7. Manufacturing in space sector: The government has
decision making of investors.
taken significant steps in the creation of an active
3. Revenue loss– ISRO will lose a fair amount of money it
investor mindset by rolling out programs like ‘Make in
is earning through its space activities. This will reduce
India.’ But no significant proposals have been mooted
government revenue.
for manufacturing space-related systems in India. So,
4. Unfair commercial practices– Allowing private sector there is a need for a transparent strategy on how the
may lead to lobbying and unfair means to get space potential of the space sector can be leveraged under
projects or launch of any satellite for their own profit. this program.
It may also lead to leakage of sensitive information by
8. Establishing space focused think-tanks: Need to
private players to other countries and companies to
establish an independent, wholly space-activities-
make profit.
focused think-tank like European Space Policy
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS Institute, with experts in space while preserving its
1. A facilitating foundation: There needs to be a neutral independence. Such a think-tank will provide a fair
facilitating foundation without any self-interest. assessment of national goals, key insights on space
2. Demarcating space & defence: Issues around national program management, dual use of technologies,
security will always be a concern with privatizing economic impacts of space expenditures, space law,
international cooperative space agreements etc.
space activities. However, this will only hold back the
country in expanding products/services. This may also 9. Setting up industry-academia linkups in Space
lead to an ecosystem of Indian space entrepreneurs research.
creating holding companies in space commerce
friendly countries and operating their product/service, ►IRNSS
eventually creating loss of high-technology jobs and
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is a
tax revenues for the country. The recent decision of
completely home-grown solution of ISRO which enables
government to open space sector will help in private
navigation in Indian Ocean region using a combination
players participation.
of GEO and GSO satellites. It is also known as NAVIC.
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NAVIC system has been designed to provide localisation factor, portable devices which enable distributed, on-
fixes (Resolution of 20m or better) over Indian sub- the-go localisation.
continent. c) This information has a lot of business potential, thus
Its information is available in two forms: the development of an indigenous system, dovetails
1) Standard Positioning Service (SPS): For civilian users well with Make in India, Start-up India, Smart Cities
and ‘Digital India program.
2) Restricted Service (RS): It’s location feed is much
more precise; however, can be used by only d) Some use cases:
authorised users. i) Railways: Wagon tracking
APPLICATIONS ii) Vehicle tracking system for State Transport buses, all
a) Satellite based navigation systems technology public service vehicles.
advancement in design of application specific iii) Tracking of fishing vessels
integrated circuit (ASIC) has resulted in development iv) Tracking and geo-fencing of mechanised vehicles in
of cheap, low power, ground based receivers and service.
their associated circuitry.
v) Disaster management.
b) Considerable miniaturisation of hardware has
allowed deployment of these devices in small form-
►ANTI-SATELLITE MISSILE TEST • Satellites are extremely critical infrastructure of any

country these days. Many crucial applications are now
(MISSION SHAKTI) satellite-based. These include navigation systems,
India has carried out a successful test of an Anti-Satellite communication networks, broadcasting, banking
systems, stock markets, weather forecasting, disaster
(ASAT) weapon, launching an interceptor missile from
management, land and ocean mapping and
the Balasore range in Odisha to hit a live satellite in Low
monitoring tools, and military applications.
Earth Orbit. It thus became the fourth country in the
• Destroying a satellite would render these applications
world to develop an ASAT capability.
useless. It can cripple enemy infrastructure, and bring
The satellite used in the mission was one of India’s it down on knees, without causing any threat to
existing satellites operating in lower orbit. human lives.
India joins an exclusive group of space faring nations RATIONAL FOR THE TEST
consisting of USA, Russia and China. • India has a long & rapidly growing space program.
OBJECTIVE OF THIS MISSION • Expanded rapidly in last five years. Mangalyaan
• The technology is aimed at destroying, if necessary, Mission to Mars was successfully launched.
satellites owned by enemy countries Thereafter, government has sanctioned Gaganyaan
Mission which will take Indians to outer space.
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• India has undertaken 102 spacecraft missions • India supports the substantive consideration of the
consisting of communication satellites, earth issue of Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
observation satellites, experimental satellites, (PAROS) in the Conference on Disarmament where it
navigation satellites, apart from satellites meant for has been on the agenda since 1982.
scientific research and exploration, academic studies
and other small satellites. India’s space program is a
►GEOSPATIAL DATA
critical backbone of India’s security, economic and
social infrastructure. Ministry of Science and Technology has released new
guidelines for Geo-spatial sector in India, which deregulates
• The test was done to verify that India has the
existing protocol and liberalises the sector to a more
capability to safeguard our space assets. It is the
competitive field. The sector will be deregulated and aspects
Government of India’s responsibility to defend the
such as prior approvals for surveying, mapping and
country’s interests in outer space. building applications based on that have been done away
This move represents a departure from India’s long- with. For Indian entities, there will be complete deregulation
standing position on weaponization of outer space. As a with no prior approvals, security clearances and licences for
major spacefaring nation, India has consistently the acquisition and production of geospatial data and
advocated the peaceful uses of outer space and geospatial data services, including maps.
proactively participated in the negotiation of the Outer • Geospatial Data (also known as “spatial data”) is used
Space Treaty of 1967, which clearly provides for the to describe data that represents features or objects
demilitarization of outer space. Recently, in a 2018 on the Earth’s surface. Whether it is man-made or
session of the United Nations Commission for natural, if it has to do with a specific location on the
Disarmament, India reiterated its opposition to the globe, then it is geospatial.
“weaponization of outer space and [that it would] • There are many ways geospatial data can be used and
support collective efforts to strengthen the safety and represented. Most commonly, it is used within a GIS
security of space-based assets.” (Geographic Information System) to understand
spatial relationships and to create maps describing
IS IT AGAINST OUTER SPACE TREATY?
these relationships. A GIS can also help you regulate,
• India is a party to all the major international treaties customize, and analyse geospatial data.
relating to Outer Space. India already implements a
SOME EXAMPLES OF GEOSPATIAL DATA INCLUDE
number of Transparency and Confidence Building
Measures(TCBMs) – including registering space o Vectors and Attributes: Points, lines, polygons, and
objects with the UN register, prelaunch notifications, other descriptive information about any location can
be known via vectors and attributes.
measures in harmony with the UN Space Mitigation
Guidelines, participation in Inter Agency Space Debris o Point Clouds: Collected by LiDAR systems, they can be
Coordination (IADC) activities with regard to space used to create 3D models of areas and localities.
debris management, undertaking SOPA (Space Object o Raster and Satellite Imagery: This helps in getting a
Proximity Awareness and COLA (Collision Avoidance) bird's eye view of what the Earth looks like via high-
Analysis and numerous international cooperation resolution imagery.
activities, including hosting the UN affiliated Centre • Mapping data useful for private companies
for Space and Science Technology Education in Asia o Geospatial data is foundational and will play a vital
and Pacific. India has been participating in all sessions role in every manner of planning, governance,
of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer services, infrastructure, and applications.
Space. o This mapping data will be helpful for private
• India supported UNGA resolution 69/32 on No First companies who are seeking maps and data that suit
Placement of Weapons on Outer Space. We see the their specific purposes. Ex., local delivery of products
No First Placement of weapons in outer space as only and services requires highly specific details of a
an interim step and not a substitute for concluding locality within a town. This, in turn, could lay
substantive legal measures to ensure the prevention groundwork for future smart city projects.
of an arms race in outer space, which should continue Advantage of privatization of geospatial data in India:
to be a priority for the international community. This data will help drive efficiencies in the agriculture
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sector. While facilitating the rise of new-age industries, applications of geospatial data which will directly
increased participation of the private sector will increase contribute to the country's progress.
the growth of new technologies, platforms, and
►DRONE RULES, 2021 2. Several approvals abolished: unique authorization

number, unique prototype identification number,
1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly known as
certificate of manufacturing and airworthiness,
drones, offers benefits to almost all sectors of
certificate of conformance, certificate of
economy, agriculture, mining, infrastructure,
maintenance, import clearance, acceptance of
surveillance, emergency response, transportation,
existing drones, operator permit, authorisation of
geo-spatial mapping, defence & law enforcement etc.
R&D organisation, student remote pilot licence,
2. Drones can be significant creators of employment remote pilot instructor authorisation, drone port
and economic growth due to their reach, versatility, authorisation etc.
and ease of use, especially in India's remote and
3. Digital sky platform shall be developed as a user-
inaccessible areas.
friendly single window system. There will be minimal
3. In view of its traditional strengths in innovation, human interface and
information technology, frugal engineering and huge
4. Interactive airspace map with green, yellow and red
domestic demand, India has potential to be global
zones shall be displayed on the digital sky platform.
drone hub by 2030
No permission required for operating in green zones.
4. Earlier, Drone rules published by Ministry of Civil
6. Green zone means airspace up to a vertical distance
Aviation were perceived to be restrictive in nature as
of 400 feet or 120 metre that has not been
they involved paperwork, red-tapism, required
designated as a red zone or yellow zone in airspace
permissions for every drone flight and very few 'free
map; and the airspace up to a vertical distance of 200
to fly' green zones. These rules have been replaced
feet or 60 metre above the area located between a
with the present rules.
lateral distance of 8 and 12 kilometre from the
SALIENT FEATURES perimeter of an operational airport.
1. Built on a premise of trust, self-certification and non- 7. No restriction on foreign ownership in Indian drone
intrusive monitoring. companies.
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8. Import of drones to be regulated by DGFT. 7. Entertainment: Cinematography, videorecording,
9. Coverage of drones increased from 300 kg to 500 kg. hobbies etc.
This will cover drone taxis also.
10. Pilot Training: DGCA shall prescribe drone training ►DRONES IN AGRICULTURE
requirements, oversee drone schools and provide
APPLICATION OF AGRICULTURE
pilot licenses online.
• Widespread seed planting
11. These rules apply to all persons owning or possessing
• Spraying of fertilisers
and in the entire ecosystem of drones and all drones
operational in India. • Crop health monitoring
12. Drones with weight less than 500 kg will be covered • Soil Assessment & Irrigation planning: Sensors can
identify which parts of a field are dry or need
under these rules. While drones with more than 500
improvement.
kg are regulated under Aircraft Rules, 1937. These
rules do not apply to drones used by the army, navy • Damage assessment for agri-insurance
and air force. • Yield estimation: Near infrared sensors can monitor
photosynthesis.
13. Classification of Drones: Drones are classified
according to the weight including payload as under: • Accurate Mapping of fields and pastures
o Nano drone: Less than 250 gm • Livestock management

DRONES FOR SPRAYING IN AGRICULTURE
o Micro drone: Between 250 gm and 2 kg
Challenges in conventional methods:
o Small drone: Between 2 kg and 25 kg
• Extra chemicals use
o Medium drone: Between 25 kg to 150 kg
• Farm labor shortage
o Large drone: More than 150 kg
• Lower spray uniformity
14. All drones operational in India should necessarily
have a unique identification number • Environmental pollution
15. Airspace Map: Central Government will publish an • Less area coverage
airspace map for drone operations segregating the • Higher cost of pesticide application
entire airspace of India into red, yellow and green • Less effective in controlling pests and diseases
zones. Benefits of using drones in Agriculture for spraying
APPLICATIONS OF DRONES • No direct contact with spraying chemicals
1. In Meteorology: Drones can be deployed to gather • High field capacity and efficiency (20-40 ha per day)
atmospheric data. Currently, weather related data is
• Wastage reduction: 30% saving of pesticides
gathered using atmospheric balloons which have
• Water saving: 90% water saving with ultra-low volume
radiosondes. However, weather balloons and
spraying
radiosondes are unretrievable as they drift afar from
• Lower cost of spraying
weather stations that release them in the
atmosphere. • Easy to use and maintain
2. In Defence: For reconnaissance, intelligence • Promotes local entrepreneurship

gathering border management, attack weapons. • Digital farming - attractive farming
3. In Economy: Driverless delivery, civil and commercial GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
aviation, land survey, field survey etc. • PLI Scheme for Drones, 2021
4. For healthcare: Delivery of vaccines to remote • Drone Rule, 2021
locations. • Digital sky platform
5. In Environment: Monitoring of forest fires, wildlife • Agriculture drone finance schemes for micro-
range, forest monitoring, check poaching and illegal entrepreneurs
activities in jungles etc.
• SOP and Guidelines for Drones for Agrochemical
6. Disaster management: Post disaster relief and Spraying and Soil Nutrients
survey, providing of emergency services etc. CHALLENGES OF USING DRONES IN AGRICULTURE
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• Flight time & range universe. Webb will gaze into epoch when very first
• Life cycle of battery stars and galaxies formed, over 13.5 billion years ago.
• High initial cost of drones • Designed to explore a period known as Epoch of

Reionization, which came after dark ages that
• Drone training institutes not available
followed big bang. During dark ages, universe was
• Lack of availability of certified drone pilots cast in a gaseous fog of neutral hydrogen & helium,
• Land holding, high tension electric lines, trees making it opaque to some types of light. As first
• Certified formulations, chemicals and nutrients luminous objects formed and evolved, high-energy
• Connectivity (interruptions) light they emitted ionized gas through which it
propagated, making it more transparent.
• Performance weather dependent and weather highly
variable, windy & rainy conditions restricts drone • Study atmospheres of a wide diversity of exoplanets.
flying • Search for atmospheres like Earth’s, and for
• Knowledge and skills: Requires specialised skills and signatures of key substances such as methane, water,
knowledge oxygen, carbon dioxide, complex organic molecules,
• Legislative and regulatory issues: in hopes of finding the building blocks of life.
o Lack of knowledge to drone operators GOALS OF JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE
o Dynamically changing • Search for first galaxies that formed after Big Bang.
o Permissions • Determine how galaxies evolved from their earlier
WAY FORWARD formation until now.
• Observe formation of stars from first stages to
• Adoption:
formation of planetary systems.
o Demonstrations: Weekly demos by KVKs, CHCs
• Measure physical & chemical properties of planetary
with dashboard for tracking
systems; investigate potential for life in such systems.
o Digital tools: Sensitization videos, crop spraying
recipes, SOPs in multiple languages REASONS FOR INFRARED WAVELENGTH
• Can see beyond dust clouds: Unlike short, tight
• Affordability:
wavelengths of visible light, longer wavelengths of
o Subsidy implementation: Rollout procedure not
infrared light slip past dust more easily. Thus,
clear at state level, needs central level handholding
universe of star and planet formation ‘hidden’ behind
& tracking
clouds of dust comes into clear view for Webb’s
o Financing issues: Banks not recognizing drones
infrared instruments.
under Agri Infrastructure Fund, needs sensitization.
• Allows study of early universe: Through a process
• Accessibility: Not discoverable: Enable farmers to find called cosmological red shifting, light is stretched as
nearest Kisan drone manufacturer, training centers, universe expands, so light from stars that is emitted
operator and list all of them on Farms Apps.
in shorter ultraviolet and visible wavelengths in
stretched to the longer wavelengths of infrared light.
►JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE ORBIT OF JAMES WEB SPACE TELESCOPE:
European Ariane 5 rocket launched NASA's James Webb • Placed in second Lagrange Point (L2). Webb’s orbit is a
Space Telescope (JWST), the biggest and most powerful halo orbit around L2 locations.
space telescope yet constructed, from French Guiana, on the • Webb’s orbit follows a special path around L2 that
northeast coast of South America. allows it to stay on Earth’s night side (directly ‘behind’
FEATURES OF JAMES WEBB TELESCOPE the Earth as viewed from Sun) and track along with
• Successor of Hubble Telescope. Earth while moving around the Sun.
• Most powerful infrared telescope of NASA. • As an infrared observatory, Webb must be protected
from all bright, hot sources to see faint heat signals of
• A product of collaboration among NASA, European
distant objects in universe. Because Webb will always
Space Agency (ESA) and Canadian Space Agency.
stay on Earth’s night side as it moves around Sun, its
• It is expected to reveal new and unexpected
orbit ensures that one side of its sunshield will
discoveries, and help humanity understand origins of
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SPACE
continuously face Sun, Earth and Moon to block their • Hubble Space Telescope has made more than 1.4
view from the telescope’s optics. million observations, including tracking interstellar
• Webb will always be at same general location relative objects, capturing a comet colliding with Jupiter, and
to Earth, allowing it to stay in contact through NASA’s discovering moons around Pluto.
Deep Space Network. • Hubble has captured galaxies merging, probed
• The location will allow to be perpetually bathed in supermassive black holes and has helped us
sunlight to generate power via the solar array while understand the history of our universe.
providing an unobstructed view of deep space. WEBB VS HUBBLE TELESCOPE
• Webb can only point to roughly half the sky at any
• JWST will observe primarily in
given moment. However, as Webb rotates around the
infrared range and provide coverage
sun, Webb can access entire sky over a year.
from 0.6 to 28 microns.
• About Lagrange Points: There are 5 Lagrange Points
• Hubble sees mainly in ultraviolet and
in the Sun-Earth Systems. These are positions in visible part of spectrum. It could
space where the gravity of the Sun and Earth balances Wavelength observe only a small range in
the centripetal force required for a spacecraft to infrared from 0.8 to 2.5 microns.
move with them. This makes Lagrange points useful • Infrared region of electromagnetic
for reducing the amount of fuel it takes for a spectrum covers wavelength range
spacecraft to remain in orbit. from approximately 0.7 to 100
microns.
• Webb’s primary mirror has a

diameter of 6.5 metres while
Hubble’s mirror was much smaller
Size 2.4 metres in diameter.
• Webb will have a larger field of view
compared to the camera on Hubble.
• Webb also carries a large sun shield.
• Webb’s near & mid-infrared

ENGINEERING MARVEL instruments will help study first
• While looking away from Sun, JWST features one huge formed galaxies, exoplanets and
mirror with a diameter of 21 feet (height of a birth of stars.
Distance
standard two-story structure) that will collect infrared • Hubble can see equivalent of
light flowing in from the deep space. “toddler galaxies” while Webb
Telescope will be able to see “baby
• It will be protected by a five-layer, tennis court-sized,
galaxies”.
kite-shaped sunscreen that will block the sun's heat
and maintain the exceptionally cold temperatures
that the sensors are meant to work at.
• Temperatures on sun-facing side may reach 110°C,
while temperature on opposite side is kept at –200° to
–230°C.
• To detect exceedingly weak heat signals from faraway
galaxies, extremely low temperatures are required.
• The mirror, as well as sunscreen, are much too huge
to fit inside any rocket. They were designed to be
collapsible and would be unfolded in space.
HUBBLE TELESCOPE
• It was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990.
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Section-3
ANOTECHNOLOGY
YEAR UPSC MAINS QUESTION
2019 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector?
►NANOTECHNOLOGY 2. Far higher surface area per unit mass: As surface

area per mass of a material increases, a greater
Nanotechnology is understanding and control of matter
amount of material can encounter reactivity. Ex. A
at nanoscale, at dimensions between approximately 1
single cubic centimeter of nanoparticles has a total
and 100 nanometres, where unique phenomena enable
surface area of one-third larger than a football field.
novel applications. It involves ability to see and to
3. Majority of biological processes occur at nanoscales.
control individual atoms and molecules.
Ex. Strand of DNA is two nanometers in diameter.
WHAT IS SPECIAL AT NANO SCALE LEVELS
APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE
1. Quantum Effects begin to dominate at nanoscale:
1. Use of Gold nanoparticle as probes for detection of
• When particle size is made to be nanoscale,
targeted sequences of nucleic acids. They are being
properties such as melting point, fluorescence,
clinically investigated as potential treatments for
electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, and
cancer and other diseases.
chemical reactivity change as a function of the size of
2. Better imaging & diagnostic tools enabled by
the particle. Ex, at nanoscale gold particles are not in
nanotechnology are paving way for earlier
yellow color but appear red or purple.
diagnostics, more individualized treatment options,
• Tunability of properties: Result of quantum effects of
and better therapeutic success rates.
nanoscale. Scientists can by changing size of the
3. Drug delivery: Nanotechnology is being used to
particle can fine-tune a material property of interest.
develop a nanoparticle which can encapsulate or
• Tunnelling: Quantum tunnelling is a micro nanoscopic
help deliver medication directly to cancer cells and
phenomena in which a particle violates principles of
minimize risk of damage to healthy tissue. This can
classical mechanics by penetrating barrier higher than
change the way cancer is treated today and protect
kinetic energy of the particle. This principle is used in
patients from the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
Scanning Tunnelling Microscope, Resonant tunnelling
4. Nanotechnology in regenerative medicine: Novel
diodes, which are used as switching units in fast
nanomaterials can be engineered to mimic crystal
electronic circuits.
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
mineral structure of human bone or used as nanomaterials due to smaller particle size which
restorative resin for dental applications. make nanomaterials easier to deliver into soils. These
APPLICATIO IN ELECTRONICS AND IT characteristics increase efficacy of nanomaterials in
soil remediation than other traditional materials,
Nanotechnology has greatly contributed to major
especially in situ remediation due to its easier delivery
advances in computing and electronics, leading to faster,
smaller and more portable systems than can manage into soils.
and store larger amounts of information. These • Nano packaging of food products
continuously evolving applications include: • Food safety
• Transistors, basic switches, that enable all modern
Nanomedicine; Smart pills;
computing are smaller through nanotechnology.
Nanobots: arteries can be
Transistors as small as one nanometer have been unblocked, cells can be selectively
made. Smaller, faster and better transistors have attacked
lower power consumption and device portability. Health A contamination sensor, using a
• Magnetic Random-Access Memory (MRAM) allows flash of light can reveal the
computers to boot instantly, also. MRAM is enabled presence of E-coli.
by nanometer-scale magnetic tunnel junctions Improve solubility of vitamins,
• Ultra-high-definition televisions use quantum dots to antioxidants, healthy omega, etc.
produce more vibrant colors while being more energy • Nanosensors & delivery systems
efficient. can allow for precision farming
through efficient use of natural
• Flexible, bendable, foldable, rollable and stretchable
resources like water, nutrients,
electronics are becoming mainstream. They are being
chemicals etc.
integrated into products such as wearables, medical
• Liquid Nano Urea is sprayed
applications, aerospace etc.
directly on leaves of plants and
• Nanoparticle copper suspensions have been gets absorbed by the stomata-
developed as a safer, cheaper and more reliable pores found on the epidermis of
alternative to lead-based solder and other hazardous leaves.
Economy
materials commonly used to fuse electronics in the Infrastructure, • Revolutionized electronic
assembly process. Agriculture, manufacturing industry
APPLICATIONS IN AGRICULTURE Manufacturing, • Reduced size of integrated
• Nano fertilizers: At nanoscale, plants can better Energy, circuits’ transistors
assimilate fertilizers and increase fertilizer use Employment. • Improved the display screens of
efficiency. the electronic devices.
• Reduced power consumption,
• Nano pesticides:
weight, and thickness of the
• Nano sensors: Applications of Nano biosensors in electronic devices.
agriculture • Improved efficiency of solar
i. Delivery of fertilizers panels.
ii. Supply of micronutrients • Improve efficiency of fuel
consumption.
iii. Nano pesticides
• Stain and wrinkle resistant cloths
iv. Nano herbicides
• Development of research
v. Nano fungicides
ecosystem.
vi. Detection plant viruses, soil health and pathogens • Biofortification through nano-
Technological
• Nanotechnology for polluted soil remediation: enhancement/ fertilizer.
Nanotechnology can play a key role in soil Innovation • Additive manufacturing
remediation that involves removing soil contaminants dispersion • Better material design
and enhancing soil quality and fertility. This can be • Personalized health care
achieved by high specific area and high reactivity of • Precision farming
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
• Solar panels more efficient and sector could generate low-cost, high-efficacy solutions in
cheaper. terms of products and processes.
• Energy storage is more efficient Nanotech has potential to positively impact the agri-food
Nanocapsule can enable effective sector by minimizing adverse problems of agricultural
penetration of herbicides, chemical practices on environment and human health.
fertilizers and genes into targeted Hydrogels, nano clays & nano zeolites enhance water-
Environment & part of plant. This ensures a slow holding capacity of soil, hence facilitating slow release of
Ecology and constant release of necessary water.
substance to plants with minimized
Nano-sensors can detect plant viruses & soil nutrient
environmental pollution.
levels.
Potential to detect, identify, filter
• Minimize leaching, improve the uptake of nutrients by
and neutralize harmful chemical or
plants, and mitigate eutrophication
biological agents in the air, soil and
water. • Improving food security and productivity
• Better and efficient defence • Efficient use of agricultural natural resources like
equipment water, nutrients and chemicals through precision
Security farming.
• Nanobots for intelligence
gathering • Smart packaging and storage of crops.
Disaster Nano-composites for nuclear • Promoting social and economic equity

management shielding and protection IMPORTANCE OF GUIDELINES
CHALLENGES OF NANOTECHNOLOGY Guidelines apply to Nano-Agri-Input Products (NAIPs),
• Nanotoxicology: Some nanomaterials can display Nano-Agri Products (NAPs) and nano composites, not to
toxic properties towards humans and environment. conventional formulations with incidental presence of
Toxicity of nanoparticles of certain materials cannot natural nanomaterials.
be seen with larger particles of same material. Implementation of standards should be conducted as
Nanomaterials, even made of inert elements (gold) per BIS with additional criteria for NAIPs and NAPs.
can become highly active at nanometer dimensions. These guidelines are harmonized with applicable
• Nanomaterials can bioaccumulate in living organisms provisions for NAIPs and NAPs as per international
and ecology leading to contamination. guidelines of REACH, OECD etc.
• Weaponisation of nanotechnology: Use of CONCERN AREAS
nanotechnology in weapons technology. This • Phytotoxicity and reactivity of nanomaterials in
technology if its falls in the hands of terrorist and environment and possible adverse effect on human
insurgent groups can cause much damage. health is yet to be examined.
• Nano pollution: Most nanoparticles are of very small • Lack of knowledge and developmental methods for
dimensions; they can easily enter food chain and bio- assessment of nanotechnology.
accumulate. They can float into air as PM-10 or PM-
• Absence of regular & systematic classification of
2.5 particles. Ultrafine particles which are even
nanomaterials creates consumer reluctance for such
smaller than PM 2.5 are of the order of nanoparticles
products.
and are a cause of concern.
These guidelines will pave way for significant benefits on
• Lack of development of standards for
‘Doubling Farming Income by 2022’ and ‘National
nanotechnology. Presently, there are no Rules,
Mission on Sustainable Agriculture’. FSSAI and Ministry
Standards and guidelines for development of
of Agriculture should carefully evaluate the effect of
nanotechnology.
nano-inputs before allowing them.
►GUIDELINES FOR NANO-BASED

►NANOTECHNOLOGY IN
AGRI-INPUT AND FOOD PRODUCTS
Nanotechnology refers to controlling, building and
AGRICULTURE
restructuring materials on scale of atoms and molecules. • Nanofabrication: Can enable study of plant’s
Innovative nano-intervention in agriculture and food regulation of hormones such as auxin, which is
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
responsible for root growth & seedling response to these nanoparticles’ treatment.
establishment. Helps understand how plant roots • Concerns of Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of
adapt to their environment, especially to marginal cellular nanomaterials on Nano Agri Products. Risk
soils. of nanoparticles toxicity is higher in plants due to
• Crop disease detection Nanotechnology devices their miniscule size that can easily translocate
and tools like nanocapsules, nanoparticles and viral within plant body.
capsids can be used for the detection and • Insufficient regulatory measures and public opinion
treatment of diseases. in relation to nanotechnology in agricultural sector.
• Nutrient management: enhancement of nutrients • Lack of knowledge and developmental methods for
absorption by plants, the delivery of active risk and life-cycle assessment of nanotechnology in
ingredients to specific sites and water treatment agriculture.
processes.
• Pest management: Use of target-specific
nanoparticles can reduce damage to non-target ►GRAPHENE
plant tissues and amount of chemicals released • An allotrope of carbon with a sheet like structure.
into environment. • A solitary layer (monolayer) of carbon molecules.
• Farm management: Nanostructures with unique • One molecule thick. Slenderest compound known.
chemical, physical, and mechanical properties like
• Has the structure square of Graphite.
electrochemically active carbon nanotubes,
nanofibers and fullerene can be used for soil • Tougher than diamond yet more flexible than rubber,
analysis, easy bio-chemical sensing and control, harder than steel yet lighter than aluminum.
water management and delivery, pesticide and • The lightest material known.
nutrient delivery. • The most grounded compound found (between 100-
• Smart Dust technology can be used for monitoring 300 times more grounded than steel).
various parameters like temperature, humidity, • The best conductor of heat and electricity.
and perhaps insect and disease infestation to
• Impermeable to gases. Graphene is known for against
create distributed intelligence in vineyards and
bacterial properties.
orchards.
• One of the most encouraging nanomaterials on
• Precision farming: There is a need to switch to
account of its novel mix of brilliant properties.
precision farming in the face of climate change.
PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE
Nanotechnology holds the key for precision
farming. • Electronic properties: atomic arrangement of carbon
in graphene permits electrons to effectively go at high
• Food management: Nanotechnology can aid in
speeds without dissipating energy.
smart packaging to monitor freshness properties of
food, and check integrity of packages during • Mechanical properties are a result of sp2 bonds that
transport, storage, and display in markets. Eases structure the hexagonal cross section and go against
quality management process. an assortment of in-plane disfigurements.
• Livestock Upkeep: Food & nutritional products USES OF GRAPHENE

containing nano-scale additives, nano-sized, multi- • Energy storage and solar cells
purpose sensors to assess physiological status of • Lubrication
animals. Nanoparticles may enhance nutrient
• Graphene ink
uptake & help in efficient utilisation of nutrients for
milk production. • Transistors and memory
CONCERNS WITH NANOTECHN IN AGRICULTURE • Flexible, stretchable and foldable electronics
• Phytotoxicity & reactivity of nanomaterials in • Photodetectors

environment and possible adverse effect on • Face Mask, etc.
exposed workers. GRAPHENE MASK AND CORONAVIRUSES
• Loss of biodiversity: Reduces important bacterial • Graphene is known for anti-bacterial properties. It has
diversity with declining taxa of Rhizobia, rhizobium also shown to be effective in against COVID-19 virus.
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
• All carbon-containing materials, like cellulose or 1. CNT based transparent electrodes can be developed
paper, can be changed over into Graphene. which are essential components of organic solar cells
• Graphene is reusable. as well as organic light emitting diodes.
2. Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
►CARBON NANOTUBES 3. Super capacitors
Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical large molecules 4. Metal/CNT Capacitors

consisting of a hexagonal arrangement of hybridized 5. Polymer/CNT Composite Capacitors
carbon atoms, which may be formed by rolling up a 6. CNT based electronic components such as
single sheet of Graphene (single-walled carbon nanowires, transistors and switches.
nanotubes) or by rolling up multiple sheets of Graphene
7. CNTs are promising candidates for catalysts.
(multi-walled carbon nanotubes).
8. Immobilization of bio macromolecules
9. Developing highly sensitive sensors
10. Biomedical applications
11. Mechanical applications
CHALLENGES OF CARBON NANOTUBES
1. Impurities such as residual metal particles in carbon
nanotubes.
PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBES 2. Processing & manufacturing of carbon nanotubes is
1. Strongest and stiffest materials discovered yet in challenging.
terms of tensile strength and elastic modulus.
2. Very good thermal conductors along the tube, ►LIQUID NANO UREA
exhibiting a property known as ballistic conduction. IFFCO has entered a MoU with PSU fertiliser manufacturers
3. High surface area per unit mass ratio. National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) and Rashtriya Chemicals
and Fertilisers Ltd (RCF) for 'transfer of technology' aimed at
SINGLE-WALLED VS MULTI-WALLED CARBON
increasing production Liquid Nano Urea.
NANOTUBES
ABOUT LIQUID NANO UREA
Single-walled carbon Multi-walled carbon
• Developed by IFFCO. India will be first country to start
nanotubes nanotubes
commercial production of Liquid Nano Urea.
It is a single layer of It has multiple layers of • A nanotechnology-based fertilizer. It contains Nano

Graphene. Graphene. scale nitrogen particles which have more surface area
& number of particles, which make it more impactful.
Requires catalyst for Can be produced without BENEFITS OF NANO UREA
synthesis. catalyst
As compared to conventional urea, uptake of Nano Urea
Bulk synthesis is difficult Bulk synthesis is easy is more than 80%. It is thus required in lesser amounts
as compared to conventional urea fertiliser to fulfil
More defection during Less defection, but difficult plant's nitrogen requirement.
functionalization to improve • Cheaper than conventional urea
• Reduced input costs to farmer.
Poor in purity Purity is high
• Easy to apply as when Nano urea is sprayed on leaves
Less accumulation in the More accumulation in the Nano Urea
body body • Reduced transportation cost
• Easy to store
It can twist easily Difficult to twist
• Reduced import of conventional urea saving precious
Easy characterization and Difficult characterization foreign exchange.
evaluation and evaluation. • Increased income for farmers.
APPLICATIONS OF CARBON NANOTUBES
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Section-4
IOTECHNOLOGY &
HEALTH
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these
2021
achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?
How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered
2020
off by science-based technologies?
COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological

2020 advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was
sought to aid management of the pandemic.
2019 How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers?
Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity
2018
benefitted the field of biopharma?
Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including
2017 Leukemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is
and what advantages it has over other treatments?
Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctor’s prescription, the contributors to the
2014 emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and
control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
2013 What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
►T-CELL IMMUNITY WHAT IS RESEARCH ABOUT?
A recent study has claimed that natural exposure or The study published by a team led by Marcus Bugger
infection with the novel coronavirus may “prevent recurrent from Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, found
episodes of severe COVID-19”. This is because, once infected SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells even in family members who
with SARS-CoV-2, the immune system elicits “robust, broad have been exposed to the virus but have tested negative
and highly functional memory T cell responses”. on antibody blood tests.
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BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH

SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were also seen in T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by
convalescent individuals with a history of asymptomatic the presence of a T-cell receptor on the cell surface.
infection and mild COVID-19 disease. These immune cells originate as precursor cells, derived
SOMETHINGS ABOUT T CELLS from bone marrow, and develop into several distinct
A T cell is a type of lymphocyte, which develops in the types of T cells once they have migrated to the thymus
thymus gland (hence the name) and plays a central role gland.
in the immune response.
DO ALL INFECTED PEOPLE DEVELOP T CELLS ►VACCINATION

IMMUNITY?
Immunization is the process whereby a person is made
All categories of people — recovered from moderate or immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by
severe COVID-19 disease, or in the convalescent phase the administration of a vaccine (antigens or weakened
(recovering) after mild or severe disease or exposed pathogens).
family members or healthy people — exhibited “robust
The principle of vaccination is based on the property of
memory T cell responses months after infection, even in
‘memory’ of the immune system.
the absence of detectable circulating antibodies specific
When the vaccinated person is attacked by the same
for SARS-CoV-2”.
pathogens, the existing memory cells recognize the
They were able to detect similar memory T cell antigen quickly and overcome the invaders with
responses directed against the internal and surface production of antibodies.
proteins (membrane and/or spike) of the virus in some
Since the body saves copies of the antibodies, it is
people in whom SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies could
protected if the threat reappears later in life.
not be detected.
Table of Differences
CAN T CELLS PROTECT US FROM RE INFECTION?
Studies undertaken in rhesus macaques had found that Active immunization Passive Immunization
once infected, the animals were fully protected from Host develop immunity Ready-made antibodies are
reinfection. in response to direct directly given against foreign
Till date, no documented case of reinfection has been contact of an antigen agents.
found in people anywhere in the world, whether they
Produces an
had recovered from mild or severe COVID-19 disease or N/A
immunological memory
even been asymptomatically infected.
Slow and takes time to develops immediately with
So even as antibodies wane with time, robust T cell
develop no time lag
memory formed after SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests
that “potent adaptive immunity is maintained to provide Antibodies are produced
outside the body
protection against severe re-infection”. in the host body
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Permanent immunity Short-term immunity CHALLENGES IN VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

• Technological challenge: m-RNA vaccines are very
No side-effects May cause reactions
fragile.
transferred from mother to • Absence of robust research ecosystem
Vaccine-induced
foetus through placenta
o knowledge base in immunology; lifecycle
Being the pharmacy of the world, India can also lead the immunisation.
world towards the development of vaccines. o The Nature Index that measures high-quality
research outputs from various countries shows
►VACCINE PRODUCTION INDIA that publications from India are quite unimpressive
and just one-tenth of China’s.
• India accounts for 60% of global vaccine production.
o Low biopharma-clusters.
• India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and Measles
vaccines globally. o According to a UNESCO estimate, the number of
researchers in R&D per million people in India is
• WHO sources 70% of its essential immunisation
just 253 — the equivalent figures for the developed
vaccines from India.
Western nations range between 4,000 and 7,000.
• Twenty-seven million infants are immunized against
o Only about 20 per cent of Indian publications have
12 diseases annually.
international collaboration against over 40 per cent
• India’s Pulse polio immunisation drive has set a global
of the US publications.
standard.
• Economic challenge
• India achieves feat of 2 billion COVID vaccine doses.
o Lack of funding. The India Innovation Index 2021
• Indigenously developed low-cost Rotavirus vaccine
has found that the overall spending on R&D as a
and Japanese encephalitis vaccine are now included
percentage of GDP is about 0.7%.
under the Indian Universal Immunisation Program.
o Cold storage facility
• Indian biopharma now produces new and more
• Governance related challenge
complex vaccines (Ex. meningitis, H1N1, Haemophilus
influenzae type b, and pneumococcal conjugate • No finance/fund for promising drug-discovery
vaccines). projects.
• Percentage share of Biopharma is 62% in the overall • Absence of public-backed platforms like Israel
biotechnology segment. Innovation Authority which brings together
entrepreneurs in frontier technologies, enterprises,
• BIRAC has initiated an Ind-CEPI project to strengthen
venture capitalists, academia, and government
development of vaccines for diseases of epidemic
agencies to bridge the broken links in the ecosystem.
potential in India.
• IPR issues - The Indian Patent Act was amended in
INDIA’S STRENGTH IN VACCINES PRODUCTION
2005 and the product patents have been allowed in
• Robust pharmaceutical industry: Indian
the country, which has significant impact on the cost
pharmaceutical industry is the world's 3rd largest by
of health care products in India. There is need for
volume and 14th largest in terms of value. The
improving the institutional capacity for intellectual
percentage share of Biopharma is 62% in the overall
property (IP) management and technology transfer.
biotechnology segment.
• Strengthening Indian patent office, reducing the time
• Vaccine manufacturing companies: Bharat Biotech,
to examine and grant a patent, and creation of more
Serum Institute of India, Zydus Cadila, Panacea Biotec,
comprehensive IP databases in India
Indian Immunological
• India should develop/use expertise to study the
• Efficient manufacturing: skilled and cheap labour,
flexibilities enshrined in the Trade Related Aspects of
large scale manufacturing
Intellectual Property rights (TRIPS) agreement to
• Low-cost generic drug: Most of pharmaceuticals made reduce the negative impact of the patents.
in India are low-cost generic drug which comprise
o Collective management of IPR and open access
most of pharmaceutical export of India.
agreements should be resorted to improve
• Effective clinical trials due to presence of diverse innovation and access. A body to acquire and hold
genetic pool.
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IPR must be created for technologies beneficial for o Biotechnology – High yielding varieties of crops,
use in public health. drought resistant plants, etc., have overall
• Cultural challenge: Vaccine misinformation, vaccine contributed to food security of vast population of
hesitance, India; fighting malnutrition by use of biofortified
crops, e.g. Dhanashakti-first iron rich pearl millet in
SIGNIFICANCE OF VACCINE PRODUCTION
India; biofertilizers for ecologically safe enrichment
• Technological development /innovation diffusion of soil, e.g. algal biofertilizers for rice cultivation.
• Research on new techniques increases. Ex. cell fusion, • Human resource development: Checking brain-drain,
DNA-recombinant technologies, gene therapy,
and talent-mapping for brain-gain
• Biofortified crops for fighting malnutrition • Development of ancillary industries: cold storage,
• Biofertilizers for ecologically safe enrichment of soil. transportation, packing, syringes etc
Ex. algal biofertilizers for rice cultivation.
• Utilisation of vaccine supply chain in other industries
• Biotechnology techniques has led to High yielding like agriculture and food processing industry.
varieties of crops, drought resistant plants, etc., have
• Development of other industries: harnessing
overall pharmaceutical industry’s true potential,
• contributed to food security of vast population of development of MSME industries etc
India
• Development of health policy: preventive care,
o Blockchain, IoT to prevent vaccine fraud. improving detection of non-communicable disease
etc.
►TYPES OF VACCINES
Type of vaccine Description Diseases covered
• It contains a version of the living microbe that has been weakened in Measles, mumps, rubella
the lab so it cannot cause disease. (MMR combined vaccine)
Live attenuated
• These vaccines will replicate in a vaccinated individual and produce Varicella (chickenpox)
vaccines
an immune response but usually can cause mild or no disease. Influenza (nasal spray)
• Immune response is excellent. Rotavirus
• The virus is first killed with chemicals, heat, or radiation and then
used to make the vaccine. No threat of disease. Do not require
Inactivated refrigeration; are easy to store and transport. Hepatitis A, Influenza,
vaccines • May not always induce an immune response and response may not Polio, Rabies
live longer. Several doses of whole cell vaccines may be required to
evoke sufficient immune response.
A piece of the virus (antigen) that is important for immunity, like the Human papillomavirus
Sub-unit vaccine
spike protein of COVID-19, is used to make the vaccine. vaccines
It contains a toxin or chemical made by the bacteria or virus. They make

Toxoid vaccines a person immune to the harmful effects of the infection, instead of to Diphtheria and tetanus
the infection itself.
Biosynthetic It contains manmade substances that are very similar to pieces of the
HIV
vaccines virus or bacteria.
►M-RNA VACCINE by the pathogen (antigens), which work by mimicking the

infectious agent. They stimulate the body’s immune
India’s very own m-RNA (messenger-RNA) vaccine could
response, so it is primed to respond more rapidly and
be ready by March.
effectively if exposed to the infectious agent in the
What are Conventional vaccines? They usually contain future.
inactivated disease-causing organisms or proteins made
HOW DOES RNA VACCINES WORK?
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• They need to be refrigerated to nearly (-) 70°C and
India, with its limited cold chain infrastructure, lacks
efficient vaccine storage capacity.
• Some mRNA-based vaccine are associated not only
with inflammation but also potentially with
autoimmunity.
• mRNA vaccines are new. Thus there is the risk of
• RNA vaccines use a different approach that takes unknown effects, both short and longer-term.
advantage of the process that cells use to make
• mRNA is very fragile, and thus the vaccine has to be
proteins: cells use DNA as template to make
kept at very low temperatures to avoid degrading.
messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, which are then
COMPARISON OF M-RNA AND DNA VACCINE
translated to build proteins.
The principle of mRNA vaccines and DNA vaccine are
• An RNA vaccine consists of an mRNA strand that
same. Both DNA and RNA vaccines deliver the message
codes for a disease-specific antigen. Once the mRNA
to the cell to create the desired protein so the immune
strand in the vaccine is inside the body’s cells, the
system creates a response against this protein.
cells use the genetic information to produce the
Both just produces a specific portion of the virus - spike
antigen. This antigen is then displayed on the cell
protein in case of corona virus.
surface, where it is recognized by the immune
system. Both are laboratory-made structures and not obtained
from the actual virus.
• Unlike a normal vaccine, RNA vaccines work by
DNA and RNA vaccines are being touted for their cost
introducing an mRNA sequence (the molecule which
effectiveness and ability to be developed more quickly
tells cells what to build) which is coded for a disease
than traditional, protein vaccines. Traditional vaccines
specific antigen, once produced within the body, the
often rely on actual viruses or viral proteins grown in
antigen is recognized by the immune system,
eggs or cells, and can take years and years to
preparing it to fight the real thing.
develop. DNA and RNA vaccines, on the other hand, can
• RNA vaccines can be delivered using a number of theoretically be made more readily available because
methods: via needle-syringe injections or needle-free they rely on genetic code–not a live virus or bacteria.
into the skin; via injection into the blood, muscle, This also makes them cheaper to produce.
lymph node or directly into organs; or via a nasal The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech and another
spray. The optimal route for vaccine delivery is not yet developed by Moderna are mRNA vaccines.
known. The exact manufacturing and delivery process
However there are some differences:
of RNA vaccines can vary depending on the type.
1. DNA is much easy to prepare in laboratory. DNA
HOW ARE THEY BENEFICIAL? based vaccine will be around 10 times cheaper.
• As RNA vaccines are not developed from an active 2. DNA has to enter the nucleus of the cell to produce
pathogen or an inactivated pathogen, they are non- the spike protein. m-RNA based vaccine uses
infectious. Ribosome in the cytoplasm to produce the spike
• RNA vaccines can be produced faster and its cheaper. protein. So since in case of DNA vaccine, entry into
nucleus is required, safety concerns are more.
• It can be produced with fewer error rates.
WAY FORWARD
• Replication mechanism can amplify antigen
translation, decreasing the amount of starting • Vaccination is a major achievement of modern
material needed. medicine, greatly reducing incidence of infectious
diseases such as measles and eradicating others,
• According to preliminary trial results, these vaccines
such as smallpox.
produce a reliable immune response and are
• Conventional vaccine approaches have not been as
tolerated by healthy individuals with few side effects.
effective against rapidly evolving pathogens like
CHALLENGES IN FLOATING THIS VACCINE IN INDIA influenza or emerging disease threats such as the
• There are still no commercially available m-RNA Ebola or Zika viruses. RNA based vaccines could have
based vaccines. an impact in these areas due to their shorter
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manufacturing times and greater effectiveness. 3. Patent regulations should be weakened for wider
Beyond infectious diseases, RNA vaccines have access to vaccines. Patent pooling should be
potential as novel therapeutic options for major encouraged.
diseases such as cancer. CONCLUSION
We should prevent vaccine nationalism. Sharing finite
►VACCINE NATIONALISM supplies strategically and globally is in each country's
national interest.
Even before the end of final stage human trials or
regulatory approval, several developed countries like
Britain, France, Germany and the US have entered into
►BIOWEAPONS
pre-purchase agreements with COVID-19 vaccine Traditional notion of security is undergoing a change. The
manufacturers. This development is known as vaccine growth of exponential technologies such as synthetic
nationalism. biology, artificial intelligence and nanotechnology is bound
to change the theory and practice of national security. The
When a country manages to secure doses of vaccines for
rapid rise of synthetic biology and the danger of
its own citizens or residents and prioritises its own
Bioweapons need to focus upon.
domestic markets before they are made available in
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY - "A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD"
other countries it is known as ‘vaccine nationalism’. This
is done through pre-purchase agreements between a
government and a vaccine manufacturer.
CONCERNS
1. Such advance agreements will make initial supply of
vaccines unaffordable and inaccessible to people in
poorer countries.
2. This hoarding of vaccine will lead to deepening of the
pandemic, WHO has warned.
3. There are no international laws and rules to prevent
pre-purchase agreements.
4. Stringent patent protection to vaccines prevents
access to the neediest. • Synthetic biology is a revolutionary technology which
can help us manipulate biological organisms and
5. While the richer nations are thinking of booster doses,
processes for human betterment, especially in
many in the developing world have still not gotten
treating diseases, by re-engineering cells.
their first doses.
• The reality is that there has been very little focus on
6. Number of vaccines delivered to COVAX facility is far
threats emanating from biological sources. There is
below what has been pledged by developed
the possibility of deliberate misuse of technologies
countries.
such as synthetic biology.
7. There is on-going hoarding of vaccines.
• With increasing access to such technologies, there is a
8. Lack of trust for vaccines supplied by India.
need to review the biosecurity systems in place where
EFFORTS TO BROAD BASE SUPPLY OF VACCINE such technologies are in use. Accidental leaks of
1. WHO in partnership with CEPI and GAVI has launched experimental pathogens are another concern.
COVAX facility which aims to procure at least two Example - Recent focus on study of origin of COVID-
billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of next 19.
year for deployment in middle- and low-income • Insufficiently trained staff, inadequately safeguarded
countries. Countries will get assured supplies to facilities, and lack of proper protocols could all be
protect at least 20% of their populations. behind such leaks. A well-planned attack using highly
2. Need for an international treaty to deal with supply of infectious pathogens synthetically engineered in a lab
critical medicines, testing supplies in case of could be disastrous.
pandemic should be negotiated under the WHO. LACK OF REGULATORY REGIME FOR BIO - WEAPONS
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• Unlike the nuclear domain, the fields of biotechnology • BTWC has currently been signed by 183 countries.
or synthetic biology are not regulated internationally However, some countries such as Israel, Egypt and
despite growing military interest in synthetic biology some others have not ratified the treaty. Thus,
applications and their potential misuse. nothing prevents them from developing biological
• The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) weapons. Steps must be taken to bring them on
of 1972 does not have a verification clause, nor does board.
it have clearly laid down rules and procedures to • BTWC mainly prevents states from developing
guide research in this field. biological weapons. However, most biological
• Biotechnology is dual use; same technology can be technologies are dual use with increase ease can also
used to develop vaccine and medicines and offensive be available to non-state actors and terrorist
bioweapons. Newer technologies such AI, 3D printing, organizations. The BTWC is silent on how to tackle
CRISPR-CAS-9 etc. can make it easier to weaponise this threat.
biotechnology. 2. Implementation Gap: Verification of compliance of the
ABOUT BIOLOGICAL AND TOXIN WEAPONS treaty by BTWC states requires implementation at the
CONVENTION (BTWC) OF 1972 national level. There is no elaborate international
monitoring and inspection regime which is present in
The BTWC was the first multilateral disarmament treaty
most-arms control treaties.
banning the production of an entire category of
weapons. 3. Response Gap: The BTWC is silent on how should
state parties react in case of a biological attack. In
Terms of the Treaty:
response to a perceived violation, member states can
The BWC bans: lodge a complaint with the UNSC. However, the power
• The development, stockpiling, acquisition, retention, veto means that no action may be taken.
and production of:
4. Institutional Gap: The meetings of the BTWC are
1. Biological agents and toxins "of types and in infrequent. There is no permanent agency to ensure
quantities that have no justification for prophylactic, implementation of BTWC. Since 2007, a small
protective or other peaceful purposes;" Implementation Support Unit has been formed. But
2. Weapons, equipment, and delivery vehicles "designed its mandate and funding are limited.
to use such agents or toxins for hostile purposes or in SUGGESTIONS FOR STRENGTHENING BTWC
armed conflict."
1. In the absence of a standing international body to
• The transfer of or assistance with acquiring the oversee implementation of the BWC, the option of
agents, toxins, weapons, equipment, and delivery placing biological weapons under the jurisdiction of
vehicles described above. All State parties must the existing Hague-based Organization for the
destroy all such bioweapons upon becoming a Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) should be
member of BTWC. explored.
• The convention further requires states-parties to 2. The idea of equipping the BTWC with a verification or
destroy or divert to peaceful purposes the "agents, investigation mechanism should be revisited.
toxins, weapons, equipment, and means of delivery"
3. Countries not party to BTWC should be encouraged to
described above within nine months of the become parties to BTWC.
convention's entry into force.
4. Next BTWC review conference in 2021 provides an
• The treaty regime mandates that states-parties
opportunity for strengthening the BTWC loopholes.
consult with one another and cooperate, bilaterally or
INDIA'S PREPAREDNESS
multilaterally, to solve compliance concerns. It also
allows states-parties to lodge a complaint with the UN • India is under prepared compared to the more
Security Council if they believe other member states developed countries in this area given poor disease
are violating the convention. The Security Council can surveillance, insufficient coordination among various
investigate complaints, but this power has never been government departments dealing with biosecurity
invoked. issues.
• The treaty stands for indefinite period. • Multiple institutions are dealing with biosafety and
biosecurity threats but there is no coordination
CHALLENGES TO THE BTWC REGIME
among them.
1. Universality Gap:
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Example - implementation of biosafety guidelines is the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO). Functions of
responsibility of the Science and Technology Ministry and SAGO:
the Environment Ministry. However, labs dealing with • To advise WHO on the development of a global
biological research are set up under the Indian Council of framework to define and guide studies into the
Medical Research and the Indian Council of Agricultural origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens of
Research, which are under the Ministries of Health and epidemic and pandemic potential, including SARS
Agriculture, respectively. CoV-2.
• This highlights two issues pertaining directly to • To advise WHO on prioritizing studies and field
biosecurity. investigations into the origins of emerging and re-
1. One, the multiplicity of bodies and ministers makes emerging pathogens of epidemic and pandemic
coordination difficult, especially in the absence of an potential.
empowered coordinating body. 2. One health approach with an integrated focus on
2. Two, given the rising risk of diseases of zoonotic animal health, human health and environmental
origin, the traditional ministry-wise separation might health should be mainstreamed.
not be useful. 3. Greater international collaboration and
• Another important question is whether India, with its strengthening of global surveillance.
porous borders and ill-trained border control 4. Building of Universal Healthcare Coverage across
institutions, is prepared for defending against the globe.
pathogens or dangerous biological organisms or
agents arriving from abroad. COVID-19 should serve
as a wake-up call. ►NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2021-25
FOCUS AREAS
►DISEASE X
1. Building capabilities - a skilled workforce and
Over the past few decades, humanity has faced the
strengthened state of the art infrastructure.
threat posed by emergence of many infectious
pathogens with pandemic potential. 2. UNATI Biotech Missions - aligned with national and
global priorities.
Examples:
3. Building a self-reliant India through biotech
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
interventions - affordable and accessible products
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
and technologies
• Ebola
4. Leveraging the strength of strategic partnerships -
• Marburg
national and international
• Lassa
5. Preparing for the future - building the knowledge
• Nipah base.
• Zika 6. Taking science to society - empowering the rural
• SARS Coronavirus (COVID-19) sector.
• Human health, animal health and the state of 7. Effective outreach and communication - building the
ecosystems are inextricably linked with 70-80% of public trust.
emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases
8. Global benchmarking
known to be of zoonotic origin.
INDIA'S KEY STRENGTHS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR
• Disease X is a name of an unknown disease which
can develop into a pandemic like situation. There is 1. Large reservoir of scientific human resource including
a need to develop mechanisms to make our health scientists and engineers.
systems better prepared in tackling a future 2. Cost-effective manufacturing capabilities.
pandemic. 3. Budding start-ups in the biotechnology related areas.
Steps taken to reduce risk of Disease X or future
4. Large number of national research laboratories,
pandemics:
centres of academic excellence in biosciences.
1. WHO has formed Scientific Advisory Group on the
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5. Several universities offering degrees and diplomas in genes are, even though scientists are just learning to
biotechnology, bioinformatics and biological sciences. interpret these clues.
6. Presence of a large and vibrant drugs and • Understand how the genome as a whole works—how
pharmaceutical industry. genes work together to direct the growth,
7. Rich biodiversity: India's human gene pools offer an development, and maintenance of an entire
exciting opportunity for genomics. organism.
8. Fast developing clinical capabilities making India a • Study the parts of the genome outside the genes. This
popular destination for clinical trials and contract includes the regulatory regions that control how
research. genes are turned on and off.
• Understand diseases including genotyping of specific
►GENOME SEQUENCING viruses to direct appropriate treatment
Genome sequencing means revealing the order of bases • In the identification of mutations linked to different
present in the entire genome of an organism. DNA forms of cancer
nucleotides, or bases —Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines,
• Understand the design of medication & more
and Thymine make up an organism's DNA. A genome is
accurate prediction of their effects, in the
an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions.
advancement of forensic applied sciences, biofuels,
Our bodies are made up of millions of cells, each with
animal husbandry, etc.
their own complete set of instructions for making us, like
a recipe book for the body. This set of instructions is • Understand evolution much more accurately.
known as our genome and is made up of DNA. Each cell • Forensics and crime investigation, paternity disputes,
in the body, for example, a skin cell or a liver cell, new technologies such as DNA Barcoding, DNA
contains this same set of instructions. Computing etc.
• The instructions in our genome are made up of DNA. WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCING
• Within DNA is a unique chemical code that guides our • Exome, part of gene responsible for making proteins
growth, development, and health. occupies just about 1% of actual gene. Rather than
• This code is determined by the order of the four sequencing whole gene, many geneticists rely on
nucleotide bases that make up DNA, adenine, “exome maps.” However, non-exome portions also
cytosine, guanine and thymine, A, C, G and T for short. affect functioning of genes.
• DNA has twisted structure (double helix structure). • Hence to know which genes of a person’s DNA are
• Single strands of DNA are coiled up into structures “mutated” the whole genome sequencing is required.
called chromosomes.
• Whole genome sequencing is the process of
• Chromosomes are in the nucleus within each cell. determining the complete DNA sequence of an
• Within our chromosomes, sections of DNA are "read" organism’s genome at a single time.
together to form genes.
• This entails sequencing all an organism’s
• Genes control different characteristics such as eye chromosomal DNA as well as DNA contained in the
color and height. mitochondria and, for plants, in the chloroplast.
• All living things have a unique genome.
• In practice, genome sequences that are nearly
• Human genome is made up of 23 chromosome pairs complete are also called whole genome sequences.
with a total of about 3 billion DNA base pairs. Some
PROGRAMS FOR GENOME SEQUENCING
parts of genome are outside these chromosomes and
are stored in the Mitochondria. 1. IndiGen program
IMPORTANCE OF GENOME SEQUENCING • Aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of a
Sequencing the genome is an important step towards thousand Indian individuals representing diverse
understanding it. It will help us: ethnic groups from India.
• Find genes much more easily and quickly. A genome • Funded by the CSIR under the Ministry of Science and
sequence does contain some clues about where Technology.
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• Objective: Create a pilot dataset to enable genetic ►NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR
epidemiology of carrier genetic diseases towards
enabling affordable screening approaches in India.
GENE THERAPY
• Found that there are 32% genetic variations in Indian These guidelines lay guidelines for development of gene
genome sequences, unique as compared to global and cell therapies.
genomes. NEED FOR THESE GUIDELINES
2. Human Genome Project (HGP) • Huge burden of genetic diseases in India
• It was the international research effort to determine • These guidelines will spur innovation and accelerate
the DNA sequence of the entire human genome. research in gene therapy in India.
• The HGP gave us the ability, for the first time, to read • There remain many hurdles that the scientific and
nature's complete genetic blueprint for building a clinical community working in the rare diseases fields
human being. have yet to overcome, primarily the appropriate and
• It was coordinated by the National Institutes of timely diagnosis including genetic testing and genetic
Health, USA and the Department of Energy, USA. counselling, prohibitive costs of such gene therapies,
adequate insurance coverage and management
• It revealed that there were about 20,000 human
practices among treating physicians.
genes. According to the HGP, humans share 99.9%
genes with each other. • New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 by CDSCO
considers gene therapy product as a ‘new drug’.
3. Genome India Project
SALIENT FEATURES
• India’s gene-mapping project that aims to form a grid
after collecting 10,000 samples in the first phase from Gene Therapy Products (GTPs) are defined as any entity
across India, to arrive at a representative Indian which includes a nucleic acid component being delivered
genome by various means for therapeutic benefit to patients.
• Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and All GTP research pertaining to human applications must
be conducted within the principles of these guidelines in
Technology will lead the project.
a scientific and ethical manner following all regulatory
• It will enable new efficiencies in healthcare, medicine,
requirements as laid down for all forms of GTP.
and life sciences. However, GIP also raises concerns
All GTP development activities will be steered by Gene
pertaining to medical ethics, political misuse, etc.
Therapy Advisory and Evaluation Committee (GTAEC)
4. Genome mapping in Indian Ocean
with the secretariat at ICMR, which shall be notified by
• National Institute of Oceanography is going to launch DHR.
a project for Genome Mapping in the Indian Ocean. The guidelines detail all the requirements for enrolling
• Aim of the project: patients in GTP human trials, their risk and safety
o To gather samples for genome mapping of assessments and trial designs which must be approved
microorganisms in the Indian Ocean by the GTAEC, RCGM and CDSCO prior to patient
administration.
o To understand the biochemistry and the response
of the ocean to climate change, nutrient stress and The guidelines cover all considerations for Chemistry,
increasing pollution Manufacturing and Control, Quality Assurance, Product
Attributes for GTP, including personnel training and
• Significance of the project
infrastructure requirements.
o Mapping of DNA and RNA will show the nutrients
GENE EDITING TECHNIQUES
present in them, and those lacking in different
parts of the ocean. • Prime editing is a ‘search-and-replace’ genome editing
technology in molecular biology, by which the
o Give holistic understanding about nutrient cycling
genome of the living organisms may be modified. The
and productivity of the oceans.
technology directly writes new genetic information
o Generate new information about trace metals from into a targeted DNA site.
underexplored regions of the Indian Ocean.
• CRISPR-Cas9 is a technology that cut-and-paste DNA,
o Show the presence of which these microbes have raising hope of genetic fixes for disease. CRISPR
adapted to, in addition to their reaction to allows targeting nearly any genomic location and
atmospheric carbon dioxide. potentially repairing the broken genes. This technique
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is based on the natural defence mechanism found in infections become increasingly difficult or impossible
some bacteria. It uses a specific enzyme — Cas9 — to to treat.
identify and eliminate predetermined genes and DNA MAJOR CAUSES OF ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE:
sequences.
• Over-prescription of antibiotics
• Applications of this technology: Gene-editing to cure
• Patients not finishing the entire antibiotic course
diseases, developing CRISPR based COVID-19 test
• Overuse of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming
(FELUDA), Development of vaccines against
mosquitos. • Poor infection control in health care settings
• Mega nucleases are "molecular DNA scissors", that • Poor hygiene and sanitation
can be used to replace eliminate or modify the • Absence of new antibiotics being discovered
sequences in a highly targeted way. • Patients taking antibiotics without consulting doctors
& practitioners.
►ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE • Environmental pathways of AMR:
• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health and o Antimicrobial manufacturing waste disposal
development threat. It requires urgent multisectoral o Antimicrobial discharge and determinants of AMR
action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in food systems
(SDGs).
o Antimicrobial discharge and determinants of AMR
• Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main in hospitals and other health facilities.
drivers in the development of drug-resistant
• Socio-economic factors
pathogens.
o Limited access to WASH (Water, Sanitation and
• Lack of clean water and sanitation and inadequate
Hygiene) facilities.
infection prevention and control promotes the spread
of microbes, some of which can be resistant to o Density and informality of population especially in
antimicrobial treatment. slum areas, rural shanties and peri-urban areas.

(Often unplanned).
• The cost of AMR to the economy is significant. In
addition to death and disability, prolonged illness GLOBAL ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IMPLICATION
results in longer hospital stays, the need for more The consequences of Antibiotic resistance are highly
expensive medicines and financial challenges for problematic because of its severity.
those impacted. • Leads to higher medical costs.
• Without effective antimicrobials, the success of • Prolonged hospital stays.
modern medicine in treating infections, including • Increased mortality.
during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy,
• Longer periods of infectivity, with increased risk of
would be at increased risk. transmission in the community.
• WHO has declared that AMR is one among top ten • Multidrug resistance microbes are more life
global public health threats facing humanity. threatening.
WHAT ARE ANTIMICROBIALS? • Old, researched antibiotics not working effectively/at
Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, all on diseases, hence new antibiotics need to be
antifungals and ant parasitic – are medicines used to found.
prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and • The cost of AMR to national economies and their
plants. health systems is significant as it affects productivity
WHAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE? of patients or their caretakers through prolonged
hospital stays and the need for more expensive and
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria,
intensive care.
viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no
longer respond to medicines making infections • Without effective tools for the prevention and
adequate treatment of drug-resistant infections and
harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease
improved access to existing and new quality-assured
spread, severe illness and death.
antimicrobials, the number of people for whom
• As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other treatment is failing or who die of infections will
antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and increase.
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• Medical procedures, such as surgery, including WAY FORWARD
caesarean sections or hip replacements, cancer • Improving surveillance and monitoring of microbial
chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will use and resistance across all sectors
become riskier.
• Reducing incidence of infections through effective
STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT infection prevention and control (IPC)
• National Action Plan to tackle AMR has been released • Optimising use of antimicrobials through
by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
antimicrobial stewardship programs
• AMR Surveillance has been strengthened by creation
• Infectious diseases blocks should be created in
of two AMR surveillance networks
district hospitals.
o ICMR AMR Surveillance Network: Operational in 30
• Paucity of good microbiology laboratories in
hospitals
secondary hospitals makes it challenging to collect
o NCDC AMR Surveillance Network: Operational in 20
data about AMR from lower levels of healthcare
hospitals
ecosystem.
• Expanded wastewater treatment and access to WASH
facilities.
• Regulatory and incentive measures encouraging
responsible manufacturing, disposal and use of anti-
microbial.
DO’S AND DONT’S OF ANTIBIOTICS
• Do not use antibiotics to treat viral infections, such as
influenza, the common cold, a runny nose, or a sore
throat. Ask your doctor for other ways to feel better.
• Use antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them.
• When you are prescribed antibiotics, take the full
prescription even if you are feeling better. Ensure that
members of your family do the same.
• Never share antibiotics with others or use leftover
prescriptions.
►DNA TECHNOLOGY REGULATION

BILL
Currently, use of DNA technology for identification of
individuals is not regulated. In the past, several expert
groups including the Law Commission have looked at the
use and regulation of DNA technology. The Commission
submitted its report as well as a draft Bill in 2017.
In this context, DNA Technology (Use and Application)
Regulation Bill, 2018 regulates use of DNA technology for
identification of persons in criminal and civil matters.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL
• Regulates use of DNA technology for establishing the
identity of persons. These include criminal matters
(such as offences under the Indian Penal Code, 1860),
and civil matters such as parentage disputes,
emigration or immigration, and transplantation of
human organs.
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• Establishes a National DNA Data Bank and Regional government to amend the provisions to ensure that if
DNA Data Banks. Each Data Bank will maintain the the person has been found innocent his DNA profile
following indices: (i) crime scene index, (ii) suspects’ or must be removed immediately from the data bank.
undertrials’ index, (iii) offenders’ index, (iv) missing • Independent scrutiny must be done of the proposals
persons’ index, and (v) unknown deceased persons’ to destroy biological samples and remove DNA
index. profiles from the database.
• Establishes a DNA Regulatory Board. Every DNA • Provides that DNA profiles for civil matters will be
laboratory that analyses a DNA sample to establish stored in the data banks, but without a clear and
the identity of an individual must be accredited by the separate index. The committee questioned the
Board. necessity for storage of such profiles, pointing out
• Written consent by individuals is required to collect that this violates the fundamental right to privacy and
DNA samples from them. Consent is not required for does not serve any public purpose.
offences with punishment of more than seven years
of imprisonment or death.
►DNA FINGERPRINTING
• Provides for the removal of DNA profiles of suspects
Conventional fingerprint of an individual comes from
on filing of a police report or court order, and of
fingertip and unique for an individual. This is used for
under trials based on a court order. Profiles in the
identification of a person in forensic lab, police station
crime scene and missing persons’ index will be
removed on a written request. etc. However, the major drawback of the conventional
fingerprints is that it can be changed by surgery. There is
ISSUES RAISED
another type of fingerprint unique to an individual called
• DNA profiles can reveal extremely sensitive
DNA fingerprint. This remains same in all body parts,
information of an individual such as pedigree, skin
tissues and cells as well as cannot be altered by any
color, behavior, illness, health status and
known methods. Thus, DNA fingerprint method is
susceptibility to diseases.
becoming primary method for identifying an individual.
• Under the provisions of the Bill, access to such
PRODUCTION OF DNA FINGERPRINT
intrusive information can be misused to specifically
target individuals and their families with their own First step of DNA fingerprinting was to extract DNA from
genetic data. This is particularly worrying as it could a sample of human material, usually blood.
even be used to incorrectly link a particular Molecular ‘scissors’, called restriction enzymes, were
caste/community to criminal activities. used to cut DNA. This resulted in thousands of pieces of
• Proposes to store DNA profiles of suspects, under DNA with a variety of different lengths.
trials, victims and their relatives for future These pieces of DNA were then separated according to
investigations. “While there is a good case for a DNA size by a process called gel electrophoresis.
database of convicts, so that repeat offenders may be
Once DNA had been sorted, pieces of DNA were
easily identified, there is no legal or moral justification
transferred or ‘blotted’ out of fragile gel on to a robust
for a database with DNA of the other categories as
noted above, given the high potential for misuse.” piece of nylon membrane and then ‘unzipped’ to
produce single strands of DNA.
• Refers to consent in several provisions, but in each of
those, a magistrate can easily override consent, Next nylon membrane was incubated with radioactive
thereby in effect, making consent perfunctory. There probes.
is also no guidance in the Bill on the grounds and Mini satellites that probes have attached to were then
reasons when the magistrate can override consent, visualized by exposing nylon membrane to X-ray film.
which could become a fatal flaw.
To compare two or more different DNA fingerprints the
• In absence of robust data protection legislation, different DNA samples were run side-by-side on the
security of a huge number of DNA profiles that will be same electrophoresis gel.
placed with National DNA Data bank and its regional
APPLICATIONS
centers is questionable.
• Useful in forensics because only a tiny sample of
• Permits retention of DNA found at a crime scene in
human material left behind after a crime may be
perpetuity, even if conviction of the offender has
been overturned. The committee urged the sufficient to identify someone.
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• Confirm whether two people are related to one • Determining biological relationship to establish
another and are commonly used to provide evidence parentage, viability of organ transplantation etc.
that someone is, or is not, the biological parent of a
child.
• Identify victims of crime or major disasters and help
bring separated families back together.
• Identify racial groups, their origin, historical migration
and invasions.
• Study breeding pattern of endangered animals.
• Diagnosing inherited disorders in both prenatal and
new-born babies. These disorders may include cystic
fibrosis, haemophilia, Huntington's disease, familial
Alzheimer's, sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and
many others.
By comparing the band of HIV "RNA" (converted to DNA
using RTPCR) with the bands form by the man’s blood,
person suffering with AIDS can be identified.
Breeders conventionally use the phenotype to evaluate
the genotype of a plant or an animal. For example,
homozygous dominant genotype AABB is always
desirable. As it is difficult to make out homozygous or
heterozygous dominance from appearance, the DNA
fingerprinting allows a fastidious and precise
determination of genotype. Offspring from the
discerning mating of superior animals are expected to HOW DO GENES WORK?
inherit desirable characters like strong cardiopulmonary • Every cell in an organism contains all the information
capacity and speed. It is basically useful in breeding needed to manufacture every protein in its body.
racehorses and hunting dogs.
• The genes in strands of DNA are a storehouse of
information, an instruction book.
►DNA PROFILING • The genes that an organism carries for a particular
DNA profiling or DNA fingerprinting is creation of a trait is its genotype and the physical manifestation of
biometric database comprising DNA information of the instructions are the organism’s phenotype.
individuals. • A gene (a sequence of bases in a section of DNA)
ESTABLISHING DNA PROFILES affects the phenotype in two main steps.
• While DNA is unique to an individual’s genetic • Transcription, in which a copy of a gene’s base
makeup, it is 99.9% similar between all individuals sequence is made, and
within the human species. • Translation, in which that copy is used to direct the
• Variable regions (0.1%) also called Variable Number of production of a protein.
Tandem Repeats (VNTR) are unique to individual’s • In transcription, gene’s base sequence or code is
DNA constitute DNA profile of that individual. copied into a middleman molecule called messenger
• DNA profile of an individual varies in some regions in RNA (mRNA).
terms of number of times a sequence of nucleotide • In translation, the mRNA moves out of the nucleus
base pairs is repeated. and into the cytoplasm of the cell, where the
• Thus, by counting number of times these base-pair messages encoded in the mRNA molecules are used
sequences are repeated in these variable regions a to build proteins
DNA profile of an individual is established. WHAT IS GENOME SEQUENCING?
APPLICATION • Full set of DNA present in an individual organism is
• To establish identity of persons. called its genome.
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• DNA sequencing is a procedure for determining linear • Producing newer more potent antibiotics.
order of nucleotide bases in DNA. • Producing new vaccines for crop diseases.
• Sequencing a gene is like reading a book, one letter at For Environment:
a time, to look for any spelling mistakes.
• Herbicide-tolerant crops, compatible with no-
• Mapping out a person’s entire genetic code, or till/reduced tillage systems, helps preserve topsoil
genome or reading each of the 3 billion base pairs from erosion E.g., HT mustard
that make up a person’s genetic code is called
• Phyto-remediation E.g., Use of Poplar handling heavy
genome sequencing.
metallic pollution.
• By creating a genome sequence, we will be able to
Risks associated:
assess specific genes to detect presence of mutations
associated with genetic disorders. • Effects on human health are not well studied. It may
trigger:
• Within next few years, experts expect the turnaround
time to improve and the cost to drop so much that Emergence of new disease
analyzing a person’s genome will be no more Allergies

expensive than zeroing in on just one gene. • Impact on other organisms and overall environment
NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING is also debatable.
• Next generation sequencing simply refers to DNA • Anti-microbial resistance – E.g., BT cotton has
sequencing techniques that decode multiple DNA developed resistance to pink ball worm.
fragments at the same time in an automated process. • Patent Rights can lead to monopolization E.g.,
• As a result, next-generation sequencing procedures Terminator seeds.
are fast, accurate, automated and cheap. • GM crops could push farmers to debt.
Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionise
►BIOTECHNOLOGY IN agriculture, but it needs appropriate safeguards and
awareness programs to meet apprehensions of all
AGRICULTURE
stakeholders.
Agricultural biotechnology is a range of tools that alter
living organisms, or parts of organisms, to make or
modify products; improve plants or animals; or develop
►HTBT COTTON
microorganisms for specific agricultural uses. It includes The illegal cultivation of herbicide-tolerant (HT) BT cotton
both traditional breeding techniques and modern tools has seen a huge jump this year. Seed manufacturers have
of genetic engineering. claimed that the sale of illegal seed packets has more than
BENEFITS doubled.
For Producers: Domestic seed industry has demanded that action be taken
to stop such sales and punish offenders, noting that
• Safe and easier pest control and weed management
cultivation of the genetically modified cotton variant has
E.g., BT Brinjal.
serious environmental and economic consequences.
• Enhanced crop yields and productivity.
ABOUT BT COTTON
• Withstand weather fluctuations and extremes E.g.,
• BT cotton is an insect-resistant transgenic crop
Flood-tolerant “Scuba Rice”
(genetically modified by introduction of a gene from a
• Enhanced quality traits Ex., Golden rice with Vitamin A
different species) designed to combat the cotton
For Consumers: bollworm, a common pest.
• Foods with long-lasting life E.g., FlavrSavr tomato. • It was created by genetically altering the cotton
• Enhanced Nutrition via food fortification E.g., Iodine genome to express a microbial protein from the
Salt bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
• Lower levels of toxicants in food. • The transgene inserted into the plant's genome
• Low saturated fats in cooking oils etc. produces toxin crystals that the plant would not
normally produce which, when ingested by a certain
For Researchers:
population of organisms (Bollworm), dissolves the gut
• Understanding the basic biology of living organisms. lining, leading to the organism's death.
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• BT cotton is the only transgenic crop that has been GENETIC ENGINEERING APPRAISAL COMMITTEE
approved by the Centre for commercial cultivation in • The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
India.
functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest
HTBt COTTON and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• HTBt cotton variant adds another layer of • It is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving
modification, making the plant resistant to the
large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and
herbicide glyphosate. Fears include glyphosate having
recombinants in research and industrial production
a carcinogenic effect, as well as the unchecked spread
from the environmental angle.
of herbicide resistance to nearby plants through
pollination, creating a variety of super weeds. • The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of
• HTBt cotton has not been approved by government proposals relating to the release of genetically
for cultivation. Activists from the Shetkari Sangathan engineered (GE) organisms and products into the
have stepped up the reach of their civil disobedience environment including experimental field trials.
movement to demand legalisation of HTBt cotton by • GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional
encouraging farmers to plant the seeds in violation of Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a
government regulations. representative from the Department of Biotechnology
• Seed manufacturers have said that the illegal seeds (DBT).
are sold using the brand name of prominent
WAY FORWARD
companies. So,
• Regulators only limit their checking/regulation to
o Farmers are at risk with such illegal cotton seed
licensed dealers and seed companies while illegal
sale as there is no accountability of the quality of
activity of HT seed sales is carried mostly by
seed.
unorganised and unreliable operators. Thus, focus
o Pollutes the environment.
must be shifted to catching them and taking
o Industry is losing legitimate seed sale. exemplary and strong punitive action.
o Government also loses revenue in terms of tax
• Collective action of both center and state government
collection.
is required. The Centre has made the policy to ban
o It will not only decimate small cotton seed this variant. But it is the State governments that must
companies but also threatens the entire legal
also work in tandem with the central government.
cotton seed market in India.
• Environmental impact assessment should be
NEED FOR USING HTBT COTTON
conducted by independent environmentalists, as
• Saves Cost: There is a shortage of labour needed to
farmers do not and cannot assess the long-term
do at least two rounds of weeding for BT cotton. With
impact of GM crops on ecology and health.
HTBt, simply one round of glyphosate spraying is
needed with no weeding, savings cost for farmers. • Awareness among the farmers about the concerns of
HTBt cotton.
• Support of Scientists: Scientists are in favour of this
crop, even WHO has said it does not cause cancer.
ISSUES FROM ILLEGAL SALE OF HTBt COTTON ►SDN-1 & SDN-2
• As it is not approved by the Genetic Engineering Proposal of Indian regulators to consider a new gene
Appraisal Committee (GEAC), illegal sale takes place in editing technique has been pending with the Genetic
Indian markets. Engineering Appraisal Committee for almost two years.
• Farmers are at risk with such illegal cotton seed sale GENE EDITING
as there is no accountability of the quality of seed, it • Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group of
pollutes the environment, the industry is losing technologies that give scientists the ability to change
legitimate seed sale and the government also loses an organism's Deoxy-Ribonucleic Acid (DNA).
revenue in terms of tax collection. • These technologies allow genetic material to be
• It will not only decimate small cotton seed added, removed, or altered at locations in the
companies but also threatens the entire legal cotton genome.
seed market in India.
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(CRISPR-Cas9) that are directed to cut the DNA at a
predetermined location. After the cut is made, the
cell’s own DNA repair mechanism recognizes the
break and repairs the damage.
• In the case of SDN1 and SDN2 approaches, the
CRISPR components used to edit the selected
native genes for a desirable trait can easily be
removed by segregation of the plant progeny in the
next and subsequent generations. In this way, one
can produce transgene-free edited plants (in other
words, non-genetically modified or non-GMOs) that
KEY POINTS are indistinguishable from conventional breeding
o Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has material. But this method is faster and cheaper
now moved to newer technologies such as Site than traditional crossing, which results in a host of
Directed Nuclease (SDN) 1 and 2. unwanted traits also getting transferred and,
o New technique aims to bring precision and hence, requires several more breeding cycles in
efficiency into breeding process using gene editing order for the offspring to have only the desired
tools such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly traits.
Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), whose • Current Application:
developers won Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2020.
o A research coalition under Indian Council of
o SDN genome editing involves the use of different Agricultural Research (ICAR), which includes IARI, is
DNA-cutting enzymes (nucleases) that are directed using these techniques to develop rice varieties
to cut DNA at a predetermined location by a range which are drought-tolerant, salinity-tolerant and
of different DNA binding systems. high-yielding. They could potentially be ready for
o After the cut is made, cell’s own DNA repair commercial cultivation within three years.
mechanism recognizes the break and repairs the  IARI has previously worked on golden rice, a
damage, using one of two pathways that are traditional GM variety which inserted genes
naturally present in cells. from other organisms into the rice plant but
o It involves use of gene editing tools to directly ended trials over five years ago due to
tweak (improve\change) plant’s own genes instead. agronomic issues.
o It would allow plants to be genetically • Significance of New Techniques:
modified without the need for conventional o Safe:
transgenic technology.
 In this case, you are just tweaking a gene that is
SDN 1 and 2: already there in the plant, without bringing in
• MOEFCC exempted SDN1 and SDN2 genome- any gene from outside.
edited plants from Rules 7-11 of Environment  When a protein comes from an outside
Protect Act (EPA), which govern manufacture, use, organism, then you need to test for safety. But
import, export, and storage of dangerous in this case, this protein is right there in the
microorganisms or genetically modified organisms plant, and is being changed a little bit, just as
or cells. nature does through mutation.
• The notification will pave way for government to o Fast: It is much faster and far more precise than
approve and notify genome-edited plant natural mutation or conventional breeding
guidelines. methods which involve trial and error and multiple
What are SDN 1 and SDN 2: breeding cycles. It is potentially a new Green
• SDN 1 & 2 (Site-Directed Nuclease technology) are Revolution.
Gene-editing technologies which do not involve the • Status of New Techniques Globally:
introduction of any foreign DNA. o U.S, Canada, Australia and Japan are among
• Site-Directed Nuclease (SDN) genome editing countries which have already approved SDN 1 and
involves the use of different DNA-cutting enzymes 2 technologies as not akin to GM, so such varieties
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of rice can be exported without any problem. • India has slipped to 101st position in Global Hunger
o European Food Safety Authority has also submitted Index (GHI) 2021 out of 116 countries, compared to
its opinion that these technologies do not need the 94th rank in 2020.
same level of safety assessment as conventional • Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about
gene mutation, though the European Union is yet two-thirds of the population. Per capita rice
to accept the recommendation. consumption in India is 6.8 kg per month. Therefore,
• Related Laws in India: fortifying rice with micronutrients is an option to
supplement the diet of the poor.
o In India, several rules, guidelines, and policies
backed by “Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, BENEFITS OF FORTIFICATION
Export and Storage of Hazardous • Wider coverage: fortification of widely consumed
Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms staple foods is very effective way of health
or Cells, 1989” notified under Environment improvement of improvised masses.
Protection Act, 1986, regulate genetically modified • Quick results: the technique of food fortification show
organisms. results in terms of improvement of health in a
o Apart from it, National Ethical Guidelines for relatively shorter duration.
Biomedical and Health Research involving human • Cost effective solution: fortification enables a
participants, 2017, by Indian Council of Medical threshold level of nutrition at a very low cost. For
Research (ICMR), and Biomedical and Health instance, it takes just around 10 paisa to fortify a litre
Research Regulation Bill implies regulation of the of oil.
gene-editing process.
• Culturally sustainable: Fortification does not require
 This is especially so in the usage of its language any changes in food habits. Hence it becomes a socio-
“modification, deletion or removal of parts of culturally friendly method to deliver nutrients to
heritable material”. people.
 However, there is no explicit mention of the • No alteration of food characteristics: It does not alter
term gene editing. the characteristics of the food like the taste, aroma or
the texture of the food
►FOOD FORTIFICATION • Economic growth and development: The Copenhagen

Consensus estimates that every 1 Rupee spent on
• Fortification is the addition of key vitamins and
fortification results in 9 Rupees in benefits to the
minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to
economy. While an initial investment to purchase
staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve both the equipment and the vitamin and mineral
their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may premix is required, the overall costs of fortification
not have been originally present in the food before are extremely low.
processing. • Issues with fortification
• Various technologies are available to add • Fragmented approach to malnutrition: Malnutrition in
micronutrients to regular rice, such as dusting, India is a multidimensional issue involving calorie
coating and extrusion. deficiency, protein inadequacy apart from micro-
• Government is promoting fortification in following 5 nutrient deficiency. Food fortification will be a
food items: Rice, wheat, salt, edible oil & milk. fragmented approach to these complex problems.
• Hypervitaminosis: To address anemia, haemoglobin
NEED OF FORTIFICATION
production is targeted. Haemoglobin synthesis does
• India has very high levels of malnutrition among not happen with just iron alone; many other elements
women and children. As per recent report of NFHS-5: are required in far larger quantities, especially good
Stunting 35.5%, Wasting 19.3% & Underweight-32.1%. quality protein, vitamin B and C, folic acid, etc. Adding
• Every second woman in the country is anaemic. more iron will only succeed in increasing ferritin, an
iron storage protein, but won’t lead to haemoglobin
• Deficiency of micronutrients or micronutrient synthesis, or treatment of anemia.
malnutrition, also known as “hidden hunger”, is a
• Research shows that high ferritin is associated with
serious health risk.
diabetes, especially during pregnancy.
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• Too much of Iron intake will create problem for • Natural breast feeding with proper latching
normal physiological function of the body. Iron techniques can improve nutrition deficiency in the
has oxidative properties and it can react with critical first 1,000 days.
intestinal mucosa, which could become damaged by • Organic farming technique naturally increase the
existing infections, which are widespread in India. nutritional content of food and also increases the
• Tuberculosis, malaria and other infections become absorption in the body.
uncontrollable when iron is given at the acute phase • Nutri-gardens – Several studies have highlighted the
of these infections. importance of nutri-gardens or kitchen gardens.
• Loss of other essential substances from the food: Vegetables grown there organically increase
foods contain protective substances such as nutritional levels in the food.
phytochemicals and polyunsaturated fat that are • Mid-day Meal program and other school meal
adversely affected by the process of blending programs should enhance dietary diversity - adding
micronutrients. animal and plant protein like eggs, dairy, pulses along
• Anaemia does not have 100% correlation with iron with vegetables and fruit.
deficiency: There is no direct link between anaemia
and iron deficiency. Anaemia is high among poor
►TRANS FAT
children in the rural areas but iron deficiency is more
among the urban and rich across the country. • FSSAI has capped the amount of transfat acids (TFA)
in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022 from
• High cost on subsidy: fortification will increase the
the current permissible limit of 5% through an
cost of food delivered through the public distribution
amendment to the Food Safety and Standards
networks, putting burden on government finances.
(Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations.
• Impact on small industries: Fortification creates a
• The revised regulation applies to edible refined oils,
market driven solution for a social problem of
vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), margarine,
malnutrition. In absence of parity of opportunity for
bakery shortenings and other mediums of cooking
small and medium sized industry, their livelihoods
such as vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.
can get threatened. We have seen this happening in
rice and oil processing industry. • It has been suggested that the regulation must not be
restricted to oils and fats but must apply to all foods.
• Although government is ready to give incentives to
It is hoped that the FSSAI will address this to eliminate
medium and large rice millers for fortification of rice,
chemical Trans fatty acids from the Indian platter.
the process itself is expensive and prohibitive for
small players. An indicative cost of setting up rice • It was in 2011 that India first passed a regulation that
fortification infrastructure for a medium-sized mill is set a TFA limit of 10% in oils and fats, which was
Rs 3.2 crore, according to the government data. further reduced to 5% in 2015.
• Suggestions/Measures TYPE OF TRANS FAT
• A balanced, diverse and quality diet – will be a better • Naturally occurring Trans fats are produced in the gut
option to meet the nutritional requiremts. National of some animals and foods made from these animals
Institute of Nutrition has recommended that a diverse (e.g., milk and meat products) may contain small
natural diet is required to meet the normal quantities of these fats.
population need of micronutrients in its Nutrient • Artificial Transfats are created in an industrial process
Requirements of Indians released 2020. that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make
• Less processed or unpolished rice – must be them more solid. Since they are easy to use,
encouraged specially in the Public Distribution inexpensive to produce and last a long time, and give
System. Less processed or unpolished rice are rich foods a desirable taste and texture, they are still
source of rice bran having many micronutrients. widely used despite their harmful effects being well-
known.
• Nutrition rich processed food – local farmers can
supply the nutritionally rich raw materials to micro, ASSOCIATED RISK WITH TRANS FAT
small and medium processors for food-to-food • Pose a higher risk of heart disease than saturated
fortificants such as syrups, biscuits, porridge, fats. While saturated fats raise total cholesterol levels,
powders, pudding etc. Food fortificants greatly TFAs not only raise total cholesterol levels but also
improve nutrition, while supporting local livelihoods. reduce the good cholesterol which protects us against
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heart diseases. Trans fats consumption increases the • Transfats as opposed to that from carbohydrates,
risk of developing heart disease and stroke. lead to greater risk of infertility in women.
• Lead to compromised fetal development causing • Those who ate the most Transfats are at higher risk of
harm to the yet to be born baby. depression than those who do not eat Trans fats.
• Some studies have found that Trans fats consumption • Consumption of Transfats has been linked to
is related to risk of cancers in individuals. behavioral irritability and increased general
• Transfats are metabolized differently by the liver than aggression.
other fats and interfere with normal liver functions. • Replacing industrially produced TFA with healthier oils
• The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with trans-fat and fats is feasible without changing the taste of food
consumption. A study has found diabetes risk or its cost to the consumer.
associated with Trans fats and other factors such as 1. Step Taken by FSSAI
total fat intake and BMI. • Heart Attack Rewind: Thirty second public service
announcement that will help support FSSAI’s global
target of eliminating trans-fat in India by 2022, a year
ahead of global target by WHO for complete
elimination of trans fat. It is a follow-up to an earlier
campaign called “Eat Right.”
• Eat Right Campaign: Edible oil industries took a
pledge to reduce the levels of salt, sugar, saturated
fat and trans-fat content by 2% by 2022.
• Swasth Bharat Yatra: An initiative started under “Eat
Right” campaign is a Pan-India cyclotron to engage
citizens on issues of food safety, combating food
adulteration and healthy diets.
• FSSAI has directed that food establishments which
use trans-fat free fats/oils and do not have
industrial trans-fat more than 0.2 gms per 100 gm of
food can display ‘Trans Fat Free’ logo in their outlets
and on their food products.
• In 2018, WHO launched REPLACE action package to
support governments to eliminate industrially
produced TFA from global food supply by 2023.
Approximately 5.4 lakh deaths take place each year
• Transfat may increase weight gain and abdominal fat, globally because of the intake of industrially produced
despite a similar caloric intake. TFAs enhance Trans fatty acids. WHO has called for the global
deposition of fat even in the absence of caloric elimination of Trans fats by 2023.
excess. As part of SDG, global community has committed to
• Transfats are found to be associated with insulin reducing premature death from non-communicable
resistance that poses a great risk to already diabetic diseases by one-third by 2030. Global elimination of
patients. industrially produced Trans fats can help achieve it.
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Section-5
ISCELLANEOUS
2021 How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?
The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention
2021
of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings?
How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by
2019
pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words)
India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted
information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s
2015
fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons making this database publicly available under
open-source licensing.
In a globalized world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation.
2014
Broadly distinguish between the terms – copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India n Patent Law,
2013 1970. Discuss how it has been utilized by Supreme court in its judgment rejecting Novartis patent
application for “Glivec.” Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision.
►NEW EMERGING DEFENSE • Machine learning helps in test new military product
iterations & enable predictive maintenance for
TECHNOLOGIES military assets.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE • Deep fake technology could be used to generate false

news reports, influence public discourse, erode public
• Adoption of AI in defense enhances computational
trust, and attempt blackmail of government officials.
military reasoning for intelligence, surveillance, & Deploying deep fake detection tools and labelling and
reconnaissance (ISR) missions. authenticating content using AI is required.
• Empowers autonomous weapon systems, thereby • Israeli startup Axon Vision develops an AI-based
decision-making engine. It detects, classifies, and
reducing soldier casualties.
estimates the whereabouts of threats in real-time.
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MISCELLANEOUS
• US-based startup Rebellion uses machine learning & DIRECTED ENERGY (DE) WEAPONS
data to deter threats & drive mission success. • Directed energy (DE) weapons as those using
• Big data analytics: Militaries with capabilities to concentrated electromagnetic energy, rather than
extract most vital data, accurately and quickly analyze kinetic energy, to “incapacitate, damage, disable, or
it, and then rapidly disseminate information will have destroy enemy equipment, facilities, and personnel.”
a strategic advantage. To aid this, big data analytics • DE weapons could offer low costs per shot and—
unlocks insights from various data sources. assuming access to a sufficient power supply.
QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY • Enable an efficient & effective means of defending
• Quantum computing finds applications in against missile salvos/swarms of unmanned systems.
cryptanalysis & running simulations for informed • Theoretically, DE weapons could provide options for
decision-making. missile intercept, given their speed-of-light travel time.
• Quantum technology could have other military • High-powered microwave weapons, a subset of DE
applications, such as quantum sensing, which could weapons, could be used as a nonkinetic.
theoretically enable significant improvements in
• Means of disabling electronics, communications
submarine detection, rendering oceans “transparent.”
systems, and improvised explosive devices, or as a
• Quantum sensing could provide alternative nonlethal “heat ray” system for crowd control.
positioning and navigation options that could in
ROBOTICS & AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS
theory allow militaries to continue to operate at full
performance in GPS degraded or GPS-denied • Protecting forces, increasing situational awareness,
reducing soldiers’ physical and cognitive workload as
environments.
well as facilitating movement in challenging terrains
BLOCKCHAIN
are facilitated by Robots.
• Blockchain provides data security while sharing data
• Robots facilitate landmine clearance, search rescue
with all concerned parties.
operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and logistics
• Other applications of blockchain technology in the support.
industry include device tracking, streamlining the
• Use of drones also enhances battlefield situational
procurement process, and supply chain security.
awareness.
• Smart contracts significantly reduce risk of fraud or
• US-based startup Anduril offers an autonomous UAS
corruption while dealing with defense contractors.
for intelligent air support. The startup’s product,
• US-based startup Taekion develops technology for Ghost, is an advanced drone system that uses edge AI
military data protection. It leverages blockchain to algorithms.
secure defense data in tamper-proof storage.
INTERNET OF MILITARY THINGS (IOMT)
ADVANCED DEFENSE EQUIPMENT
• Applications of IoT in defense include connecting
• Hypersonic flights: A number of countries, including ships, planes, tanks, drones, soldiers, and operating
the United States, Russia, and China, are developing bases in a cohesive network.
hypersonic weapons—those that fly at speeds of at
• This enhances perception, understanding in the field,
least Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.
situational awareness, and response time.
• In contrast to ballistic missiles, which also travel at
EDGE COMPUTING, AI, 5G & BIG DATA ANALYTICS
hypersonic speeds, hypersonic weapons do not follow
a parabolic ballistic trajectory and can maneuver en • Support smooth flow of data across all branches of
military, and this strengthens command-and-control
route to their destination, making defense against
them difficult. structure.
• Weapons to space militarization are underway. • In IoMT, sensing and computing devices worn by
soldiers and embedded in their equipment collect a
• Investments in battlefield electrification techniques
variety of static and dynamic biometric data.
through electric propulsion and hydrogen fuels for
military aircraft facilitate this transition. • US-based startup Geosite aggregates data from
different sources for both human and machine
• Defense organizations are advancing research in
analysis. The startup’s collaborative military system
biotechnology and nanotechnology for creating self-
uses satellites, IoT, and field sensors to build a
healing armors and other innovative equipment.
common operating picture.
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MISCELLANEOUS
CYBERWARFARE remove need for a human operator. This could
• Connected military equipment security, cyber increase combat efficiency and accelerate pace of
protection for major institutions as well as in nuclear combat—potentially with destabilizing consequences.
security are major areas of focus. • AI could be paired with 5G communications
• Prescriptive security technology uses cybersecurity, technologies to enable virtual training environments
AI, and automation to detect potential threats and or with biotechnology in a “brain-computer interface”
stop them before they impact defensive cyber to enhance human cognition or control prosthetics or
warfare capabilities. robotic systems. Such developments could require
new strategies, tactics, and concepts of operation.
• Militaries are also developing offensive cyber warfare
capabilities ranging from malware and ransomware • Emerging technologies such as low-cost drones could
to phishing attacks. shift balance between quality—upon which U.S.
military forces have traditionally relied—and quantity,
IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES
as well as between offense and defense. Ex. swarms
• Immersive technologies make it easy to build
of coordinated, unmanned vehicles could overwhelm
replicable and flexible experiences, such as for flight defensive systems, providing a greater advantage to
or combat training. the attacker, while directed energy weapons that
• Startups use virtual reality (VR) to construct synthetic provide a low-cost means of neutralizing such attacks,
training environments (STE). These experiences could favor the defender. Thus, emerging
augment conventional training and mission rehearsal, technologies could shift the offense-defense balance
improving the readiness of soldiers and units. Beyond multiple times over the coming decades.
training opportunities, augmented reality (AR) makes • Interactions among emerging technologies could
on-field soldiers more effective in their missions. improve existing military capabilities or enable new
Wearable glasses or AR headsets provide soldiers
capabilities—with unforeseen consequences for
with mapping information, movement markers, and warfighting and strategic stability. Ex, an enabling
other data. This enhances real-time situational technology like AI could be paired with quantum
decision-making for ground forces.
computing to produce more powerful methods of
• US-based startup GOVRED builds VR-based training machine learning, potentially leading to
solutions for the military. improvements in image recognition, target
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING identification & enabling more sophisticated
autonomous weapons.
• Reducing weight of defense equipment is crucial for
improving performance in speed, capacity, and fuel • Emerging military technologies—particularly complex
consumption. systems such as AI & LAWS—could produce
unintended consequences if they fail to perform as
3D PRINTING
anticipated. These consequences could range from
• Enables production of components and parts while
system failure to violations of law of armed conflict. In
utilizing significantly less material than traditional
most extreme case, an autonomous weapon could
manufacturing.
continue engaging inappropriate targets until it
• Reduces production costs exhausts its magazine, potentially over a wide area.
• Enables new design engineering possibilities and This could, in turn, result in mass fratricide or civilian
• Localized, on-demand production, reducing the casualties—a possibility that has led some analysts to
logistical burden. call for a pre-emptive ban on LAWS.
• Facilitates creation of novel material combinations for • Emerging military technologies could raise an array of
armors, self-heating military clothing, and ethical considerations. Ex, Use of LAWS would be
ammunition. inherently immoral— regardless of whether the
weapon could be used legally—because a human
• Biotechnology could be used to create adaptive
operator would not make specific target selection and
camouflage, cloaking devices, or lighter, stronger,
engagement decisions.
and—potentially—self-healing body & vehicle armor.
• Ethical concerns about applications of biotechnology
CHANGING NATURE OF WARFARE & SECURITY
that involve human testing or modification and
• Developments in technology like AI, big data analytics weaponization of biotechnology, which could
& lethal autonomous weapons could diminish or potentially be used for targeted genetic attacks.
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►NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION technologies

• GoI will facilitate demand creation in identified
National Hydrogen Mission has been launched by the Prime
Ministry with the intention to make India world’s largest segments. Possible areas include suitable
exporter of green hydrogen. mandates for use of green hydrogen in industry
such as fertilizer, steel, petrochemicals etc.
NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION
• It was announced during Budget 2021 by Finance USES OF HYDROGEN
Minister. • Hydrogen is the fuel of stars and packs amazing
• Hydrogen is usually produced using electrolysis energy. It is additionally the most significant element
method of water, which breaks into Oxygen and in the universe. On Earth, it is found in compounds
Hydrogen, natural gas, and coal. Based on the source like water or hydrocarbons. However, Hydrogen is not
of fuel used to produce the electricity used to feed present in Free State. Therefore, it must be created
with electrolysis, hydrogen is classified into: and put away before it tends to be utilized.
o Blue Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using • By-product of Hydrogen as a fuel is water.

conventional energy sources along with carbon • Presently, hydrogen is used refining industry,
capture and storage. ammonia making, methanol manufacturing, steel
o Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using making industries and other uses.
entirely green energy sources. This hydrogen is HYDROGEN’S DISRUPTIVE POTENTIAL
entirely green and environment friendly. Fuel uses
o Grey Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using natural • Transportation: Fuel cell EVs and heavy-duty fuel cell
gas using steam reforming process. 96% of
trucks. Feedstock for synthetic fuels. However, at
Hydrogen today is produced using this method.
current technology, it will be a costly mode of
o Brown hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using coal transport. HCNG is being used in India where
using gasification process. However, it leads to Hydrogen is being used in mixture with CNG for
carbon emissions. higher efficiency.
WAYS OF USING HYDROGEN AS FUEL
• Energy storage: Integration of variable renewables via
o Hydrogen CNG: Mixture of hydrogen and CNG in a hydrogen production and long duration storage.
fixed ratio. (Used as transportation fuel). Thus, it
• Engines/turbines: Generation by fuel cell, co-firing of
enables Hydrogen being used as fuel in
gas turbines or combined heat and power to increase
conventional engines. HCNG increases the
power system flexibility.
efficiency of combustion of CNG and is less
polluting. Chemical uses
o Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Fuel cells based on Hydrogen • Can be used as a decarbonizing agent in industries
and Oxygen. Produces Water as by-product. like synthetic compounds, iron, steel, compost and
refining, transport, warmth, and force.
National Hydrogen Mission
• Petroleum recovery and refining: Enhanced oil
Major Activities envisaged recovery, increasing well pressure, hydrocracking and
• Creating volumes and infrastructure desulfurization of crude and products.
• Demonstrations in niche applications (including for • Electronics: Semiconductors, LED displays,

transport, industry) photovoltaic
• Purposeful Research & Development; facilitative • Chemical production: Methanol, ammonia, urea for
policy support fertilizer production.
• Putting in place a robust framework for standards Industrial uses
and regulations for hydrogen technologies • Industrial heat: High grade heat for metals refining,
• Envisages generation of hydrogen from green cement production.
power sources • Building heat: Decarbonization of gas grid through
• Aims to develop India into a global hub for direct hydrogen injection, combined heat and power
manufacturing of hydrogen and fuel cells cells.
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• Industrial feedstock: Replacement of fossil hydrogen • Storage capacity requirement: India has insufficient
use with low carbon hydrogen. Direct reduction of storage capacity for the current state of domestic
iron. consumption.
• Infrastructure requirements for Hydrogen Highway: It
would also require large investments in underground
piping and underground caves and filling stations.
• Safety Issues: Hydrogen is highly flammable and
explosive in nature, it is colorless, odorless, and its
flames are not visible by naked eyes.
• Purity of Hydrogen: When Hydrogen is used as a part
of fuel cells, one requires ultra-high purity hydrogen.
• Environmental concerns: Most hydrogen is currently
produced using fossil fuel reformation process. This
would lead to higher rate of carbon emissions than if
the fossil fuels are used directly. Producing Hydrogen
DRIVERS OF INTEREST IN GREEN HYDROGEN from clean energy sources is costly.
1. Low renewable energy electricity cost: Major cost WAY AHEAD
driver for green hydrogen is cost of electricity. The • Development of technology to produce "green"
price of electricity procured from solar PV and wind hydrogen is expensive. However, falling prices for
energy plants has decreased substantially in the last renewable energy and fuel cells and stringent climate
decade making production of green hydrogen change regulations have spurred investment in the
economically attractive. India has one of lowest cost sector.
of renewable energy production. • Developing standardized procedures, rules and
2. Technologies ready to scale up: Many technologies in standards for hydrogen economy which will
hydrogen value chain have already been shown to standardize and scale up production.
work at small scale and are ready for • Investing in R&D and promoting private sector
commercialization, requiring investments to scale up. participation in hydrogen economy.
Ex. Capital cost of electrolysis has fallen by 60% since
• Mandating large users of hydrogen to shift to green
2010. Cost of fuel cells for vehicles has decreased by
hydrogen such as refineries, iron, and steel plants etc.
70% since 2006.
For ex. A minimum green hydrogen mandate can be
3. Benefits for power systems: As share of renewable introduced in such industries.
power sources such as solar and wind increases in
• Using existing infrastructure such as that of natural
overall electricity consumption, power systems will
gas for hydrogen economy.
need for flexibility. Electrolysers used to produce
• Facilitating international trade in clean & green
green hydrogen can be designed as flexible
hydrogen.
resources than can quickly ramp up or down to
compensate for fluctuations in renewable energy • Green hydrogen facilities can be created at sites
production, by reacting to electricity prices. Green where cost of producing renewable energy is lowest.
hydrogen can be stored for long period and can be Ex. In Thar desert region in Rajasthan and Ladakh etc.
used when renewable energy is not available for

power generation with stationary fuel cells or ►HYDROGEN COMPRESSED
hydrogen-ready gas turbines.
NATURAL GAS
4. Addressing climate change and need for net zero
ABOUT H-CNG
emissions: green hydrogen can play an important
role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as • H-CNG is a blend of hydrogen and CNG, (i.e.:
cement, steel, chemicals such as plastics and heavy- hydrogen+ CNG), the ideal hydrogen concentration
duty transport such as trucking, container shipping being between (18-20) %.
and aviation. • CNG is compressed natural gas. It is composed mainly
KEY CHALLENGES TO HYDROGEN ECONOMY of methane and emits much less air pollutants than
petrol or diesel. The emissions of carbon dioxide,
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carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate • CNG Engines can be easily altered to make it H-CNG
matter are much less thus resulting in less air friendly releasing lower amounts of NO, CO.
pollution. • Ideal fuel for high load applications and heavy-duty
WHY IS IT NEEDED? vehicles.
Crude oil, petrol and diesel are non-renewable sources • Better performance due to higher Octane rating of
of energy and causes pollution. There is release of H2.
oxides of carbon, nitrogen and particulate matter (PM DISADVANTAGES OF USING H-CNG
2.5 & 10). This pollutes the air to alarmingly high levels
• Determining most optimized H2/NG (Natural Gas)
and leads to health hazards. It causes lung cancer,
ratio. Even though it is made to be between 18-20%,
stroke and heart diseases in humans along with
the optimised levels are yet to be finalised.
environmental hazards like ground level smog and the
• Requires new infrastructures for preparing HCNG. It
deteriorating. Air Quality Index in most of the major
will require hydrogen reservoirs which is very
cities in India.
expensive.
Recently a study funded by the Indian government and
• Many steps need to be taken for commercializing it at
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, it was found that in
a large scale.
2017. 1.24 million people died in India due to air
pollution, that is, 1 out of 8 deaths in India were caused • Current cost of Hydrogen is more than the cost of
by air pollution. Natural Gas. The new electrolysis methods that are
being implemented to split water to hydrogen and
A report of the World Trade Organisation also said that
oxygen will require more infrastructure and will also
the top 14 most-polluted cities in the world are in India
require reservoirs. So, HCNG’s cost is more than CNG.
and Delhi ranked six. The Rising levels of pollution have
been a major cause of concern in the National Capital
Delhi. ►FUEL CELL
There has been a constant pressure on Governments WHAT IS A FUEL CELL?
to reduce the Carbon footprints and stopping the effects A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts
of climate change. This has forced the research towards the chemical energy of a fuel (often hydrogen) and
alternative fuels. an oxidizing agent (often oxygen) into electricity through
So, alternative and cleaner fuels like HCNG, CNG, LPG, a pair of redox reactions. Fuel cells are different from
Alcohol fuels, electricity and biofuels are being explored. most batteries in requiring a continuous source of fuel
Electricity can be generated by sources like nuclear and oxygen (usually from air) to sustain the chemical
energy, wind power, solar energy, etc., as cleaner reaction, whereas in a battery the chemical energy
options. usually comes from metals and their ions or oxides that
Acting as per recent orders of Supreme Court of India to are commonly already present in the battery. Fuel cells
check it, Delhi Government is planning to can produce electricity continuously for as long as fuel
push Hydrogen-enriched CNG buses on its roads. and oxygen are supplied.
Hydrogen for H-CNG fuel is being produced through Fuel Cells don’t require electrical recharging. A battery
electrolysis. Electrolysis is the decomposition of water stores all its chemicals inside and coverts the chemicals
into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced is into electricity.
blended with CNG to fuel vehicles. In addition to the The products of the reaction in the cell are water,
electrolyser, the station has a compressor along with a electricity, and heat. This is a big improvement over
buffer storage facility. internal combustion engines, coal burning power plants,
ADVANTAGES OF USING H-CNG and nuclear power plants, all of which produce harmful
by-products.
• Use of HCNG reduces emissions of CO up to 70% as
compared to CNG. BENEFITS OF FUEL CELLS
• First step towards future Hydrogen economy. A Environmental Performance: Hydrogen fuel cells don’t
hydrogen economy would help us in achieving produce air pollutants or greenhouse gasses. Hydrogen
sustainable development goals and will also reduce fuel cells only produce heat and water – no toxins,
India’s carbon footprint. H-CNG will give more particles, or greenhouse gasses, which means cleaner air
hydrogen efficiency as compared to CNG. for us to breathe.
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Energy Efficiency: Fuel cells are 2 to 3 times more • The electricity powers the motor while the harmless
efficient than combustion engines. For co-generation water vapour is released into the atmosphere.
applications, where fuel cells generate both heat and • Hydrogen fuel cell cars are refuelled with hydrogen at
electricity, efficiency is as close as 80%. specific service stations that contain pressurised
Fuel Flexibility: There are many types of fuel cells, and tanks
many different materials can be used for energy • FCEVs are equipped with other advanced
generation like hydrogen, natural gas, methanol, technologies to increase efficiency, such as
ethanol, and biogas. regenerative braking systems that capture the energy
Versatile: Fuel cells are scalable and provide everything lost during braking and store it in a battery.
from milli-watts to megawatts of power in a variety of HOW FUEL CELLS WORK
uses. It can be used in cell phones, cars, and a variety of
• A fuel cell is a device that produces electric energy,
devices.
through a chemical reaction.
Complementary: Fuel cells can readily be combined with
• The chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels to
other energy technologies such as batteries, wind
cleanly and efficiently produce electricity. If hydrogen
turbines, solar panels, and super-capacitors.
is the fuel, the only products are electricity, water, and
Products of the reaction in the cell are water, electricity, heat.
and heat. This is a big improvement over internal
combustion engines, coal burning power plants, and
nuclear power plants, all of which produce harmful by-
products
Anode, the negative post of the fuel cell, has several
jobs. It conducts the electrons that are freed from the
hydrogen molecules so that they can be used in an
external circuit. It has channels etched into it that
disperse the hydrogen gas equally over the surface of
the catalyst.
Cathode, positive post of fuel cell, has channels etched
into it that distribute the oxygen to the surface of
catalyst. It conducts the electrons back from the external
• The most common type of fuel cell for vehicle
circuit to the catalyst, where they can recombine with
applications is the polymer electrolyte membrane
the hydrogen ions and oxygen to form water.
(PEM) fuel cell.
Electrolyte is the proton exchange membrane. This
• In a PEM fuel cell, an electrolyte membrane is
specially treated material, which looks something like
sandwiched between a positive electrode (cathode)
ordinary kitchen plastic wrap, only conducts positively
and a negative electrode (anode).
charged ions. The membrane blocks electrons. For a
PEMFC, the membrane must be hydrated to function • Hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen
and remain stable. (from air) is introduced to the cathode.
Catalyst is a special material that facilitates the reaction • The hydrogen molecules break apart into protons and
of oxygen and hydrogen. It is usually made of platinum electrons due to an electrochemical reaction in the
nanoparticles very thinly coated onto carbon paper or fuel cell catalyst. Protons then travel through the
cloth. The catalyst is rough and porous so that the membrane to the cathode.
maximum surface area of the platinum can be exposed • The electrons are forced to travel through an external
to the hydrogen or oxygen. The platinum-coated side of circuit to perform work (providing power to the
the catalyst faces the PEM. electric car) then recombine with the protons on the
cathode side where the protons, electrons, and
oxygen molecules combine to form water.
►FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES
COMPARISON OF BEV AND FCEV
• FCEVs use a propulsion system similar to that of
Parameters Comparison
electric vehicles, where energy stored as hydrogen is
converted to electricity by the fuel cell. Range Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer
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greater ranges and faster refuelling workable solution, but ultimately the goal is to replace
times too. combustion engines to provide a clean, green and
Most models exceed 300 km of renewable transport future.
range on a full tank. SIGNIFICANCE OF FCHV
Hydrogen-powered cars are not • Technological advancement

cheap and refuelling prices differ o Green Hydrogen based ecosystem in the country
considerably between countries. o Promotion of Green Hydrogen based ecosystem in
Electric vehicles are cheaper and the country.
Cost
the cost of recharging is also less o Unique production method of green house gases
during off-peak grid times, making from renewable energy and abundantly available
electric vehicles a good long-term biomass. IISc has announced the development of
investment. new technology to produce green hydrogen from
biomass.
The infrastructural requirement for
electric vehicles is much higher that o Diversification of economy - Fuel cells,
for hydrogen-powered vehicles in semiconductors, controllers, etc.
terms of charging stations at o Skilled human resource
Infrastructure existing petrol stations and
• Strengthening of Economy
requirement motorway rest stops. But present
o Reducing import dependence on fossil fuels and
infrastructure hydrogen vehicle is
thereby make India 'Energy Self-reliant' by 2047.
less – only around 400 hydrogen
refuelling stations currently in the o Transportation revolution: The transition to electric
world mobility is a promising global strategy for
decarbonising the transport sector.
Safety has been seen as a key
o Efficiency in different industries - Hydrogen
concern for hydrogen fuel cells,
produced as a by-product from steel plant, waste
due to the highly flammable nature
plastic plant, brine electrolysis etc can be tapped.
of hydrogen gas. Electric batteries
also come with their safety • Environmental sustainability
concerns and challenges. If lithium- o Unlike conventional internal combustion engine
Safety ion batteries are allows to overheat vehicles, these vehicles produce no harmful
or overcharge they can cause tailpipe emissions. It will drive the global climate
injury. Plus, should there be a fire, agenda established under the Paris Agreement to
the batteries can ignite and are reduce carbon emissions in order to limit global
difficult to put out as the fuel for warming.
the fire is not vented away as with o India has the target of producing 40% of electricity
hydrogen. from renewable sources.
Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries • Governance - ISRO, CSIR, IISc, ITOL, TATA Labs etc are
is an energy-intensive process also already working on Hydrogen based researches. They
requires efficient recycling of spent will get further boost.
Environmental
batteries. FCEV produces 120g of • International Relation – Lesser dependence on China.
friendliness
CO2 per kilometre, although this
However, in India, so far, the definition of EV only covers
can be greatly reduced with green
BEVs; the government has lowered taxes to 12%. At 43%,
hydrogen.
hybrid electric vehicles and hydrogen FCEVs attract the
Both require further research and development, with same tax as IC vehicles.
electric vehicles needing efficient recycling of spent
batteries, faster charging times and increased ranges.
►ALGAE BIOFUELS
Hydrogen, meanwhile, needs improved infrastructure
and reduced costs for extraction of hydrogen gas for Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that are
fuelling. seen as the next big sustainable source of clean energy.
In the meantime, hybrid options could prove to be a Biofuel experts have been working to find an economically
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viable way to turn algae into bio-crude oil to power various High manufacturing cost: Li-ion batteries are around
types of vehicles. 40% more costly to manufacture than Lead-acid
Microalgae are found in abundance in marine eco- batteries.
systems and provide food for higher animal forms. Resource crunch: Li-ion battery use lithium, cobalt, nickel
Marine algae have the power to simultaneously fuel and manganese which are in short supply in the world
(restricted to Bolivia, Chile).
vehicles, recycle carbon dioxide, and provide nutrition to
animals and humans. Difficult switch: Given that internal combustion engine
has more than 2000-odd moving parts, the survival of
Algae can also be used to produce hydrogen (for use in
MSME landscape in India currently depends on
fuel cells), and production of methane.
manufacturing of these auto part. This has hindered the
It is a highly clean fuel and emissions are minimal. switch to EVs which have significantly a smaller number
It can be grown on brackish or polluted water and does of auto components (20-odd) in turn hindering the
not require freshwater resources either. growth of Li-ion battery manufacturing in India.
Potential for India: There is scope for both small-scale To give a push to Li-ion battery manufacturing in India,
(as cottage industries) and large-scale algal farming here. ISRO recently announced a technology transfer package
Algae as biofuel can be an ideal solution for India’s to competent Indian industries for setting up local
impending fuel crisis, as India’s long coastal region and production units.
tropical climate can facilitate the cultivation of algae in BATTERY SWAPPING
India in mass scale. This calls for strong and dedicated
Battery swapping is proposed as a method to facilitate
action by the government. Pilot projects are being
the proliferation of electric vehicles in India. An
undertaken in Bhavnagar, Gujarat. alternative battery recharging method that is receiving
global attention is battery swapping, in which a depleted
►LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES EV battery is removed from the vehicle and replaced
with a fully charged one. The technology is being tried
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, lightweight
out for various EV segments, including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-
batteries having revolutionized safe energy-storage.
cars and even e-buses.
Their high efficiency compared to internal combustion
Advantages of Battery Swapping:
engines makes them an ideal choice for Electric Vehicles.
Batteries constitutes major constituent of electric 1. EV recharging is completed in minutes.
vehicles, developing manufacturing capabilities of Li-ion 2. Batteries can be charged away from swapping point,
batteries is a must for electric vehicle revolution in India. allowing more freedom in setting up swap facilities.
ADVANTAGES OF LI-ION BATTERIES 3. Reduction in upfront cost of EV, as battery ownership

is replaced by battery leasing.
Light weight: Li-ion batteries are the lightest batteries
because lithium is the lightest metal available. 4. Increased predictability of battery life due to
controlled charging conditions.
High Energy Density: Lithium being a highly reactive
Challenges for mass-adoption of Battery Swapping:
element, it has high energy density. Compared to a lead-
acid battery, Li-ion battery weighs 6 times less to store 1. Lack of standardization among EV batteries.
the same amount of energy. 2. Unsuitable battery pack design to enable ease of
Low Maintenance: Low self-discharge capability of Li-ion swapping (weight, dimensions and ergonomics)
batteries enables it to be recharged before it completely 3. Greater number of batteries needed to power same
discharges, making it easily rechargeable just like any number of EVs
other fuel. 4. Shorter commercial life of battery packs due to
CHALLENGES TO LI-ION BATTERY MANUFACTURING customer preference for new batteries with higher
range.
Nascent industry: Li-ion battery manufacturing is a
5. Slow adoption of charging method by OEMs
nascent industry in India. Currently Li-ion batteries are
imported mostly from China, South Korea and Taiwan. 6. Higher costs of battery leasing over the life of EVs.
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7. Higher GST on separate battery (18%) vs. battery sold Autonomous vehicles may be able to provide certain
with EVs (5%). advantages compared to human-driven vehicles. One
such potential advantage is that they could provide
increased safety on the road – vehicle crashes cause
►AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
many deaths every year, and automated vehicles could
Autonomous vehicles are light motor vehicles with potentially decrease the number of casualties as the
highest level of automation such that they can drive software used in them is likely to make fewer errors in
without a human driver and thus are also called self-
comparison to humans. A decrease in the number of
driving cars.
accidents could also reduce traffic congestion, which is a
Autonomous vehicles primarily use sensors (cameras,
further potential advantage posed by autonomous
radars, lidar etc.), navigation and communication
vehicles. Autonomous driving can also achieve this by
systems to collect data from the environment including
the removal of human behaviours that cause blockages
roads, other vehicles, traffic signals, sign boards etc.
on the road, specifically stop-and-go traffic.
AI-based processing systems & electronic control
systems process and send data to electro-mechanical Another possible advantage of automated driving is that
systems that run car based on the data so obtained. people who are not able to drive – due to factors like age
and disabilities – could be able to use automated cars as
CHALLENGES
more convenient transport systems.
• Reliability: Autonomous vehicles are effective in
Additional advantages that come with an autonomous
homogenous and predictable driving conditions.
car are elimination of driving fatigue and being able to
Unpredictable driving conditions of Indian roads
sleep during overnight journeys.
characterized by narrow lanes; difficult terrains make
AI-based systems unreliable. DRAWBACKS
• Infrastructure: Autonomous vehicles sense cues from Expensive: This technology is currently expensive. For
environment via communication with objects like now, however, most companies have not released a
traffic signal, parking lots, sign boards etc. Thus, price for their driverless cars.
infrastructure needs to be upgraded, which is both Potential for Technology to Go Wrong: Even if a self-
cost and time intensive. driving car performs flawlessly at first, it is possible for
• Legal and regulatory standards: Before we migrate programming that runs the cars to be updated with a
into autonomous vehicles, strict legal and regulatory fault. Errors like this cause annoyance for computers
standards should be in place. Designing appropriate and mobile devices but could potentially cause car
legislations is a challenge particularly with respect to accidents with self-driving cars.
licensing, driver liability, insurance, traffic violations Licensing Infrastructure Not Yet in Place: The companies
etc. Besides given use of elaborate communication claim these cars are safe, yet it is up to public institutions
technologies, privacy and data protection risks may to keep drivers safe. Not only do our local car licensing
arise. offices need to make sure these cars perform as
• Safety: Failure of any AI-system may lead to fatal advertised, but they also need to come up with a way to
accidents. license and control them quickly and efficiently. Should

our technology and hunger for these cars outpace our
• While autonomous cars are said to revolutionize
ability to investigate and approve them, public safety
sustainable mobility in urban areas, the above
may be at risk.
challenges should be overcome for their widespread
use. Potential for Greater Pollution: While many companies
are looking at self-driving cars that use fuel-efficient or
• An autonomous vehicle, or a driverless vehicle, is one
hybrid models, should our access to self-driving cars
that can operate itself and perform necessary
outpace our commitment to clean energy, we may be
functions without any human intervention, through
looking at much more pollution. Getting out of your car
ability to sense its surroundings.
at the front of the movie theatre without needing to park
ADVANTAGES sounds good in theory, but if the car you’re driving isn’t
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electric, emissions would be worse than leaving your car 3. Technological Innovations for Exploration and
idling while you watch the movie. Conservation of Deep-Sea Biodiversity:
Potential Loss of Privacy: Using a self-driving car means Bioprospecting of deep-sea flora and fauna, including
a third party would have the opportunity to track your microbes and studies on sustainable utilization of
movements. This can lead to a massive loss of privacy. deep-sea bio-resources, will be focus. This component
Because your car would be receiving or communicating will support Blue Economy priority area of marine
with data centres, your location would be potentially fisheries and allied services.
accessible to people or organizations who could hack 4. Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: The primary
into the network. objective of this component is to explore and identify
Driver Accountability: Currently, regulations on road the potential sites of multi-metal Hydrothermal
transport assume that the driver is responsible for Sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-
actions of the car. Thus, in case of an accident, the driver oceanic ridges. This component will additionally
is held accountable and punished. Drivers are required support the Blue Economy priority area of deep-sea
All in all, self-driving cars have the potential to be an exploration of the ocean resources.
incredible new wave in the future of humanity. 5. Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean: Studies and
Increased productivity, rest time, and possibly detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean
eliminating risk while driving, have the potential to Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered
greatly improve all our lives. desalination plant are envisaged in this proof-of-
concept proposal. This component will support the
►DEEP OCEAN MISSION Blue Economy priority area of offshore energy
development.
It is a mission under Ministry of Earth Sciences, which
aims to explore Deep Ocean for resources and develop 6. Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: This
the deep-sea technologies for sustainable use of ocean component is aimed as development of human
resources. capacity, enterprise in ocean biology and engineering.
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF DEEP OCEAN MISSION This component will translate research into industrial
application and product development through on-site
1. Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining
business incubator facilities. This component will
and Manned Submersible: A manned submersible will
support the Blue Economy priority area of marine
be developed to carry 3 people to a depth of 6,000 m
biology, blue trade and blue manufacturing.
in ocean with suite of scientific sensors & tools. Only a
few countries have this capability. An Integrated ABOUT POLYMETALLIC NODULES
Mining System will be developed for mining Polymetallic nodules are found in abundance at Central
Polymetallic Nodules from 6,000 m depth in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) in depths of 5,000 m – 6,000
Indian Ocean. Exploration studies of minerals will m. An area of 75,000 sq. km. in CIOB was allocated by
pave way for commercial exploitation in near future, the preparatory commission, the International Seabed
as and when commercial exploitation code is evolved Authority (ISA), UN, to the Government of India as
by International Seabed Authority, a UN organization. pioneer investor for exploration and development of
This component will help Blue Economy priority area
technology to mine these Polymetallic nodules from a
of exploring and harnessing of the deep-sea minerals
depth of 5,000-6,000m. This region lies outside of India’s
and energy.
Exclusive Economic Zone.
2. Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory
IMPORTANT REGIONS FOR POLYMETTALLIC NODULES
Services: A suite of observations and models will be
1. Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Central Pacific
developed to understand and provide future
projections of important climate variables on Ocean.
seasonal to decadal time scales under this proof-of- 2. Peru Basin in the Southern Eastern Pacific Ocean.
concept component. This component will support the 3. Penrhyn Basin in the South-Western Pacific Ocean.
Blue Economy priority area of coastal tourism.
4. Central Indian Ocean Basic in the Indian Ocean.
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The nodules contain nickel, copper and cobalt (around amount of copper contained in the CCZ nodules is
2% - 3% of the nodule weight), as well as traces of other estimated to be about 20% of that held in the global
metals such as molybdenum, Rare Earth Elements and land-based reserves.
lithium, which are important to high-tech industries. The
Map showing regions rich in Polymetallic nodules. 8. Deep ocean technology is of strategic importance and
SIGNIFICANCE is not commercially available. Hence, attempts will be
made to indigenize technologies by collaborating with
1. About 95% of Deep Ocean remains unexplored.
leading institutes and private sector.
Oceans are storehouse of food, energy, minerals,
medicines, modulator of weather and climate and 9. Ocean mineral resources: Polymetallic nodules are
underpin life on Earth. source of critical minerals, deep sea fishing and
mining of methane hydrates.
2. Increasing depletion of land resources.
3. Ever-increasing demand for metals and minerals due
to increasing population, transition to green
technologies etc. have led to global interest in marine
mineral resources. Metals such as nickel, cobalt and
rare-earth metals play a crucial role in promoting
renewable energy technologies needed to curtail
global warming and environmental and social costs
often linked to existing terrestrial mining practices.
4. Gas hydrates deposits may contain roughly twice the
carbon contained in all reserves of coal, oil and
conventional natural gas combined.
5. The availability of these minerals on land is reducing.
6. Mining of polymetallic nodules gives us access to 3-4
minerals. This
7. In the context of global movement towards green
technologies, metals such as nickel and cobalt have a
central place. These minerals are not available in
India. Also, there is a global shortage for these
minerals at the global level as well. Thus, Thus,
exploring and harnessing
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CHALLENGES • These REEs are even used by future technologies
1. These technologies are often not shared by (such as temperature superconductivity, safe storage)
countries. Neither can they be bought on commercial and transportation of hydrogen after hydrocarbon
basis from private companies. economy, global warming, and energy efficiency).
2. Environmental consequences for deep ocean mining: • Rare earth elements are called so because they are
(a) Disturb the ocean floor destroying deep-sea habitats, available in trace amounts on Earth. Also, it is
leading to loss of species and fragmentation or loss
technically difficult to extract them from their oxides.
of ecosystem.
• China dominates the global rare-earth production. As
(b) Deep ocean mining can stir up fine sediments on the
tensions rise between the West and China, there is a
seafloor consisting of clay, silt and remains of
microorganisms creating plumes of suspended fear of disruption on rare earth metal supply chains.
particles. These sediment plumes may affect China produces 60% of world’s production.
ecosystems and species such as filter feeders that
depend on clean, clear water to feed such as krill and
whale sharks.
(c) Noise, vibrations and light pollution caused by mining
equipment and potential leaks and spills of fuel can
adversely affect marine biodiversity.
WAY FORWARD
1. International technology collaboration for
development of critical technologies.
2. Adequate budgetary support for the program.
3. India should expedite and apply for more area for
mining of deep ocean resources from the
International Seabed Authority.
4. Effective coordination and program of action should
be chalked out for the program.
5. Adequate steps should be taken to limit the adverse
effects of deep ocean mining on environment.
►RARE EARTH METALS

• They are a collection of 17 metal elements, including
15 lanthanides in the periodic table, plus scandium
and yttrium, their physical and chemical properties
are like lanthanides.
• 17 kinds of rare earth elements: cerium (Ce), dysprosium

INDIA'S CURRENT POLICY ON RARE EARTHS
(Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd),
holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium • India has world’s fifth largest reserves of rare-earth
(Nd), Pr (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), elements, despite that India’s imports its requirement
of rare earth metals from China. Most of India’s Rare
scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb)
Earth resources are found in Monazite sands found in
and yttrium (Y).
coastal areas.
• These minerals have unique magnetic, luminescent,
• Geological surveys in India are conducted by Bureau
and electrochemical properties, so they are used in
of Mines and Ministry of Atomic Energy is nodal
many modern technologies, including consumer
ministry for their production.
electronics, computers and networks,
• Mining and processing of rare earths are
communications, medical care, national defense, etc.
concentrated in the hands of IREL (India) Limited
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(formerly India Rare Earth Limited), a company owned Worldwide, desalination is seen as one possible answer
by the Ministry of Atomic Energy. to stave off water crisis. Maharashtra announced the
• IREL’s primary focus has been on exploitation of setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai, becoming
monazite sands from which thorium is extracted. the fourth state in the country to experiment with the
• India has granted government companies such as idea.

IREL the right to monopolize the main REE mineral Desalination Plants
monazite beach sand.
• A desalination plant transforms salt water into
• IREL mainly produces rare earth oxides low cost, low- drinking water.
reward upstream process. It sells rare earth oxides to
• Most common technology for interaction is reverse
foreign firms that extract metals and manufacture
assimilation where an external stress is applied to
high end products (high-cost, technology intensive,
push solvents from a high solute concentration space
high return downstream process) elsewhere.
to a low solute binding space through a layer.
WAY FORWARD
• Layers allow water particles to pass through but
1. India must open its rare earth mining and processing
release salt and pollutants, allowing the water to dry
industry for private sector. This will increase
out on the opposite side.
competition and innovation.
• Mainly installed in regions close to seawater.
2. A Dedicated Cell focusing of Rare Earths should be
created. This cell can focus on policy formulation, • Most used technique is reverse osmosis.
attracting investment and promoting R&D and allow 1. How widely is this technology used in India?
private sector companies to process beach and
• Desalination has largely been limited to affluent
minerals within appropriate environmental
countries in Middle East and has recently started
safeguards.
making inroads in parts of USA and Australia.
3. India could secure access to rare earth of strategic
• In India, Tamil Nadu has been pioneer by setting up
importance by offering viability gap funding to
companies to set up facilities in the upstream sector. two desalination plants near Chennai. The two plants
supply 100 million liters a day each to Chennai. Two
4. Focus should be on developing downstream industry
more plants are expected to be set up in Chennai.
rare earth metals processing industry in India. For ex
those manufacturing magnets and batteries. • Gujarat has announced to set up a 100 MLD RO plant
5. Coordinate with other agencies to partner directly at the Jodiya coast in Jamnagar district.
with groupings such as QUAD, building up a strategic • There are proposals to set up desalination plants in
reserve as a buffer against global supply crisis. Dwarka, Kutch, Dahej, Somnath, Bhavnagar and
6. India has entered into an agreement with Japan for Pipavav, which are all coastal areas in Gujarat. Andhra
development of Rare Earth Metals. This needs to Pradesh, too, has plans of setting up a plant.
materialize in actual production and processing
►DESALINATION PLANTS
Desalination is being proposed as an innovative solution
to meet India’s water challenges especially in coastal
areas surrounded by salty sea water. Chennai is already
using desalinated water.
Desalination has largely been limited to affluent
countries in the Middle East and has recently started
making inroads in parts of the United States and
Australia. In India, Tamil Nadu has been the pioneer in
using this technology.
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Limitations of desalination in harnessing potable water direction towards sea, where they poison life of plants
from the sea and creatures.
Design of such plants must consider several limitations, • Health Concerns: Desalination is certainly not a
for example, salt levels in the source water that will be culminating innovation, and desalinated water can
treated, energy required for the treatment and the also be harmful to human well-being. The results of
removal of the salt back into the ocean. synthetic compounds used in desalination can pass
• Energy intensive: To get rid of necessary salt, there through "unaltered" water and endanger those who
must be a power source, whether it is a power plant drink it. Desalinated water can also be acidic for both
or a diesel or battery source. Estimates put this at lines and structures related to the stomach.
about 4 units of power per 1000 liters of water.
• Hyper-salinity: Reverse osmosis plants release highly
saline water along the coast adversely affecting
coastal biodiversity especially fisheries such as
shrimp, sardines and mackerel. Hyper salt along
shore affects minnows, which are the main food for a
long time of these species of fish.
• Danger to sea life: Additionally, high-voltage motors
supposed to draw seawater end up sucking up small
fish and living things, pounding and killing them,
again a dearth of marine heritage.
• Wastage of land and freshwater: Development of 2. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
reverse osmosis plants requires groundwater
• Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification
reserves. It was fresh water that was sucked in and
technology that uses a semi-permeable membrane to
has since been supplanted by salt water, making it
eliminate larger particles of drinking water.
unsuitable for residents around desalination plants.
• In reverse osmosis, an applied pressure is used to
• Expensive: Desalination is expensive and water
overcome osmotic pressure so that pure water flows
supplied is just as exorbitant. Given India's poor
from a region of high solute concentration
population, desalination may not work. Speculation is
(hypertonic) through a semi-permeable membrane to
needed to set up the installation, energy
a region of low solute concentration (hypotonic).
requirements and waste disposal.
3. Applications of Reverse Osmosis (RO)
• Waste Disposal: Desalination requires pre-treatment
• Sea Water Desalination
and cleaning of synthetic compounds, which are
added to water before desalination. These synthetics • Pharmaceutical Water Purification
are used only for a limited time. These synthetics • Bottled Water Production
when discarded, become a significant concern. These • Wastewater Recycling
synthetic compounds regularly discover their
• Car washes 'Spot Free' rinse
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• Medical Device Manufacturing • Policy outlines strategies for strengthening India’s STI
• Rural Water Purification ecosystem to achieve larger goal of Atmanirbhar
Bharat.
• Brackish Well Water Desalination
• Laboratory Water Purification
• Food Products and Cosmetic Products
• Industrial Water Purification
Excessive spending, energy consumption and danger to
fishing and the sea should cause the nets to think about
desalination in response. Conservation and reuse
programs are generally significantly cheaper and safer
options than building desalination plants. By using
efficient decisions about water items, without any
penance for the quality of workmanship of the items, we
HIGHLIGHTS OF STIP
can help ration our most precious commodity.
• Open Science Framework to provide access to
scientific data, information, knowledge, and resources
►NATIONAL SCIENCE to everyone in the country.
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION • Bulk subscriptions and free access for all: Keeping in
mind ‘One Nation, One Subscription,’ the STIP
POLICY
envisions free access to all journals, Indian and
Draft 5th National Science Technology and Innovation Policy foreign, for every Indian against a centrally negotiated
has been finalized and is now available for public payment mechanism.
consultation. The aim of the scientific policy is to “encourage
• Participation of women and the LGBTQ community in
individual initiative for the acquisition and dissemination of
science and education: To address the issue of
knowledge, and for the discovery of new knowledge, in an
inclusion and equity in a holistic way, an Indian
atmosphere of academic freedom.”
version of the Athena SWAN Charter (a global
PHILOSOPHY OF DRAFT STIP framework to support gender equality in higher
• Unlike previous STI policies which were largely top- education and research, especially in science,
driven, fifth national STI policy (STIP) follows core technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine)
principles of being decentralized, evidence-informed, is needed. STIP has made recommendations such as
bottom-up, experts-driven, and inclusive. o Mandatory positions for excluded groups in
• It aims to be dynamic, with a robust policy academics.
governance mechanism that includes periodic review, o 30% representation of women in
evaluation, feedback, adaptation and a timely exit selection/evaluation committees and decision-
strategy for policy instruments. making groups.
VISION OF STI POLICY o Addressing issues related to career breaks for
• STIP will be guided by the vision of positioning India women by considering academic age rather than
among the top three scientific superpowers in the biological/physical age.
decade to come with technological self-reliance. o A dual recruitment policy for couples; and o
• Attract, nurture, strengthen, and retain critical human institutionalization of equity and inclusion by
capital through a people centric STI ecosystem. establishing an Office of Equity and Inclusion, etc.
FUNDING IN R&D
• Double number of full-time equivalent (FTE)
researchers, gross domestic expenditure on R&D STIP has made some recommendations, such as
(GERD) and private-sector contribution to GERD every • Expansion of the STI funding landscape at the central
five years. and state levels.
• Build individual and institutional excellence in STI with • Enhanced incentivization mechanisms for leveraging
the aim of reaching the highest levels of global the private sector’s R&D participation through
recognition and awards in the coming decade. boosting financial support and fiscal incentives for
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industry and flexible mechanisms for public • Harks back to our constitutional obligation to
procurement; and “develop a scientific temper, humanism and the spirit
• Creative avenues for collaborative STI funding of inquiry and reform.” But it is silent on how this can
through a portfolio-based funding mechanism called be achieved when pseudoscience is deliberately
the Advanced Missions in Innovative Research propagated in the name of traditional science with
Ecosystem (ADMIRE) program to support distributed the help of government. Ex. proposal by Rashtriya
and localized collaborative mission-oriented projects Kamdhenu Aayog to conduct a national examination
through a long-term investment strategy. under the garb of ‘cow science.’
• A national STI Financing Authority, along with an STI WAY FORWARD

Development Bank, needs to be set up to direct long- Along with the problems that we are encountering
term investments in select strategic areas. today, we should focus on the kind of problems that we
LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC may encounter in future and be ready for that.
• There is a growing realization that science can • Science needs to be promoted at the grass root level;
address pressing problems of society, in sectors such science communication in regional languages should
as health, energy, and water. Science brought quick be promoted.
and effective solutions against challenge of Covid-19, • Catering the export market and making India a hub
by producing protective and diagnostic kits, and for new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, 5G etc.
developing vaccines. • To change the life of millions of people, the
• STIP draft focuses on need to adopt such learnings for government needs to collaborate with various
greater efficiency and synergy in future. stakeholders to focus on inculcating scientific
ISSUES WITH STIP temperament in everyone. The goal of the policy is to
make India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in all respects.
• 2013 STIP policy had similar aims but the 2020 draft
policy fails to discuss what we have achieved on these
fronts since then. For example, the 2013 policy aimed ►SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL
R&D investment in science to be 2% of GDP but it still RESPONSIBILITY GUIDELINES
hovers between 0.5% and 0.6% of the GDP.
Ministry of Science & Technology notified Scientific
• 2020 draft policy blames this on “inadequate private
Society Responsibility Guidelines to create a scientific
sector investment” and adds that “a robust cohesive
ecosystem with interconnections to create two-way
financial landscape remains at the core of creating an
engagement among science and society for driven
STI-driven Atmanirbhar Bharat.” This way,
scientific community building a self-reliant India.
Government is trying to shift the responsibility of
ABOUT SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
financing R&D to different agencies such as the
States, private enterprises, and foreign multinational The ethical obligation of knowledge workers in all fields
companies. of science and technology to voluntarily contribute their
knowledge and resources to the widest spectrum of
• Visualizes a ‘decentralized institutional mechanism’
stakeholders in society, in a spirit of service and
balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches, but
conscious reciprocity.
this intention is defeated, where new authorities,
observatories and centers have been proposed in NEED FOR SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
science administration. Decentralization of GUIDELINES
administrative architecture is essential, but we need • India made significant progress in science and
to explore practical option of providing more technology since independence.
autonomy to research and academic centers for • Recent achievements in scientific field:
financial management.
1. India is ranked third among countries in scientific
• As part of inculcating an inclusive culture in academia, publication as per National Science Foundation.
the document promises to tackle discriminations
2. As per Global Innovation Index, India is ranked
“based on gender, caste, religion, geography,
46th among most innovative economies.
language, disability and other exclusions and
inequalities.” It mentions more representation of 3. Third position in number of PhDs in science and
women and LGBTQ community but is silent on how engineering, size of higher education system and
we are to achieve their proportionate representation. startups.
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4. Considerable progress in quality of research • All knowledge workers would be sensitised by their
output, number of patents and women institutions and Anchor Scientific Institution about
participation in S&T. their ethical responsibility to contribute towards
• However, despite the progress, transfer of scientific betterment of society and achieving national
knowledge and its benefits to society remains a development and environmental goals.
concern. Thus, building a strong connection between • Every knowledge to contribute at least 10 person days
science and society assumes significance. in year towards SSR.
OBJECTIVES • SSR assessment cell in each institution including
Anchor Scientific Institution based on appropriate
To harness the potential that is latent in the country's
indicators.
scientific community to strengthen science and society
linkages, on a voluntary basis, to make the S&T • SSR activities to be incentivised at individual and
ecosystem vibrant. institutional level.
This primarily involves bridging society-science, science- • SSR activities to be given weightage in performance
science and science-society gaps, thereby bringing trust, evaluation of knowledge workers.
partnership and responsibility of science at an ACTIVITIES
accelerate pace towards achieving social goals. 1. Lectures by scientists in schools/college
Aimed at creating effective ecosystem for optimum use 2. Engagement and training
of existing assets to empower less endowed, 3. Interactive exhibits
marginalised and exploited sections of society by
4. Skills workshops
enhancing their capability, capacity and latent potential.
5. Sharing infrastructure and technology
• Science-Society connect: Facilitating inclusive and
6. Working with innovators
sustainable development by transferring benefits of
scientific work to meet existing and emerging societal BENEFITS OF SSR
needs. • Expanding domain of science and its benefits to the
• Science-science connect: Creating an enabling community.
environment for sharing of ideas and resources • Encouraging students into science through
within the knowledge ecosystem. handholding and nurturing their interest.
• Society-science connect: Collaborating with • Creating an opportunity of cooperation and sharing
communities to identify their needs and problems of S&T resources in laboratories with other
and develop scientific and technological solutions. researchers/universities.
Age old Lab to Land approach would be replaced by a • Providing training for skill development and
new age of Land (Experience) to Lab(Expertise) to upgrading scientific knowledge.
Land (Applications) (L3). • Helping MSMEs, Start-ups and informal sector
• Cultural change: Inculcating social responsibility enterprises in increasing their overall productivity.
among individuals and institutions practicing science, • Facilitating scientific intervention in rural innovation.
creating awareness about SSR within society and
• Empowering women disadvantaged and weaker
infusing scientific temperament into day-to-day social
sections through scientific intervention.
existence and interaction.
• Facilitating action towards addressing Technology
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTING SSR: Vision 2035 & SDG such as water, ecology, health and
• All Central and State Ministries would plan and livelihood.
strategize their SSR in accordance with their
mandates.
►DRAFT NATIONAL DATA
• Every knowledge institution would prepare its
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
implementation plan in consultation with an
identified knowledge-based institution called 'Anchor POLICY
Scientific Institution (ASI)' for achieving its SSR goals This policy has been launched by Ministry of Electronics
and prepare its SSR code of conduct that ensures and IT (MEITY) to ensure that non-personal data and
transparency, diversity and equity. anonymised data from both Government and Private
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entities are safely accessible by research and innovation a. Applicable to all Government departments. Rules
eco-system. and Standards prescribed will cover all data
CONTEXT OF THE POLICY collected and managed by Government entities.
• Digitisation of government, governance and economy b. Applicable to all non-personal datasets, data and
are progressing at rapid pace in India. platform, rules, standards governing its access
and use by researchers and startups.
• India’s unique platformisation strategy has helped to
transform public service delivery and governance at c. State governments will be encouraged to adopt
scale through public digital platforms. These public this policy.
digital platforms are • Improve framework for government data sharing,
o empowering citizens promoting principles around privacy and security by
design, encouraging use of anonymisation tools and
o enhancing government-citizen engagement
ensuring equitable access to non-personal data for
o driving data-driven governance
both public and private sector.
o leading to inclusive development.
INTENDED BENEFITS
• This accelerated digitisation is leading to exponential 1. Accelerate Digital Governance.
increase in volume and velocity of data generated.
2. Standardised data management and security
This data can be used to improve citizen’s experience
standards across whole of government.
and engagement with the government and
governance. 3. Accelerate creation of common standard based public
digital platforms while ensuring privacy, safety and
• However, Digital Government data is currently
trust.
managed, stored and accessed by fragmented and
inconsistent ways leading to sub-optimal efficacy of 4. Standard APIs and other tech standards for Whole of
data-driven governance, preventing an innovative Government Data management and access.
ecosystem of data science, analytics and AI from 5. Promote transparency, accountability and ownership
emerging. in Non-personal data and datasets access. For
purposes of safety and trust, any non-personal data
• Data generated must be harnessed for more effective
sharing by any entity can be only via platforms
Digital Government, public good and innovation. This
designated and authorised by IDMO.
policy aims to realise the full potential of Digital
Government for maximising data-led governance and 6. Build a platform that will allow Dataset requests to be
catalysing data-based innovation transforming received and processed.
government services and their delivery especially in 7. Build Digital Government goals and capacity,
socially important areas of agriculture, healthcare, law knowledge and competency in Government
& justice, education etc. departments.
• The policy launches non-personal data-based 8. Set quality standards; promote expansion of India
Datasets program and addresses methods and rules Datasets program and overall non-personal Datasets
to ensure that non-personal data and anonymised ecosystem.
data from both Government and Private entities are 9. Greater citizen awareness, participation and
safely accessible by Research & Innovation engagement.
ecosystem. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY An India Data Management Office (IDMO) shall be set
• Transform and modernise Government data under Digital India Corporation under Meity.
collection and management processes and systems Functions of IDMO:
for improving governance through a whole of • Framing, managing and periodically reviewing and
government approach towards data-led governance. revising the policy.
• Enable vibrant AI and Data led research and start-up • Developing rules and standards under this policy.
ecosystem by creating a large repository of India
• Formulate all data/datasets/metadata rules,
Datasets.
standards in consultation with ministries, States and
• Applicability: industry.
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• Design and manage the India Datasets platform that • Rights related to copyright include those of
will process requests and provide access to non- performing artists in their performances, producers
personal and anonymised datasets to researchers of phonograms in their recordings, and broadcasters
and startups. in their radio and television programs.
• Standardise data management by building up PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTELLECTUAL
capacity in each ministry. PROPERTY
• Accelerate inclusion of non-personal datasets housed The reasons are:
with ministries and private companies into India • Progress and well-being of humanity rest on its
Datasets Program. capacity to create and invent new works in the areas
• Encourage data and AI based Research, startup of technology and culture.
ecosystems by working with Digital India Start-up hub. • Legal protection of new creations encourages the
• Every department/ministry to have Data Management commitment of additional resources for further
Units headed by Chief Data Officer (CDO) who will innovation.
work in coordination with IDMO. • Intellectual property system helps strike a balance
• IDMO shall be staffed at DIC by a dedicated between the interests of innovators and the public
government data management and analytics unit. interest, providing an environment in which creativity
CONCERNS and invention can flourish for the benefit of all.
• Inadequate emphasis of the policy on ensuring • Promotion and protection of intellectual property
privacy of citizens. spurs economic growth, creates new jobs and
industries.
• Creation of datasets can lead to profiling of citizens.
• Strong protection of IPR leads to more inflow of FDI in
• IDMO should be given a statutory basis.
developing countries.
• Statutory challenges such as Aadhar Act prohibits use
CHALLENGES IN INDIA’S IPR REGIME
of Aadhar data for other purposes.
• Considerably low number of patents granted in India
• A comprehensive data protection law on the
as compared to China or USA.
recommendations of B N Sri Krishna Committee and
Global best practices should be enacted. • Major share (64%) of patents filed in India is by non-
residents or foreign entities.
• Government may lack the human resource and
technical capacity to implement the policy. • R&D expenditure in India is a meager 0.7% of GDP.
This R&D expenditure is mostly concentrated in public
CONCLUSION
and educational sector. Businesses and private
NDGFP is the first building block of digital government companies’ expenditure on R&D is dismal.
architecture that will maximize data-driven governance.
• IP crimes including counterfeiting & piracy are rising
This will lead to greater scope for better, informed
threats to IPRs which should be deftly handled by
decision making, enhanced program evaluation and
appropriate measures.
more efficient delivery of public services.
• Vacancies in Patent Office.
• IP Appellate Board (IPAB) has been abolished by the
►INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation & Conditions of
RIGHTS Service) Ordinance, 2021.
• Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: • IP financing ecosystem has not been given adequate
inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, importance.
names and images used in commerce. Intellectual • Lack of awareness which leads to frequent violation
property is divided into two categories: and disregard for IPR laws.
• Industrial Property includes patents for inventions, TYPES OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
trademarks, industrial designs and geographical
A patent protects an invention. It gives
indications. Copyright covers literary works (such as
Patents the holder an exclusive right to prevent
novels, poems and plays), films, music, artistic works
(Patents Act, others from selling, making and using
(e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs and
1970) the patented invention for a certain
sculptures) and architectural design.
period (typically 20 years from filing
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date). 4. An exclusive apex level institution for IPR
development should be established.
5. Introduction of ‘Patent Pending’ status for
innovations which have been filed with patent offices
but have not been conferred patent.
Copyright protects the expression of 6. IP backed financing: Commercialisation of IPRs needs
Copyright literary or artistic work. Protection to be promoted.
(Copyright arises automatically giving the holder 7. IP Crimes, focus on enforcement and adjudication: (a)
Act, 1957) the exclusive right to control Capacity building of IP enforcement agencies
reproduction or adaptation. including strengthening of IPR cells in Police.
A trademark is a distinctive sign which Establishment of a Central Coordination Body on IP
Trademarks is used to distinguish the products or Enforcement for enforcement of IP laws to check IP
services of one business from others. crimes. (b) Specific legislation to curb counterfeiting
(Trademarks
Trademarks are often closely linked to and piracy should be enacted. (c) Dedicated benches
Act, 1999)
brands. in High Courts for IP matters.
8. IP audit should be conducted for assessing IPR
Protects the form of outward
Design potential in specific sectors which would help in
appearance or aesthetic style of an
(Designs Act, formulating targeted IPR programs.
object Does not protect functionality or
2000) 9. Holistic review of National IPR Policy needs to be
unseen (internal) design elements.
undertaken in view of new and emerging trends of
Database right prevents copying of innovation, research and root out existing challenges.
substantial parts of a database. The
CONCLUSION
protection is not over the form of
Database An inclusive and balanced IPR ecosystem needs
expression of information but of the
information itself, but in many other emphasis on both formal and informal innovation,
aspects database right is like copyright instilling a culture of IPR along with improvisation and
streamlining of legislative, administrative, adjudicative
A trade secret is a formula, practice, and enforcement mechanisms.
process, design or compilation of
A strong IPR regime consistent with larger public interest
information used by a business to
Trade secrets would play an instrumental role in spurring economic,
obtain an advantage over competitors.
technological, and industrial growth of the country.
Trade secrets are not disclosed to the
world at large.
►NATIONAL IPR POLICY
STEPS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN
A comprehensive National IPR policy was adopted in
Recently, Parliament Standing Committee on commerce
2016 to stimulate innovation and creativity across
recommended the following measures for strengthening
sectors and providing a clear vision regarding IPR issues.
India’s IPR ecosystem.
OBJECTIVES
1. Comprehensive study on benefits of improvement of
1. IPR Awareness, Outreach & Promotion: To create
IPRs ecosystem on the economy.
public awareness about the economic, social and
2. Focus on R&D: Increasing spending on R&D activities cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society.
in both public and private sector. Specific allocation 2. To stimulate generation of IPRs.
for R&D should be done by each ministry. Incentives
3. Legal and legislative framework: To have strong and
should be provided to private sector for undertaking
effective IPR laws, which balance interests of rights’
R&D. Every industry with certain specified turnover owners with larger public interest.
may be directed to put funds under CSR for R&D
4. Administration and Management: To modernise and
activities.
strengthen service oriented IPR administration.
3. Industry-Academia partnership for research and 5. Commercialisation of IPRs: Get value for IPRs
innovation: Catapult system of UK needs to be
6. Strengthen enforcement and adjudication for
emulated.
combating IPR infringements.
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MISCELLANEOUS
7. Strengthen and expand human resources, institutions languages, namely, English, Japanese, French, German
and capacities for teaching, training, research and skill and Spanish with help of information technology and
building in IPRs. an innovative classification system – Traditional
Knowledge Resource Classification (TKRC). Currently,
►BIOPIRACY 3.6 lakh formulations have been documented into
NEED TO PROTECT TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TKDL database.
• Traditional knowledge is a valuable yet vulnerable • TKRC has structured and classified the Indian
asset to indigenous and local communities who Traditional Medicinal System into several thousand
depend on it for livelihood and healthcare needs. subgroups of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Yoga.
• Globally too there has been renewed interest in the • TKRC enabled incorporation of traditional knowledge
use of traditional medicine increasing its vulnerability into International Patent Classification has enhanced
to exploitation. the quality of search and examination of prior art with
respect to patent applications in the field of TK.
• Traditional knowledge related to treatment of various
diseases has provided leads for development of • TKDL has also set international specifications and
biologically active molecules. standards for setting up of TK databases based on
TKDL specifications. This has been adopted by WIPO.
• Indian traditional knowledge exists in languages such
as Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabia, Urdu, Tamil etc. and that • It acts as a bridge between books of Indian Systems of
too in ancient local dialects that are no more in Medicine (prior art) & international patent examiners.
practice. Thus, public Indian TK literature is neither • Access to TKDL is available to 13 Patent Offices
accessible nor understood by patent examiners at internationally under TKDL Access (Non-disclosure)
international patent offices. Agreement.
• Formulations used for treatment of diseases in TK • Pre-patent grant oppositions are being filed by TKDL
systems are time-tested and have been practice for at various International Patent Offices, along with
centuries. Reliability of traditional medicine systems prior art evidence from TKDL. So far more than 230
coupled with absence of such information with patent patent applications have either been set
offices, provides an easy opportunity for interlopers aside/withdrawn based on prior art evidence present
for getting patents on these therapeutic formulations in the TKDL database without any cost.
derived from traditional medicine systems. • Thus, TKDL is proving to be an effective deterrent
• Examples (i) Grant of Patent for healing properties of against bio-piracy and has been recognized
Turmeric in US. (ii) Grant of patent to basmati rice. internationally as a unique effort.
These incidents flagged the danger of complacence in • It has set a benchmark in TK protection globally,
proactively guarding traditional knowledge. particularly in TK rich countries, by demonstrating
• Revocation of patents once granted may not be advantages of proactive action & power of
feasible since it involves huge costs and time. deterrence. Preventing grant of wrong patents by
• Time, effort and money spent on revocation of ensuring access to TK related prior art for patent
turmeric patent at US Patent Office highlighted need examiners without restricting use of traditional
for a proactive mechanism for TK protection. knowledge.
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE DIGITAL LIBRARY (TKDL)

• TKDL is an initiative of India to protect Indian ►UTILITY MODEL OF PATENTS
traditional knowledge and prevent its
India spends only around 0.7% of its GDP on Research
misappropriation at International Patent Offices.
and Development (R&D). The Economic Survey 2019-20
• An initiative of CSIR and AYUSH Ministry.
has highlighted the need for increasing the investment
• Aims to make it easier for international patent offices in R&D to boost innovation and become $ 5 trillion
to access non-patent literature databases on economy. Accordingly, there is a need for introduction of
traditional knowledge of India. Utility Model (on the lines of Patents).
• It has overcome language and format barrier by UNDERSTANDING PATENT
systematically and scientifically converting and
• A Patent is a statutory right for an invention granted
structuring available content of the ancient texts on
for a limited period. Upon being granted the patent,
Indian medicinal systems into 5 international
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MISCELLANEOUS
the patent holder enjoys exclusive monopoly with models protect new technical inventions through
respect to making, using, or selling the patented granting a limited exclusive right to prevent others from
product/process for certain period. commercially exploiting the protected inventions
• The patents have been given protection under the without consents of the right holders.
WTO's Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Rights DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PATENT AND UTILITY MODEL
(TRIPS). Under this agreement, member countries 1. Requirement for acquiring Utility Model is less
must provide protection to Patents for a minimum stringent than Patent. Both Patent and Utility model
period of 20 years. Once a patent expires, the may have to fulfil the criteria of novelty, the criteria
invention enters the public domain and anyone can for inventive step may be lower or absent in case of
commercially exploit the invention without infringing Utility Model.
the patent.
2. The term of protection for utility models (which varies
• 3 Criteria for issuing Patents in India under Indian from 6 to 15 years in different countries) is lower
Patents Act, 1970 than that of Patents (minimum protection for 20
o It should be new or novel( that is, not be published years)
in India or elsewhere + no prior Public 3. The registration process for Utility models is simpler
KnowledgePublic Use in India) and faster in comparison to patents
o It must involve an inventive step( Technical 4. In some countries, utility model protection can only
advanced in comparison to existing knowledge + be obtained for certain fields of technology, such as
o non‐obvious to a person skilled in the relevant field mechanical devices and apparatus, and only for
of technology) products but not for processes.
o It should be capable of Industrial application. 5. Unlike Patents, there is no reference of Utility Models
UNDERSTANDING UTILITY MODEL in the Trade related aspects of Intellectual property
rights (TRIPS)
Some countries have adopted Utility Model to promote
and protect "minor inventions" which may not fulfil the WAY FORWARD
criteria for patent. In general, compared with patents, India should consider adopting Utility Model regime to
utility model systems require compliance with less promote incremental and minor innovations by the
stringent requirements (for example, lower level of MSMEs. This would help us foster and promote the
inventive step), have simpler procedures and offer innovation ecosystem in India.
shorter term of protection. Hence, like patents, utility
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Section-6
UCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
YEAR UPSC MAINS QUESTION
Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the
2017
advantage of fast breeder reactor program in India?
►BASICS OF NUCLEAR o The required raw materials — deuterium and

tritium — are easily available in the oceans.
NUCLEAR FISSION
o It creates huge amounts of energy—several
• Nucleus of an atom splits into two daughter nuclei. times greater than fission.
• This decay can be natural spontaneous splitting by o Nuclear fusion also does not produce any harmful
radioactive decay or can be simulated in a lab by radioactive waste and hence, is extremely
achieving necessary conditions (bombarding with environment friendly.
neutrons, alpha particles, etc.). • The hydrogen bomb is based on a thermonuclear
• The resulting fragments tend to have a combined fusion reaction. However, a nuclear bomb based on
mass which is less than the original. The missing the fission of uranium or plutonium is placed at the
mass is usually converted into nuclear energy. core of the hydrogen bomb to provide initial energy.
• Currently, all commercial nuclear reactors are based
on nuclear fission. ►GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF
NUCLEAR FUSION
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
• Nuclear Fusion is defined as the combining of two
1. Nuclear Medicine:
lighter nuclei into a heavier one.
a. Nuclear technology is applied to various
• Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of
branches of medicine: Oncology, cardiology,
energy in the Sun and other stars.
neurology, pneumology or pediatrics.
• It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to b. Medical professionals use diagnostic techniques
fuse. The conditions needed for this process are such as radio pharmaceuticals, scans or
extreme – millions of degrees of temperature and radioisotopes and apply radiotherapy
millions of Pascals of pressure. treatments that include X-rays as well as
o Nuclear fusion is arguably the best way for humans radiations from radio-active elements or
to generate energy. radiation producing equipment’s such as
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NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
accelerators. time without having to come to surface to energy
c. Used in sterilisation of medical equipment, learn supplies.
about biological processes with use of tracers or
study of properties of tumorous cells. BARC is
►NUCLEAR ENERGY IN INDIA
planning to develop a Research Reactor for
production of radioisotopes for nuclear India is fourth largest energy consumer in the world
medicines. (After USA, China and Russia). Still, India continues to
remain energy-poor.
2. Applications in Hydrology: Isotope hydrology is a
nuclear technique that uses both stable and As per Central Electricity Authority, India’s per capita
radioactive isotopes to follow the movements of the electricity consumption, computed as the ratio of the
water in the hydrologic cycle. These techniques help estimated total electricity consumption during the
research subterraneous freshwater resources and year 2014-15, stood at just over 1,000 kilowatt hours
determine their origin, their charge, whether there is as compared to developed countries which average
a risk of intrusion or contamination by salt water. around 15,000 kWh.
3. Sewage treatment: Nuclear technology is also Recently India has committed to the Nationally
employed in sustainable waste management. BARC Determined Contribution (NDC) of the United Nations
has set up a Technology Demonstration project Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“Sewage Sludge Hygienisation Plant” in Ahmedabad, This outlines its intent to scale up the country’s clean-
Gujarat. The plant is loaded with Cobalt-60 and is in energy capacity.
continuous operation since then. There are three important reasons to use nuclear
4. Food and agriculture: Radioisotope and radiation energy: It is clean, cheap and can provide electricity
techniques are used to improve the quality of food 24x7 (base load).
by inducing mutations in plants and seeds to obtain India said nuclear power remains an important option
desired crop varieties. Nuclear technology is also to meet the challenges of increased energy demand,
employed for pest control, increasing food address concerns about climate change and ensure
production and reducing fertiliser usage. Direct energy supply security.
irradiation of food reduces losses after harvest and To increase the nuclear energy production and
improves shelf life of food products. This technique expand the nuclear energy programs, IAEA along with
consumes less energy than conventional methods the support of the member states is needed. India has
and can replace or radically reduce the use of low reserves of uranium and high reserves of
additives and fumigants. (Ex. Employed to increase thorium.
shelf life of onions at Lasalgaon, Nashik,
India has also participated actively and exchanged
Maharashtra).
information on new developments and experience in
5. Applications in Industry: Use of isotopes and the field of fast reactors and related technologies
radiations in modern industry is highly important to during the International Conference on Fast Reactors
the development and improvement of processes, and Related Fuel Cycles held in the Russian Federation
measurement, automatization and quality control. in 2017.
Use cases: Used to obtain information that makes it
India currently has 21 operating nuclear reactors at
possible to extend its operative life and obtaining X-
six locations across the country, their combined
rays of the internal structure of certain pieces to
capacity totalling 5.8 GW. Its civil nuclear strategy has
check their quality.
proceeded largely without fuel or technological
6. Art: X-ray radiography makes it possible to get a assistance from other countries for more than 30
deep look at a work of art to determine artists years.
technique, change of composition, authenticity and
This was a result of its Peaceful Nuclear Explosion
age of art works.
(PNE) in 1974 and its voluntary exclusion from the
7. Space Exploration: Nuclear batteries are used in Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which led to India’s
space exploration as they can remain functional and isolation from trade in nuclear power plant materials.
active to power space missions over centuries. However, following the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
8. Strategic uses: Nuclear power submarines which India-specific agreement, civil nuclear cooperation
allow them to remain operational for long periods of agreements have since been signed with the US,
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NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
Russia, France, Australia and Kazakhstan, among Some of the latest nuclear power plants in India are the
other countries. Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant and the Tarapur
INDIA’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM Nuclear Power Plant.
India developed a three-stage nuclear power program KUNDAKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
formulated by Homi Bhabha in 1950s to secure the Largest nuclear power station in India, situated in
country’s long term energy independence, Kudankulam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
using uranium and thorium reserves found in
It is scheduled to have six VVER-1000 reactors with an
the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.
installed capacity of 6,000 MW of electricity.
The recent Indo-US Nuclear Deal increases the scope for
It has been built in collaboration with Atomstroy export,
civilian nuclear trade which increased significantly, and
the Russian state company and NPCIL.
the NSG waiver which was procured by India in 2005
ended more than three decades of international WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT ARE INFLUENCING
isolation of the Indian civil nuclear program. It also NUCLEAR POWER GROWTH?
created many unexplored alternatives for the success of Land requirements:
the three-stage nuclear power program.
Nuclear power projects require significant areas of
The three-stage nuclear program laid out what needs to land for operation.
be done to eventually use the country’s almost
According to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
inexhaustible Thorium resources.
(AERB) code, an area in the radius of 1.5 km, called
THREE-STAGE NUCLEAR PROGRAM exclusion zone, around the reactors is established
First stage: Creation of a fleet of ‘pressurised heavy where no human habitation is permitted. This area
water reactors’, which use scarce Uranium to produce forms the part of the project and included in the land
some Plutonium. acquired.
Second stage: Setting up of several ‘fast breeder Fuel Requirements:
reactors’ (FBRs). These FBRs would use a mixture of
India operates a closed fuel cycle designed to make
Plutonium and reprocessed ‘spent Uranium from the
maximum use of its limited uranium resources.
first stage, to produce energy and more Plutonium
Having low reserves of uranium and high reserves of
(hence ‘breeder’), because the Uranium would
transmute into Plutonium. Alongside, the reactors thorium, this strategy of reprocessing and recycling of
would convert some of the Thorium into Uranium- uranium and plutonium would also lead to optimum
233, which can also be used to produce energy. resource utilisation. Uranium is one of the most
important materials required for production of
Third Stage: After 3-4 decades of operation, the FBRs
nuclear energy.
would have produced enough Plutonium for use in
the ‘third stage’. In this stage, Uranium-233 would be Spent fuel, that is, residue left after the production of
used in specially-designed reactors to produce energy nuclear energy is a crucial resource and should not be
and convert more Thorium into Uranium-233—you treated as waste for disposal.
can keep adding Thorium endlessly. The closed fuel cycle requires reprocessing of the
PRESENT STATE OF INDIA’S ENERGY PROGRAMME spent fuel to separate uranium and plutonium for
After almost five decades of operating pressurized reuse.
heavy-water reactors (PHWR), India is now ready to India’s first reprocessing plant was established in
start the second stage. 1964 at Trombay. Currently India has three operating
A 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at reprocessing plants based on the Plutonium Uranium
Kalpakkam has been set up. Redox Extraction (PUREX) technology at Trombay,
Experts, however, estimate that it would take India many Tarapur and Kalpakkam. They are operated by the
more FBRs and at least another four decades before it Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
has built up a sufficient fissile material inventory to Manufacturing needs:
launch the third stage.
A domestic manufacturing base is required for energy
According to a report by the Central Electrical Agency, production in India. It has covered most of all the supply
India’s 6,780 MW of nuclear power plants contributed to
chain of materials required for building a nuclear power
less than 3% of the country’s electricity generation.
plant.
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NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
The cost as well as the capability of these materials carbon and other harmful pollutants. Example: CNG,
needs to be scaled up. HCNG.
Manpower needs:
To scale up nuclear energy in India, human resource ►NUCLEAR FUSION
for nuclear engineering is paramount.
A team at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility near
As per a DAE projection exercise done in 2006, it was Oxford in central England generated 59 megajoules
estimated that to replace retiring personnel and of sustained energy using nuclear fusion.
provide manpower for expansion of the programme
• The energy was produced in a machine called a
in the coming decade, it would be necessary to train
tokamak, a doughnut-shaped apparatus.
and recruit about 700 scientists and engineers every
year in R&D units and about 650 engineers every year o A tokamak is a machine that confines a plasma
in public sector and industrial units. using magnetic fields in a donut shape that
scientists call a torus.
India currently faces a shortfall in nuclear scientists
and engineers. • Deuterium and tritium, which are isotopes of
hydrogen, were heated to temperatures 10 times
ISSUES RELATED WITH NUCLEAR ENERGY
hotter than the centre of the sun to create plasma.
All nuclear reactors produce radioactive waste
• This was held in place using superconductor
materials because each fission event involving nuclei
electromagnets as it spins around, fuses and releases
of uranium or plutonium gives rise to radioactive
tremendous energy as heat.
elements called fission products. Some of these
remain radioactive for hundreds of thousands of NUCLEAR FUSION REACTION
years. Despite decades of research, nuclear waste • Nuclear fusion is a kind of nuclear reaction in which
remains an unavoidable long-term problem for the there is combining of several small nuclei into one
environment. large nucleus.
Nuclear reactors are also capable of catastrophic • The process results in release of enormous amount of
accidents, as witnessed in Fukushima and Chernobyl. energy.
A single nuclear disaster can contaminate large tracts • In a sense it is the opposite of nuclear fission, where
of land with radioactive materials, rendering these heavy a isotope is split into smaller ones.
areas uninhabitable for decades. As per recent reports
• Nuclear fusion is the mode of energy generation in
by the UN, more than 30 years after the accident at
the sun. The extreme pressure produced by its
Chernobyl, about 650,000 acres are still excluded
immense gravity and very high temperature creates
from inhabitation.
the conditions for fusion to take place.
The cost of nuclear energy is such that it cannot be
• Fusion reactions take place in the plasma state – the
sold commercially below at least ₹7 a unit. Nuclear
5th state of matter. Plasma is a hot, charged fluid
power is thus very high priced as compared to solar
made of fast moving positive ions and free-moving
energy and other clean forms of energy.
electrons.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AVAILABLE
• Plasma state make it possible for two nuclei to come
Solar Power: Solar power is abundant, inexhaustible, closer together and get fused.
and arguably best known of alternative energy sources.
Most common method of harnessing this energy is
through solar panels that convert sunlight to electricity
that is then distributed to the end user. It can be used in
areas in India which cannot be covered by the electricity
grid and is also being incentivised by the government.
Natural Gas: Natural gas can also be used as an
alternative source of transport fuel and has several
advantages over oil, which is the typical fossil fuel that is
currently refined into gasoline. Natural gas emits less
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SIGNIFICANCE OF NUCLEAR FUSION Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Kolkata, took the
• Enormous amount of energy: It releases nearly 10 lead in nuclear fusion research in India.
million times more energy than a chemical reaction • The IPR owns two operational tokamaks –
such as the burning of coal, oil or gas and four times ADITYA and Steady-State Tokamak (SST)-1.
as much as nuclear fission reactions, at equal mass. o ADITYA Tokamak: It is the first indigenously
• Environmentally friendly: as the technology does not designed and built tokamak of the country. In 1989
lead to any greenhouse gas emission. Its major by- it was able to sustain a plasma temperature for 0.4
product is helium: an inert, non-toxic gas. seconds. In 2016, the tokamak was upgraded, and
• Sustainable supply of fuel: Fusion fuels are widely it has been in the experimental phase since then.
available and nearly inexhaustible. Deuterium can be o SST-1: IPR is in the process of design and
distilled from all forms of water, while tritium will be fabrication of SST-1. Its objectives are:
produced during the fusion reaction as fusion  Studying the physics of the plasma processes in
neutrons interact with lithium. tokamak under steady-state conditions
• No radioactive waste: Nuclear fusion reactors  Learning technologies related to the steady-
produce no high activity, long-lived nuclear waste. state operation of the tokamak.
• Encourage space exploration – eg: mineral mining ITER PROJECT
and prospecting for He-3.
• ITER project was initiated in 1988. India became a
• Diffusion of Innovation – in terms of better material member of the ITER project in 2005.
design, control systems, encouragement to semi-
• Institute for Plasma Research, under Department of
conductor manufacturing, cooling design,
Atomic Energy, is the institution representing India in
development of nano-technology etc
the project.
• Social justice – nuclear fusion will bring abundant
• ITER's stated mission is to demonstrate feasibility of
supply of electricity resulting, rural electrification,
fusion power as a large-scale, carbon-free source of
minimising rural-urban divide and balanced region
energy. More specifically, project has aims to:
growth.
Momentarily produce a fusion plasma with thermal
• No security issue: power ten times greater than injected thermal power.
o Limited risk of proliferation: Fusion doesn't employ • India is building many components of ITER reactor as
fissile materials like uranium and plutonium a member country, as well as conducting several
(Radioactive tritium is neither a fissile nor a experiments and R&D activities relevant to project.
fissionable material).
• Until date, country has delivered the project with
o No risk of meltdown: It is difficult enough to reach cryostats, in-wall shielding, cooling water systems,
and maintain the precise conditions necessary for cryogenic systems, ion-cyclotron RF heating systems,
fusion—if any disturbance occurs, the plasma cools electron cyclotron RF heating systems, diagnostic
within seconds and the reaction stops. neutral beam systems, and power supply.
• International relation: of India with other countries
will be strengthened. India is part of International
►NUCLEAR TRIAD
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
Assembly. The ITER members include China, the INTRODUCTION
European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia India's 1999 Draft Nuclear Doctrine had stated that its
and the United States. nuclear forces would be based on a triad of aircraft,
INITIATIVES BY GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE FUSION mobile land-based missiles and sea-based assets. The
TECHNOLOGY summary of the official Nuclear Doctrine of 2003 also
mentioned about maintaining a credible minimum
• In the first ‘Atoms for Peace’ meeting in Geneva in
deterrence, a posture of 'No First Use'. Hence India has
1955, Homi J. Bhabha showed his conviction on
worked for development of Nuclear Triad.
thermonuclear fusion and the energy source of
future. ABOUT NUCLEAR TRIAD
• The Institute for Plasma Research (IPR) in Nuclear Triad essentially has three major components-
Gandhinagar and the Hot Plasma Project at Saha the strategic bombers, Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles
(ICBMs) and Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles
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NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
(SLBMs) for the purpose of delivering a nuclear weapon. High level Defence Committees and Task Forces has
The reason for having such three branched capability is recommended appointment of a full time “Chief or
to significantly reduce the possibility of the destruction Defence Staff”, or “Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee”,
of the entire nuclear architecture of the state in the first who will hold charge of the Nuclear “Strategic Forces
nuclear strike by the enemy itself. The triad provides the Command” and report to the political authority, but still
potency to the country which has been under the it has not been implemented.
nuclear attack to respond swiftly by nuclear means. Such WAY FORWARD
system essentially increases the deterrence potential of
Successful completion of nuclear triad has enhanced
the state’s nuclear forces.
India's strategic position.
This triad fundamentally represents the three basic
To become a full-fledged nuclear triad power, India will
deliveries platform for nuclear weapons, such as system
have to be more diligent and efficient to master complex
like Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), Transporter Erector
technological advancements needed to construct bigger
Launcher (TEL), Rail-mobile launcher etc. for land-based
SSBNs with longer range missiles.
fighters and strategic bombers for air-based and under
water submarines for sea based. Strengthen its command-and-control system, duly
supported with continuous budgetary allocations.
SIGNIFICANCE
Shorten timelines wherever possible, including retaining
India earlier had the capabilities to launch nuclear
key personnel having requisite expertise.
weapons from the Air, mounted largely on its Mirage
2000 and Jaguar Aircraft, and by land-based missiles, Learn from experience of some of the fully operational
nuclear triad powers.
ranging from its Agni 1 missile, with a range 700-900 km,
to Agni 5 Missiles, with a range of 5500 km. Its aim has PPP should continue, and private companies should be
been to develop a “credible nuclear deterrent”, with encouraged to join in this nuclear project.
capabilities to deliver nuclear weapons from multiple
NO FIRST USE POLICY OF INDIA
locations on land, air and sea, to all strategic areas and
India’s nuclear doctrine can be summarized as follows:
centres, in its two nuclear-armed neighbours —China
and Pakistan. • Building and maintaining a credible minimum
deterrent which refers to the quantity of nuclear
With a SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear
forces that India needs to deter potential nuclear
ARIHANT) in place, it means that a fully functional
adversaries.
ballistic missile becomes a strategic weapon which can
fire missiles from ocean at very long ranges. Its • A posture of "No First Use" nuclear weapons will only
advantage over land and air missile delivery platforms is be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on
that it can remain undetected for a long time. SSBN can Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere.
strike a deadly blow to an adversary, firing ballistic • Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and
missiles deep into his territory from afar. designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
By strengthening the second-strike capability, it also • Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by
shows that with the completion of India's nuclear triad, the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear
massive retaliation to inflict unacceptable damage in Command Authority. The Nuclear Command
event of a nuclear attack is now real. Authority comprises a Political Council and an
GOVERNANCE ISSUES Executive Council. The Political Council is chaired by
the Prime Minister. It is the sole body which can
India has a well-organised, streamlined nuclear
authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
command structure headed by Prime Minister & Cabinet
Committee on Security; it needs to address serious • Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear
issues on archaic structure of its Ministry of Defence. weapon states. However, in the event of a major
Most importantly, the key military figure in the Nuclear attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by
Command structure is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the
of Staff Committee, who generally holds office for less option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.
than a year. This is hardly the time adequate for him to • A continuance of strict controls on export of nuclear
become fully familiar the complexities of our Strategic and missile related materials and technologies,
Nuclear Command. participation in the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
negotiations, and continued observance of the
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NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
moratorium on nuclear tests.
• Continued commitment to the goal of a nuclear
weapon free world, through global, verifiable and
non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
ADVANTAGES OF NO FIRST USE
• It obviates the need for the expensive nuclear
weapons infrastructure that is associated with a first-
use doctrine.
• The onus of escalation to a nuclear War is on the
adversary, without preventing India from defending
itself. This prevents India from shouldering the moral
responsibility of initiating a nuclear War.
• India to keep its weapons disassembled, thus averting
the need for systems such as Permissive Action Links,
which are necessary to maintain control over nuclear
weapons if they are stored ready to fire.
• NFU will prevent India from acting against an
imminent nuclear attack; however, pre-emptive strike
would not prevent retaliation. Also, it is always
possible that an adversary might decide not to launch
a nuclear attack at the very last moment but that a
pre-emptive strike will force them to retaliate.
CRITIQUE OF NO FIRST USE
• NFU posture is only possible for a country that has
extreme confidence not only in the survivability of its
national nuclear forces sufficient to muster a
devastating retaliatory strike, but also in the efficacy
of its crisis management system. Crisis management
is not India’s forte as seen during 26/11 attacks. The
Indian bureaucratic system is yet to show capability of
handling any emergency as dire as a nuclear strike.
• India's NFU policy frees Pakistan from fearing an
Indian nuclear attack to either terrorism or limited
war. Pakistan could deploy Tactical nuclear weapons
in limited theatres without fear that India might attack
them with nuclear weapons. NFU is a confidence
building measure among States; however, no country
practically believes those that pledge NFU. China has
pledged NFU, yet India will not trust China's pledge
and similarly, Pakistan does not believe in India's NFU
pledge.
• Countries that have pledged NFU such as India and
China, while countries that haven’t such as Pakistan
have the same deployment pattern of weapons
during peace time and War time.
• India is a responsible nuclear power. A NFU means
that India is not capable of deciding when to use
nuclear weapons.
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Section-7
ONTRIBUTIONS OF
INDIAN SCIENTISTS
How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in
2019
the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively?
Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it
2018
revolutionized the field of Physics.
• He was one of the first to synthesize 123 cuprates, the

►C N R RAO
first liquid nitrogen-temperature superconductor in
• Rao is an Indian chemist who has worked mainly in 1987.
solid-state and structural chemistry.
• He was also the first to synthesis Y junction carbon
• Rao is one of the world’s foremost solid state and nanotubes in the mid-1990s.
materials chemists.
• His work has led to a systematic study of
• He has contributed to the development of the field compositionally controlled metal-insulator transitions.
over five decades.
• Such studies have had a profound impact in
• CNR Rao has been conferred with India’s highest application fields such as colossal magnetoresistance
civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. He recently received and high-temperature superconductivity.
that Energy Frontiers Award which is the Noble Prize
• He has made immense contributions to
of Energy Transition Research.
nanomaterials over the last two decades, besides his
HIS SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS work on hybrid materials.
• His work on transition metal oxides has led to a basic CITATIONS FOR THE ENERGY FRONTIERS AWARD
understanding of novel phenomena and the
• Professor Rao has been working on hydrogen energy
relationship between materials properties and the
as the only source of energy for the benefit of all
structural chemistry of these materials.
mankind.
• Rao was one of the earliest to synthesize two-
• Hydrogen storage, photochemical and
dimensional oxide materials such as La2CuO4.
electrochemical production of hydrogen, solar
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CONTRIBUTIONS OF INDIAN SCIENTISTS

production of hydrogen, and non-metallic catalysis 4. LCA Tejas: He was deeply involved with the
were the highlights of his work. development of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA
• The EF award has been conferred for his work on Tejas) and became first Indian Head of State to fly a
metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, and other materials fighter plane.
and two-dimensional systems, including graphene, 5. Kalam-Raju stent: Dr Kalam collaborated with B.
boron-nitrogen-carbon hybrid materials, and Soma Raju for the development of 'Kalam-Raju stent'
molybdenum sulfide (Molybdenite – MoS2) for energy for coronary heart disease. This indigenously
applications and green hydrogen production. developed stent helped reduce import dependence
• Green hydrogen production can be achieved through of Indians suffering from coronary heart disease on
various processes, including the photo dissociation of imported stents. These stents were also cheaper and
water, thermal dissociation, and electrolysis activated made healthcare more accessible for many Indians.
by electricity produced from solar or wind energy. 6. Kalam-Raju Tablet: Dr Kalam and Dr Soma Raju again
collaborated to design a rugged tablet for better
►A P J ABDUL KALAM health care administration in the rural pockets of the
A P J Abdul Kalam has been lovingly called the People's country.
President. But before being a statesman, Dr. Kalam
played a very important role in the development of ►C V RAMAN
India's science and technology fields. He was involved
C V Raman was an Indian scientist who worked in the
with ISRO, DRDO and India's nuclear tests.
field of light scattering.
1. India's first indigenous satellite launch vehicle: In the
1980s, India did not have its own satellite launch He was the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize in any
vehicle and was dependent on foreign countries to branch of science. (1930 Nobel Prize for Physics).
launch its satellites. Dr. Kalam was program director His contribution is even more exemplary as he
for the development of the indigenous satellite conducted all his research in India in utterly primary
launch vehicle at ISRO played a very important role in laboratories, with meager finance. Most of India’s later
India's SLV-III (Satellite Launch Vehicle) deploying Nobel laureates have been employed with foreign
Rohini satellite in the near-earth orbit. Thus, India laboratories.
became a member of the exclusive club of countries
RAMAN EFFECT
having capabilities to deploy satellites in space.
He developed a spectrograph which helped him discover
2. Missile Man of India:
that when light passes a transparent material, the
Development of the Integrated Guided Missile
deflected light changes its wavelength and frequency.
Development Program (IGMDP): Dr Kalam conceived and
This effect was termed as Raman effect or Raman
played a central role in the implementation of IGDMP.
scattering.
This program consisted of development of 5 missiles:
National Science Day is celebrated on the day of
a. PRITHVI which is a surface-to-surface missile.
discovery of Raman effect.
b. AKASH which is a medium range surface to air
APPLICATIONS OF RAMAN EFFECT
missile.
Raman did not realize then the major impact that Raman
c. NAG which is a third-generation Anti-tank Missile
(ATM). effect would make. Today, it is used in variety of ways
and its applications are immense.
d. AGNI which is an intermediate and ballistic missile
series. Raman analysis is one of the techniques which can
provide key information, easily and quickly, detailing the
e. TRISHUL which is a quick reaction surface to air
chemical composition and the structure of the
missile.
investigated materials.
3. India's nuclear test: He played a central role in India's
nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998. He was serving as Applications:
the Chief Scientific Adviser to then Defence Minister. 1. In Cancer Diagnosis
These tests made India a nuclear armed state and 2. In Material Science: Raman scattering is widely used
played an important role in augmenting India's in material science as a characterization technology.
security.
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OTHER SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS • A separate concept in physics, entropy, explains why
• Studied the scientific basis of musical sounds and heat flows from a hot body to a cold body and not the
instruments. other way around.
• Explanation of blue color of sea water: Prior to • The results of Ramanujan and Hardy on partitions
Raman, it was believed that sea water was blue and his subsequent work on what are called mock
because it reflected the color of the sky which is blue theta functions have come to play an important role
due to the Rayleigh scattering. Raman’s experiments in understanding the very quantum structure of
disproved this hypothesis. space-time – the quantum entropy of a type of Black
Hole in string theory.
INSTITUTION BUILDING
National Mathematics Day is celebrated every year in
• Raman Research Institute: Raman used his savings
India on December 22 to mark the birth anniversary of
and donations to build a new institute devoted to
Indian Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and to
physics research called Raman Research Institute.
recognise his achievements.
• He founded Indian Journal of Physics and served as
first Indian director of Indian Institute of Science.
►BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE
• He also founded the Indian Academy of Sciences.
(BEC)
• In Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) particles condense
►RAMANUJAN
to the lowest energy level when temperature is taken
ABOUT RAMANUJAN to very low values. The particles in any system
• The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015) was a biopic on the ordinarily are in different quantum states, exhibiting
mathematician. the state of complete chaos. As the particles
condensate into BEC, all particles come to the same
• His mathematics, done over a hundred years ago,
quantum state from different quantum states, leading
finds applications today in areas other than pure
to the state of order.
mathematics. Two among these are signal processing
• In short, during the transition to the BEC there is
and black hole physics.
transition from the state of chaos to the state of
SIGNAL PROCESSING order.
• Examples of signals that are processed digitally • NASA Scientists recently observed the fifth state of
include obvious ones like speech and music to more matter in space for the first time as part of Bose
research-oriented ones such as DNA and protein Einstein Condensates (BEC) Experiments aboard the
sequences. International Space Station (ISS). Solids, liquids, gases,
• These all have certain patterns that repeat repeatedly and plasma are the other four states of matter.
and are called periodic patterns. • This state was first predicted in 1924–1925 by Albert
• Complex repeating patterns may need to be identified Einstein following a pioneering paper by Satyendra
as they bear significance to health conditions. So, in Nath Bose on the new field now known as quantum
signal processing, one thing we are interested in is statistics.
extracting and identifying such periodic information. • BEC is a super cooled gas that no longer behaves as
individual atoms and particles, but an entity in a
PARTITIONS OF A NUMBER
single quantum state.
• Ramanujan was interested in the number of ways one
• The most intriguing property of BECs is that they can
can partition an integer (a whole number).
slow down light. Researchers have shown how
• For instance, 3 can be written as 1+1+1 or 2+1. light traveling through a BEC got its speed reduced
• As the number to be partitioned gets larger and from its speed in vacuum of 3 × 108 meters per
larger, the number of ways to partition it becomes second to a mere 17 meters per second.
difficult to compute. • In 2001, physicists for the first time managed to stop
The seemingly simple mathematical calculation is light in a vapor of rubidium gas.
related to a very sophisticated method to reveal the Applications
properties of black holes. • Tests of general relativity - Light can be variable in
BLACK HOLE ENTROPY speed and frequency.
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• Applying Quantum mechanics at macroscopic level. Allahabad district suggests that decimal system was
• Quantum computing as BECs can be used to design known in India at the beginning of fifth century A. D.)
qubits which can operate at stably at room • Varahamihira composed Pancha Siddhantika, the five
temperatures. astronomical systems. His work Brihadsamhita is a
• Searches for dark energy, dark matter, and great work in Sanskrit literature. His Brihadjataka is a
gravitational waves. standard work on astrology.
• Spacecraft navigation. • In the fields of astronomy, a book called Romaka

Siddhanta was compiled which was influenced by
• Prospecting for subsurface minerals on the moon and
Greek ideas, as can be inferred from its name.
other planetary bodies.
• In the field of medicine, Vagbhata lived during this
• Applications of superfluidity and superconductivity
period. He was the last of the great medical trio of
• Precision measurement by the development of
ancient India. (The other two scholars Charaka and
sensitive detectors Susruta lived before the Gupta age. Charaka is known
for authoring the medical treatise, the Charaka
►SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN Samhita.)
• Metallurgy saw technological advancement in Gupta
ANCIENT INDIA
times. The Gupta craftsmen distinguished themselves
• Aryabhatta, a great mathematician and astronomer,
by their work in iron and bronze.
wrote the book Aryabhatiyam in 499 A.D dealing with
• In the case of iron objects, the best example is
mathematics and astronomy. It explains scientifically
twenty-three feet high iron pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi.
occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses.
• The paintings of Ajanta, still intact, indicate besides
• Aryabhatta was the first to declare that the earth was
other things, the art of making colors during the
spherical in shape and that it rotates on its own axis.
period.
• Aryabhatta was the first to invent “zero” and the use
of the decimal system. (A Gupta inscription from
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CONTENTS

SYLLABUS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 01 29

TECHNOLOGY ►LASER COMMUNICATION IN SPACE 36

►NATIONAL SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

BIOTECHNOLOGY & HEALTH ►SCIENTIFIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY GUIDELINES 91

►GENOME SEQUENCING 63 ►BASICS OF NUCLEAR 98

►NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR GENE THERAPY 64 ►GENERAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY 98

►ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE 65 ►NUCLEAR ENERGY IN INDIA 99

►DNA TECHNOLOGY REGULATION BILL 66 ►NUCLEAR FUSION 101

►DNA FINGERPRINTING 67 ►NUCLEAR TRIAD 102

Miscellaneous ►A P J ABDUL KALAM 106

►PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS 75 ►BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE (BEC) 107

►NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION 78

• Achievements of Indians in science & technology

• Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

issues relating to intellectual property rights.

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS & THEME MAP

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH

COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological

PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS & THEME MAP

2019 How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers?

NTERNET & COMPUTING

YEAR UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS

►BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY enabling detailed monitoring of supply chain

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

13. Public Service Delivery • Supply chain network – the track

Globalisation, Population census, BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATIONS IN E-GOVERNANCE

• E-Courts: Data from multiple

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

WAY FORWARD • Misuse by Foreign Intelligence & Corporates - Online

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

►OPEN-SOURCE SOFTWARE (OSS)

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

• To access content of the darknet, we need special engines.

provider. unique registry operator.

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET & COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

3. Inter- operability and compatibility between the c. AI in chemical synthesis

ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE assistance

3. AI tools are diffusing broadly and rapidly tasks.

APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION APPLICATIONS OF AI IN AGRICULTURE

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

6. Intelligent monitoring systems DEMERITS

7. IOT/Smart cities • Fabricate media: swap faces, lip-syncing, and

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

reduction of parts. centric products.

circuit boards which reduces 4. Social implications: Considerable reduction in use of

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY