SC & Tech. - Nov-15 To Aug-16 PDF

VISIONIAS
www.visionias.in
Classroom Study Material

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
November 2015 August 2016
Note: September and October material will be updated in November 1st week.
Copyright by Vision IAS
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IAS.
Contents
1. BIOTECHNOLOGY ___________________________________________________________________ 6
1.1. Introduction__________________________________________________________________________ 6
1.1.1. About Biotechnology ______________________________________________________________________ 6
1.1.2. Applications of Biotechnology _______________________________________________________________ 6
1.1.3. Status of Biotechnology Sector in India ________________________________________________________ 7
1.1.4. Challenges Facing Biotech Sector _____________________________________________________________ 7
1.2. National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2015-2020 _____________________________ 7
1.3. Recent Issues and Debates in Biotech _____________________________________________________ 8
1.3.1. Food Vs Fuel _____________________________________________________________________________ 8
1.3.2. GM Crops and Related Issues________________________________________________________________ 9
1.3.3. GM Mustard (DMH-11) ____________________________________________________________________ 9
1.4. Human DNA Profiling Bill ______________________________________________________________ 10
1.5. Gene Editing ________________________________________________________________________ 11
1.6. Germline Editing _____________________________________________________________________ 12
1.7. Human Genome Project-Write (HGP-Write)_______________________________________________ 13
1.8. Ayurvadic Prakriti to get Genetic proof___________________________________________________ 15
1.9. Opogenetics and Clarity _______________________________________________________________ 15
1.10. Touch DNA_________________________________________________________________________ 16
1.11. Synthetic Organism__________________________________________________________________ 16
1.12. Gene Database Project _______________________________________________________________ 17
2. Nanotechnology ___________________________________________________________________ 19
2.1. Introduction_________________________________________________________________________ 19
2.1.1. What is nanotechnology? _________________________________________________________________ 19
2.1.2. Applications ____________________________________________________________________________ 19
2.1.3. Current Issues with Nanotechnology _________________________________________________________ 20
2.1.4. Evolution ______________________________________________________________________________ 21
2.1.5. Major stakeholders ______________________________________________________________________ 21
2.2. Draft Guidelines for Safe Handling of Nanomaterials _______________________________________ 21
2.3. Graphene ___________________________________________________________________________ 22
2.4. Nano Technology and Superbugs _______________________________________________________ 23
2.5. Carbon Nanotubes ___________________________________________________________________ 23
3. ROBOTICS ________________________________________________________________________ 25
3.1. Applications_________________________________________________________________________ 25
3.2. Major Issues ________________________________________________________________________ 26
3.3. Unmanned Ariel Vehicles: Regulatory Issues ______________________________________________ 27
3.3.1. About UAVs ____________________________________________________________________________ 27
3.3.2. Draft Guidelines for Civil UAV ______________________________________________________________ 27
4. IT AND COMPUTERS ________________________________________________________________ 30

4.1. Facebooks Free Basics Tussles With TRAI ________________________________________________ 30
4.2. Cloud Computing and Big Data _________________________________________________________ 30
4.3. Industrial Internet ____________________________________________________________________ 31
4.4. Aquila______________________________________________________________________________ 31
4.5. Optical Fibre ________________________________________________________________________ 32
5. SPACE ____________________________________________________________________________ 34
5.1. GSAT-18 Communication Satellite Placed in Orbit __________________________________________ 34
5.2. Aditya______________________________________________________________________________ 34
5.3. NAVIC ______________________________________________________________________________ 35
5.4. Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator________________________________________ 35
5.5. Scramjet Engine______________________________________________________________________ 36
5.6. ISRO Launches 20 Satellites ____________________________________________________________ 37
5.7. NISAR Mission _______________________________________________________________________ 38
5.8. Space Parks: ISRO ____________________________________________________________________ 38
5.9. Indias Largest Optical Telescope ________________________________________________________ 39
5.10. CASPOL ___________________________________________________________________________ 39
5.11 Other Important News _______________________________________________________________ 39
5.11.1. Strong Solar Winds Stripped Mars Atmosphere: NASA _________________________________________ 39
5.11.2. Cubsats _______________________________________________________________________________ 40
5.11.3. Astrobiology Mission ____________________________________________________________________ 41
5.11.4. NASA Insight Mission ____________________________________________________________________ 42
5.11.5. Helium Microscope _____________________________________________________________________ 42
5.11.6. Kepler -62F ____________________________________________________________________________ 42
5.11.7. Planet 9 ______________________________________________________________________________ 42
5.11.8. MoU for Geo-Tagging Assets ______________________________________________________________ 43
5.11.9. China Sets Up First 'Dark Sky' Reserve _______________________________________________________ 43
5.11.10. New Horizons Mission__________________________________________________________________ 43
5.11.11. Nasas Juno Spacecraft__________________________________________________________________ 44
5.11.12. Dwarf Planet Ceres _____________________________________________________________________ 45
5.11.13. Stephen Hawkings Prediction about Black Holes _____________________________________________ 46
5.11.14. Years of Human Presence on ISS __________________________________________________________ 46
6. IPR ______________________________________________________________________________ 48
6.1. Introduction_________________________________________________________________________ 48
6.1.1. What is IPR? ____________________________________________________________________________ 48
6.1.2. Types of IPR ____________________________________________________________________________ 48
6.2. National IPR Policy 2016_______________________________________________________________ 49
6.3. International Agreements and Bodies____________________________________________________ 50
6.4. IPR Issues in India ____________________________________________________________________ 51
6.4.1. IPR Issues Between India and the US _________________________________________________________ 51
6.4.2. Issue of Patents and Indian Generic Medicine__________________________________________________ 51
6.5. Bioprospecting and Biopiracy __________________________________________________________ 52
6.6. Copyright Infringement: Govt. Policy and Measures ________________________________________ 53
6.7. International Intellectual Property Index And India ________________________________________ 53
6.8. Right to Photocopy ___________________________________________________________________ 54
6.9. Open Resource Licensing ______________________________________________________________ 55
7. CONTRIBUTION OF INDIANS AND INDIGENIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY ______________________ 57
7.1. Contributions of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman _______________________________________ 57
3 www.visionias.in Vision IAS

7.1.1. Raman Effect ___________________________________________________________________________ 57
7.2. Governments initiatives to Promote Indigenization ________________________________________ 58
7.2.1. 103rd Indian Science Congress and Technology Vision Document 2035 ______________________________ 58
7.2.2 Inspire Awards___________________________________________________________________________ 59
7.2.3. Imprint India Program ____________________________________________________________________ 59
7.2.4. Indias 3 Stage Nuclear programme __________________________________________________________ 60
7.2.5. India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) ______________________________________________________ 61
7.2.6. Indias first Indigenous Sonar Dome _________________________________________________________ 61
7.2.7. SRSAM (Short Range Surface-To-Air) Missile System ____________________________________________ 61
7.2.8. K-4 Missile-Intermediate-Range Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) ________________________ 62
7.2.9. Indias Interceptor Missile _________________________________________________________________ 62
7.2.10. Ocean State Forecast Services _____________________________________________________________ 63
7.2.11. Advanced Ultra Super Critical Technology (AUSC) ______________________________________________ 63
8. HEALTH __________________________________________________________________________ 65
8.1. Zika Virus ___________________________________________________________________________ 65
8.2. Experimental Medicines _______________________________________________________________ 66
8.2.1. Clinical Trials in India-Ethical and Legal Issues __________________________________________________ 66
8.3. Hypoxia and Frostbites ________________________________________________________________ 67
8.4. Anti-Microbial Resistance _____________________________________________________________ 67
8.4.1. Anti-Microbial Resistance Fund _____________________________________________________________ 68
8.5. India's Red Line Campaign on Antibiotics _________________________________________________ 68
8.6. Ban on Combination Drugs_____________________________________________________________ 69
8.7. Organ Donation in India _______________________________________________________________ 69
8.8. Quercetin ___________________________________________________________________________ 70
8.9. Potassium Bromate___________________________________________________________________ 71
8.10. Blue Light Emitted by LED is Harmful ___________________________________________________ 71
8.11. Yaws Free Status for India ____________________________________________________________ 71
8.12. Charge Syndrome ___________________________________________________________________ 72
8.13. Need for an HPV Vaccine _____________________________________________________________ 72
8.14. Made-in-India Leprosy Vaccine ________________________________________________________ 73
8.15. Bedaquiline ________________________________________________________________________ 73
8.16. Photodynamic Therapy ______________________________________________________________ 74
9. SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FIELD OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ___________________ 76
9.1. 'LI-FI' Led Light Bulbs to Transmit Gigabit-Level Wireless Data________________________________ 76
9.2. Development of Artificial Liver Tissue by 3-D Printing_______________________________________ 76
9.3. Bio-Ink for 3D Printing ________________________________________________________________ 77
9.4. HVDC Technology ____________________________________________________________________ 77
9.5. Artificial Intelligence __________________________________________________________________ 78
9.6. Smart Grid __________________________________________________________________________ 80
9.7. Microgrid ___________________________________________________________________________ 80
9.8. Augmented Reality (AR) _______________________________________________________________ 81
9.8.1. Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality _______________________________________ 81
9.8.2. Applications of Augmented Reality __________________________________________________________ 81

9.9. Tintorang ___________________________________________________________________________ 81
9.10. Treasores Project ___________________________________________________________________ 82
9.11. Xenotransplants ____________________________________________________________________ 82
9.12. New Eco-Friendly Technology for Water Purification ______________________________________ 83
9.13. Bio-Glass __________________________________________________________________________ 83
9.14. LIDAR _____________________________________________________________________________ 84
9.15. Bionic Leaf _________________________________________________________________________ 84
9.16. Solar Power Tree ____________________________________________________________________ 84
9.17. Scientists Recycle CO2 to Create Usable Fuel _____________________________________________ 85
9.18. Supercharged Photosynthesis _________________________________________________________ 85
10. MISCELLANEOUS _________________________________________________________________ 88
10.1. Hydrogen Bomb ____________________________________________________________________ 88
10.2. Gravitational WAves _________________________________________________________________ 89
10.2.1. LISA Pathfinder _________________________________________________________________________ 90
10.3. The Svalbard Global Seed VAult _______________________________________________________ 90
10.4. Trace GAs Orbiter (TGO) Mission_______________________________________________________ 90
10.5. Petrification ________________________________________________________________________ 91
10.6. Lohafex Project _____________________________________________________________________ 91
10.7. Exploring Metals in Indian Ocean ______________________________________________________ 92
10.8. LUCA______________________________________________________________________________ 93
10.9. PAVA Shells ________________________________________________________________________ 94
10.10. Cloud Seeding _____________________________________________________________________ 94
11. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS ________________________________________________________ 95

1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
1.1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.1. ABOUT BIOTECH NOLOGY
Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to
improve the quality of human life. The science of biotechnology can be broken down into sub-disciplines called
red, white, green, and blue:
Red biotechnology It involves medical processes such as getting organisms to produce new drugs, or
using stem cells to regenerate damaged human tissues and perhaps re-grow entire organs.
White (also called gray) biotechnology: It involves industrial processes such as the production of new
chemicals or the development of new fuels for vehicles.
Green biotechnology: It applies to agriculture and involves such processes as the development of pest-
resistant crops or the accelerated evolution of disease-resistant animals.
Blue biotechnology: It encompasses processes in marine and aquatic environments, such as controlling the
proliferation of noxious water-borne organisms.
1.1.2. APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

GM crops Genes of plants/crops have been manipulated using recombinant DNA technology. This helps
in:
Making crops resistant to pest attacks (Bt Cotton and Bt Brinjal).
Making them more tolerant to abiotic stresses (cold, drought, salt, heat).
Reducing post-harvest losses.
Increased efficiency of mineral usage by plants (this prevents early exhaustion of fertility of soil).
Enhancing nutritional value of food, e.g., Vitamin A enriched golden rice.
Bt Cotton is genetically modified cotton. This Golden Rice Bt Brinjal is also genetically modified
variety of cotton contains cry1Ac gene contains beta cotton. This variety of brinjal contains
obtained from Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) carotene genes which cry1Ac gene obtained from Bt (Bacillus
bacteria. This gene incorporation makes the help in synthesis of thuringiensis) bacteria. This gene
cotton toxic to bollworms. Thus preventing vitamin A. incorporation makes the brinjal toxic
cotton plant damage which leads to greater to lepidopteron insects (particularly
production. fruit and shoot borer).
Gene therapy: It involves correction of a genetic defect involves delivery of a normal gene into the
individual or embryo to take over the function of and compensate for the non-functional gene. This way
hereditary disease such as parkinsons disease could be treated effectively.
Pharmacogenomics: This technology helps in analysing how genetic makeup affects an individual's
response to drugs.
Stem cell therapy: It is also known as regenerative medicine which Oil Zappers are microbes that feed
promotes the reparative response of diseased, dysfunctional or on hydrocarbon compounds present
injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. in crude OIL and the hazardous
Bioremediation: It is a waste management technique in which hydrocarbon waste generated by OIL
microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi), plants (termed refineries, known as OIL Sludge and
phytoremediation), or biological enzymes are used to consume and converts them into harmless CO2 and
break down environmental pollutants, in order to clean a polluted water.
site. Example: oil zappers.
Bio-fuels: These are kind of fuels that are derived from living organisms such as plants and their by-
products, microbes or animal waste. Two most common bio-fuels are bio-ethanol produced by

fermentation of sugars and bio-diesel obtained from trans-esterification of oil obtained from plants like
jatropha, rapeseed, mustard, sunflower, soy, etc.
Biofortification: Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved
through agronomic practices. Biofortification differs from conventional fortification in that biofortification
aims to increase nutrient levels in crops during plant growth rather than through manual means during
processing of the crops.
1.1.3. STATUS OF BIOTECH NOLOGY SECTOR I N INDIA

Department of Biotechnology is the nodal agency set up in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and
Technology to steer developments and commercialization in the field of biotechnology and modern biology.
India is among the top 12 biotech destinations in the world.
The Indian biotech industry holds about 2 per cent share of the global biotech industry.
India has emerged as a leading destination for clinical trials, contract research and manufacturing activities
owing to the growth in the bioservices sector.
India has the second-highest number of US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)approved plants, after
the USA and is the largest producer of recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine.
Biotech industry in India is heavily dominated by the pharmaceutical sector, which accounts for more than
60 per cent of revenues.
1.1.4. CHALLENGES FACI NG BIOTECH SECTOR

Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill which envisions creating a regulatory body for uses of
biotechnology products including genetically modified organisms is pending in the parliament since 2008.
Also the task to carry out scientific risk assessment of every biotech products be in the field of
agriculture, health or environment, or to supervise field trials of GM crops and to regulate the lucrative
sector, would be difficult because of a lack of regulator for the sunrise sector.
The number and quality of jobs offered by this sector is presently lesser than the work force supply
available. This is making students less interested in this sector.
There is lack of early stage funding for biotech industries.
India has created little knowledge capability of its own and has mostly followed the path created by the US.
Lack of public awareness of the modern tools of biotechnology and how it could improve our well-being,
offer food and energy securities and helps in preserving our environment.
India is fast losing to competition created by China and Korea due to regulatory and infrastructure
challenges.
1.2. NATIONAL BIOTECHNO LOGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (NBDS)

2015-2020
Objectives
The idea is to make India a world class bio-manufacturing hub.

NBDS intends to launch a major mission under the Make in India programme backed with significant
investments for the creation of new biotech products.
It also seeks to create a strong infrastructure for Research and Development and commercialization and
also empower Indias human resources scientifically and technologically.
Strategy
To build a skilled workforce and improve research facilities in basic, disciplinary and inter-disciplinary
streams of scientific studies.
Nurturing innovation, translational capacity and entrepreneurship.
Ensuring a transparent, efficient and globally best Regulatory system and communication strategy.
Creating a technology development and translation network across the country with global partnership.

Making India ready to meet the challenge of achieving US$100bn by 2025.
Launching Four Major Missions Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, Clean Energy and Education.
Strategic and focussed investment in building the human capital by creating a Life Sciences and
Biotechnology Education Council.
Analysis and Conclusion
NBDS is a major step towards a new era of science-driven, society relevant innovation and
entrepreneurship.
NBDS provides the impetus for building indigenous capabilities in health, food and environment. It also lays
the foundation for offering research support to biotech industries through launching of major PPP programs
and spearheaded new frontiers of biotech research.
There is a need to enhance our own capacity to comply with our commitments and to enable our flow of
resources. Investments need to be strengthened to promote innovation and R&D for development of
affordable products for Indian and global market.
However challenges need to be overcome to reap the benefits of biotechnology and make it play a crucial
role in Indias sustainable and inclusive development story.
1.3. RECENT ISSUES AND DEBATES IN BIOTECH

1.3.1. FOOD VS FUEL
Debate: Should the farmland for food crops be diverted to produce bio-fuel crops such as jatropha?
For fuel:
Bio-fuels are promising alternative to fossil fuels and can help achieve our energy requirements.
Bio-fuels are more environment friendly causing less pollution. This feature raises their value especially
in this era of global warming and climate change.
These alternative fuel sources could help stabilize oil prices apart from providing employment to
millions.
Against fuel:
Growing crops capable of producing bio-fuels requires large tracts of land. This means lesser land
remains to grow food crops to meet food security situation.
Also lesser land will remain available for grazing animals.
Bio-fuel crops requires relatively large amount of water for irrigation apart from causing greater risk of
soil erosion.
For Food:
Food safety and security could be better tackled.
Situation of hunger and mal-nutrition could also be better managed.
More food crops production would mean less price and this would benefit poor the most.
Against Food:
Growing bio-fuels is more profitable and thus could help small and marginalized farmers.
Bio-fuels could act as an alternative to surplus food grains crop production.
Conclusion
The debate should not be either or or but how a balance could be achieved in meeting both of our needs.
We need to increase our food crops productivity and spend more on R&D so that better solutions could be
found. One such example could be culturing bacterium capable of producing ethanol. Also in the short run,
waste land could be turned to produce bio-fuel based crops.

1.3.2. GM CROPS A ND RELATED ISSUES
Introduction
GM crops are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering
techniques. This gene modification is done to achieve:
Resistance to certain pests, disease, environmental conditions such as drought, flood, etc.
Or to increase nutritional value or productivity of the crop.
Major issues concerning GM crops
Impact on human health

By inserting genes from organisms which have never been eaten as food, new proteins are introduced
into the human and animal food chains. There is concern that these could cause allergic reactions or
other health effects.
Many GM crops contain genes which provide resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as
ampicillin. There is concern that these genes could be passed from food to bacteria in the guts of
humans and animals.
Impact on environment
Possible long term implications to soil health and other useful organisms residing there is unknown.
There are also concern regarding insects developing resistance and development of super weeds.
Economic concerns
Terminator seeds - They makes crops die off after one harvest without producing offspring. This would
force the farmers to buy new seeds for each planting, which reduces their self-sufficiency and makes
them dependent on major seed and chemical companies.
There are also concerns that these crops would increase cost of production.
Conclusion and way forward
The answer to future lies in biotechnological advancements. However safety and health must not be
compromised. The concerns over their (GM crops) perceived risks should be addressed by following
internationally accepted procedures for assessing safety parameters. ICAR, which is involved in developing
useful products and technologies in this field, must contribute to the public discourse and provide clarity on
this sensitive issue.
Most of the issues are a result of perceived fear and management of public perception is required so that
myths sway away and reason and rationality is restored.
1.3.3. GM MUSTARD (DMH-11)
Introduction
To improve yields, hybridisation is a potential technique. Hybrid variety of a crop is obtained by crossing of
two genetically diverse plants of same species and it can give higher yields than their parents.
But mustard cannot be naturally hybridised because it is a self-pollinating plant having both male and
female reproductive parts in a single flower. But researchers have created hybridised mustard using GM
technology.
The GM hybridised mustard, as it is claimed, gives up to 30% more yield than the present best varieties.
Researchers have used barnase / barstar technology for genetic modification. A barnase gene is isolated
from a soil bacterium called Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The gene can code for a protein that impairs the
pollen production in a plant making it male-sterile.
This male-sterile variety is crossed with a parent variety having a gene called barstar to block the action of
barnase gene. The resulting variety, having both foreign genes, is a fertile plant and it can increase yield of
the crop.

Benefits
Increase in mustard yield could help in increasing domestic production and cut imports.
The use of GM technology through Bt cotton has increased the countrys cotton production by more than
2 times since it was first planted in 2002. The same could be achieved for GM mustard.
Objection
Cotton is largely a non-food crop whereas mustard is the largest edible oil yielding crop.
There are concerns related to health, environment and economy of the farmers.
Way forward
GM Mustard is one of the promising technologies to improve mustard yield in India, which is almost
stagnant since the last two decades. However safety and risk assessment need to be done so that informed
decision could be taken without compromising the safety and health of the humans and their environment.
A key committee, tasked with assessing all the available evidence so far on the plants suitability for Indian
soil and risks posed to health and ecology has given a favourable assessment on the tests done so far on
GM mustard.
The GEAC has approved the subcommittees report.
1.4. HUMAN DNA PROFILING BILL

What is DNA Profiling The Indian Code of Criminal Procedure was
amended in 2005 to enable the collection of
DNA Profiling is a technology that can be used to identify a host of medical details from accused
individuals. persons upon their arrest which included
It is a very sensitive technique which only needs a few skin DNA profiling and such other tests which the
cells, a hair root or a tiny amount of blood or saliva. registered medical practitioner thinks
DNA profiling is especially useful for solving crimes but can necessary in a particular case.
also be used to confirm if people are related to each other,
such as for paternity testing.
Why DNA Profiling Law is needed?
At present, DNA testing labs are unregulated and lack uniform

testing protocols and procedures. In the absence of a legal
framework, a database can't be prepared and maintained.
It depends on the government as to what kind of information it
wants included in the database such as information on only
convicted persons, suspects or all those jailed.
If the database is to include all those in custody, then the
DNA profile of acquitted individuals will have to be deleted,
as done in some countries.
Salient feature of the Bill
A DNA profiling law is supposed to codify everything and set

procedures for collection, safety, use and access of DNA
samples and data.
DNA data to become admissible as evidence in judicial

proceedings
Handling of DNA testing.

Regulation of use of this information by law enforcement agencies and others.
Two new bodies will be created a DNA Profiling Board that will act as the regulator, and supervise all
activities relating to testing, storage and matching of DNA samples, and a DNA Data Bank, both at the
national level and in the states. All existing and new DNA labs will have to seek accreditation from the
Board. DNA profiles will have to be stored in the data bank.
Bill legalizes collection and analysis of the DNA samples for Repeat offenders, suspects, missing persons,
unknown deceased persons, volunteers for forensic purposes.
What are the objections?
Privacy: Critics say the Bill does not have adequate safeguards against the collection and storage of more
intrusive information such as allergies, susceptibility to diseases, etc and its misuse. The Bill does not say
who can access the database, and does not provide a guarantee that it would not be used for anything
other than the specified purpose.
However, the counter argument is that a very limited information is proposed to be stored, just 17 sets of
numbers out of billions that can tell nothing about the individual except to act as a unique identifier. DNA
will be collected from a very small proportion of people, mainly those in conflict of law.
Misuse of Data: In most countries, the DNA database is used only for criminal investigations, but Indias bill
allows for a lot more. For examples, it can be used to identify victims of accidents or disasters, to identify
missing persons, and for civil disputes. The bill even allows the creation of population statistics,
identification research, parental disputes, issues relating to reproductive technologies and migration. These
provisions could one day allow the government to push civilians to provide DNA data.
Reliability Issue: There are some circumstances when even DNA data may not be reliable. for instance, if a
person has had blood transfusion or a bone marrow transplant, they will have someone elses DNA in their
body for some time. There are also cases of DNA chimeras, where one individual may possess multiple
genomes. Other times, DNA data recovered from a crime scene may not be enough to produce a correct
match for the algorithms.
Consent Issue: The bill does not clarify under what circumstances someones DNA will be collected for the
database with or without consent.
On data collection and deletion: When DNA data are collected, the person will also have to provide their
name, gender, address, and their caste. Further, it does not set a limit to how long someones DNA will kept
on record.
Way forward
There is need to move from eyewitness evidence to forensic evidence, of which DNA is an integral part.
Currently, capabilities are limited and proposed law would help to create the infrastructure, including trained
manpower, to facilitate DNA testing in our country.
1.5. GENE EDITING

Why in news?
There are currently four families of
On February 1, scientists from the United Kingdom's Francis Crick engineered nucleases being used:
Institute got approval to start research on human embryos using a Meganucleases., Zinc finger nucleases
(ZFNs), Transcription Activator-Like
new genome editing technology called CRISPR/Cas9.
Effector-based Nucleases TALENs),
Chinese scientists are set to perform the worlds first genetic CRISPR- Cas system.
editing trial on humans in August 2016 in order to find a cure for
lung cancer.
What is Genome editing?
It is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted or replaced in the genome of an
organism using engineered nucleases, or "molecular scissors.

These nucleases or enzymes create site-specific double-strand breaks (DSBs) at desired locations.
The induced double-strand breaks are repaired through end joining or recombination, resulting in
targeted mutation.
What is CRISPR/Cas9?
It is a revolutionary gene editing

technique that scientists have borrowed
from nature.
CRISPRs (clustered regularly interspaced
short palindromic repeats) are sections
of DNA, while CAS-9 (CRISPR-associated
protein 9) is an enzyme.
Bacteria use them to disable attacks
from viruses.
How it works?
Crispr scans the genome looking for the right location and then uses the Cas9 protein as molecular scissors
to snip through the DNA.
Cas9 endonuclease - guide RNAs direct it to a particular sequence to be edited.
When Cas9 cuts the target sequence, the cell repairs the damage by replacing the original sequence with an
altered version.
Unlike other gene-editing methods, it is cheap, quick, easy, safer and more accurate to use because it relies
on RNADNA base pairing, rather than the engineering of proteins that bind particular DNA sequences.
1.6. GERMLINE EDITING

Why in news?
Recently the scientists at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, developed a new gene editing technology
known as the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
What is it?
Germ line refers to the egg and sperm, which combine to form an embryo.
Germline editing is a genome- editing technology that can, in principle, be developed to make specific and
targeted genetic alterations in embryos, which will be carried by all the cells of a resulting child and passed
on to his/her offspring, a part of the human gene pool.
All other techniques of genome editing currently in various stages of clinical development focus on
modifying the genetic material of somatic cells, such as T cells (a type of white blood cell).
These are not designed to affect sperm or eggs.
Benefits of germline editing
By editing the DNA of egg and sperm or the embryo itself, it could be possible to correct disease genes and
pass those genetic fixes on to future generations.
It might also be possible to install genes that offer lifelong protection against infection.
Issues with germline editing
Some argue that we do not understand the operations of the genome enough to make long-lasting changes
to it. Altering one gene could have unforeseen and widespread effects on other part of the genome, which
would then be passed down to future generations.
Many consider genome alterations to be unethical, advocating that we should let nature run its course.
Additionally, genetic modifications initially directed at curing diseases could eventually become a tool for
selecting for desired characteristics such as intelligence and attractiveness.

A concern is that whether the application of germline manipulation would change our view of the value of
human life. If genomes are being altered to suit parents preferences, do children become more like
commodities than precious gifts?
Regulatory scenario
The United States has banned federal aid from being used to support germline editing.
While in the United Kingdom, one can apply to the regulatory body for a licence to edit the genomes of a
human embryo, but only for research work. The embryos have to be destroyed within 14 days.
The recently held International Summit on Human Gene Editing announced that it would be irresponsible to
proceed with any clinical use of germline editing until the relevant safety and efficiency issues were
resolved.
In India, there is no law stopping research laboratories and private companies from using the technology to
experiment on embryos. However, the Drug Controller General of India is trying to use interpretations of
existing laws on drugs to clamp down on improper use.
The guidelines listed by the Indian Council of Medical Research clearly state that germline editing is
forbidden.
1.7. HUMAN GENOME PROJECT-WRITE (HGP-WRITE)

Why in news?
On June 2, 2016, scientists from multiple academic institutions in the US published a perspective in the
journal Science proposing a second human genome project, called Human Genome Project-Write (HGP-Write)
Background The Human Genome Project (HGP) was a large,

international and multi-institutional effort that took 13
The original Human Genome Project was referred to years [1990-2003] and $2.7 billion to produce a
as HGP-Read. blueprint of the sequence of genes and spaces
HGP-read aimed to read a human genome. Many between genes that make up a typical human genome.
scientists now believe that to truly understand our Achievements of HGP
genetic blueprint, it is necessary to write DNA and The Battelle Technology Partnership Practice has
build human (and other) genomes from scratch. compiled the true economic benefit of HGP-Read
and suggested that, among other outputs, the US
What is the Genome Project-write? economy received areturn of $141 for every $1
invested by the US government.
It will be an open, academic, international scientific The availability of the human genome sequence
research project led by a multi-disciplinary group of has aided our understanding of the function of
scientific leaders who will oversee a reduction in the many human genes; in the discovery of new genes
costs of engineering and testing large genomes, linked to human characteristics; in studies on
including a human genome, in cell lines by over 1,000- genetic diversity between humans and other
fold within ten years, humanoids, apes and primates; in studies on
They will also be developing new technologies and an genes related to intelligence, cognitive functions
ethical framework for genome-scale engineering as and speech; and finally in better comprehending
the characteristics linked to BEING HUMAN.
well as transformative medical applications.
The best examples of the usefulness of the human
The overarching goal of such an effort is to further our
genome sequence are in the realm of disease-
understanding of the blueprint for life provided by the gene discovery for many monogenic disorders and
Human Genome Project (HGP-read). personalised medicine in oncology
One specific and significant example is the cancer
How will HGP-write benefit humanity? genome sequencing efforts which provides us
with opportunities to develop new drugs by
Some potential applications include, but are not limited
exploring the link between metabolism
to: and cancer.
Growing transplantable human organs, thus saving
the lives of thousands of patients globally who die waiting for donated organs from those who die from
disease or accidents

Engineering immunity to viruses in cell lines
Engineering cancer resistance into new therapeutic cell lines
Enabling high-productivity, cost-efficient vaccine and pharmaceutical development using human cells and
organoids that makes precision medicine more affordable and universal
How will HGP-write benefit biomedical research?

Similar to sequencing and computation, DNA synthesis is a foundational technology. HGP-write is therefore
expected to accelerate research and development across the spectrum of life sciences, supporting basic
research and the development of new bio-based therapies, vaccines, materials, energy sources, and foods.
Additionally, the project will develop enabling tools of broad applicability throughout biomedical research, such
as:
Computational tools, which allow the redesign of any genome, followed by compilation and testing of the
redesigned code in silico before hitting the print button
Phenotypic screening platforms such as organoid cultures, which allow characterization of performance of
synthetic DNA and variants of unknown significance
Cheaper, more accurate and longer DNA synthesis and assembly.
Targeted delivery to specific cell types or systemically throughout multiple organ systems.
Benefits to India
The potential benefits of HGP-write to India include providing new solutions to diseases like malaria,
dengue and chikungunya.
One of the strategies against combating these deadly diseases could be to introduce sterile mosquitoes into
the environment, incapable of producing offspring after mating with their wild type mates and/or by
building pathogen resistance in mosquitoes, both by genome engineering.
Tools generated through HGP-write may aid this process by making synthetic vector genomes incapable of
hosting the parasite and/or the virus.
Vaccine development: One can accelerate the process tremendously by producing viruses synthetically and
then use those for vaccine development.
This, in addition to saving lives, can add to our economy, where India is already an acknowledged world
leader.
Big projects require large funding and its better for India to share the cost and risks (technical, scientific
and financial) with other countries in executing such large projects.
Additionally, projects like HGP-write will provide Indian scientists access to knowledge and expertise of a
renowned group of global thought leaders.
Concerns: The concerns range from the ethical to the scientific.

There are genuine fears among a section of the society that one day, humans will be able to play god by
synthesising new genomes that may create new creatures with potential for misuse. For example, sterile,
genetically-rewritten mosquitoes could create imbalances in ecological niches and wipe out entire
populations of insects.
Then there are the unintended side- effects of releasing modified mosquitoes into the wild, who which
could transfer their genes to non-target species.
Designing tighter and high containment-level field trials are is essential to control this.
The correct answer may not be to eliminate the mosquito population but to make the mosquito either
harmless or an unviable host for deadly pathogens.
Way forward
India should not to shy away from participating in science-led activities but to do it correctly from the
beginning within a transparent policy framework.
India did not participate in HGP-read but a large number of scientific discoveries that originated in India in
the last decade owe their success to the availability of a reference human genome sequence.

India has reached a stage in world science where the consequences of not participating in such
international efforts may bring more harm than good in the long run.
As government programmes like universal Internet connectivity reach our nations hinterland, Indias
technologically-savvy youth are waiting to harness the benefits of human genome to innovate and
contribute to our economy. HGP-write will add to this.
1.8. AYURVADIC PRAKRITI TO GET GENETIC PROOF

About Ayurveda and Prakriti
As per Ayurveda the Prakrati or the constitution of a person is based on three important characteristics called
doshas which are :
Vata- controls very basic body processes such as cell division, the heart, breathing, and the mind
Pitta- control hormones and the digestive system
Kapha- helps to keep up strength and immunity and to control growth.
In Ayurveda, a persons treatment is based on her Prakriti which contains the particular variations of Vata, Pitta
and Kapha for a particular individual.
Recently a team of Indian scientists are trying to connect the relation between genes and Prakriti of a
particular individual.
Scientists are looking at principal components of variation and three of the most common variations could
be Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
With this, the researchers can conclude that Indias traditional medicine has a genetic basis and in a way is
personalized medicine.
Personalized medicine is an innovative approach to disease prevention and treatment that takes into
account differences in people's genes, environments and lifestyles.
1.9. OPOGENETICS AND CLARITY

Why in news?
Prof. Deisseroth (Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry

and Behavioural Sciences at Stanford University) was recently
awarded prestigious Life Sciences Breakthrough Prize for 2016.
He has devised two path-breaking techniques that are changing
understanding and control of the brain.
What is Optogenetics?
It is combining genetics and optics.

It is a neuromodulation method employed in neuroscience
that uses a combination of techniques from optics and
genetics to control and monitor the activities of individual
neurons in living tissue-even within freely-moving
animalsand to precisely measure the effects of those
manipulations in real-time
Use of optogenetics
It has potential to treat disease like Parkinsons disease.
It can also be used to cure blindness.

What is CLARITY?
CLARITY (Clear Lipid-exchanged Acrylamide-hybridized Rigid Imaging / Immunostaining / in situ-hybridization-
compatible Tissue hydrogel) is a method of making brain tissue transparent using acrylamide-based hydrogels
built from within, and linked to, the tissue.
[
1.10. TOUCH DNA

Around the world the courts are divided about Touch DNA as reliable evidence to convict someone for a
crime.
The touch DNA is a type of DNA analysis method involving amplification of tiny amounts of genetic material
left behind when assailants touch victims, weapons or something else at a crime scene.
Why controversial?
Although many hail it as a power tool that can help close cases critics such as FBI argue it is inconclusive and
unreliable.
This is because the low copy number DNA , the sample are so small less than 100 pico grams or 16 human
cells that scientists amplify them more than typical DNA samples.
1.11. SYNTHETIC ORGANISM

What is Synthetic biology and Synthetic Organisms?
Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological entities such as enzymes, genetic circuits and
cells or redesign of existing biological systems. New organisms hence conceived are called Synthetic Organisms.
Recent research
Scientists created synthetic organisms with fewest genes needed to survive and multiply.
New organism contains only 473 genes.
Practical Applications
Provide hints about origin of life forms on earth.
Enable researches in developing new medicines, biochemical, biofuels, and in agriculture.
Design and build synthetic organisms where specific functions can be added on demand.
Ethical issues regarding Synthetic Biology
Threat to public health, environmental contamination.
Possible misuse by creating deadly biological weapons.
May lead to concept of Designer babies.
Issues related to equal access to technology, benefit sharing etc.

1.12. GENE DATABASE PROJECT
Why in news?
Bangalore-based Medgenome has teamed up with a Southeast Asian consortium to sequence 100,000
Asian genomes which could include at least 30,000 Indian genomes and could help understand the wide
genetic variety in Indias various ethnic groups.
This would be the largest database of Indian genomes.
Need: Indian populations are neglected in databases like 1000 Genomes Project, Asia genome Projects etc.
Some details about the project
The project will develop in phases with initial 1000 genomes, consisting of India and East Asian populations,
sequenced within this year and the entire database to be ready by 2020.
Nearly 60 petabytes of data equivalent to 30 trillion pages of text are expected to be churned out.
By utilizing big-data parsing tools and artificial intelligence, researchers can apply precision medicine to
multiple goals, including cancer prevention.
These projects can help in innovative clinical drug trials for cancers, reduction in drug resistance,
understanding direct ties between diet and genetics.
The genome database can help to compare known healthy DNA to the DNA of diseased tissue to identify
minute differences in case of such complex diseases.

2. NANOTECHNOLOGY
2.1. INTRODUCTION
2.1.1. WHAT IS NA NOTECHNOLOGY?
Nano science is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and
macromolecular scales, in order to understand and exploit properties that differ significantly from those on a
larger scale.
Nanotechnologies are the design, characterisation, production and application of structures, devices and
systems by controlling shape and size on a nanometre scale. At this scale, the general physical, chemical,
electrical, biological and optical properties of a material start behaving in a unique and peculiar way, i.e. the
follow the laws of quantum physics which is very different from the laws of Newtonian physics we see and feel.
This uniqueness and peculiarity opens up new vistas for enquiry and applications.
2.1.2. APPLICATIONS
Medical field
Disease Diagnosis: Nano medicine has resulted in formation of Nano scale diagnostic device which are
more efficient & able to detect cancer, bacterial, viral infection. When blood or any tissue sample made to
pass through it one such device is known as lab-on-a-chip, Biochip, DNAchip etc.
Drug Delivery: Nanotechnology can be used in the formation of Nano size drug which will help in lower
overall drug consumption & side effect by depositing active agent at specific places in body.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Nanotechnology can locate & eliminate cancer cell using gold Nano cells.
Nano cells are targeted to cancer cell by tagging or attaching antibodies to Nano cell surface.
Tissue Engineering: Nanotechnology can help to repair damage tissue through tissue engineering, making
use of biodegradable polymer such as polycaprolactone coated with collagen to promote cell to cell
attachment or the wound healing process.
Medical Nanorobot: Nanorobotics is a technique of creating machine or robot close to microscopic scale,
nanometre. These Nano size robot can navigate the human body, transport important molecule,
manipulate microscopic object and communicate with physician by way of miniature sensor .These
computer controlled nanorobot can be used in cancer detection & treatment.
Superbugs and anti-microbial resistance: Nanotechnology holds the key to stopping antibiotic-resistant
bacteria and the deadly infections they cause.
Defence
Use in intelligence gathering through difficult to detect sensors/cameras/recording devices.

Possible supplement to traditional weaponry for close combat situations.
Precision guiding tools for snipers/others who use fire motor shells.
Agriculture
Food processing industry can get better packaging, presentation with least waste and minimum moisture
flow and growth of bacteria. This industry provides backward linkages with agriculture.
In mechanization of agriculture, nano engineered material in automotive products.
Soil health can be maintained by neutralizing harmful chemical or biological agents. Bio indicators can be
used to detect the bio magnification of pesticides and fertilizers.
Anti-bacterial products such as nanosilver when used as a materials preserver maintain its ability to reduce
odour-causing bacteria longer and require smaller quantities than other silver preservatives.
Insect pests management through the formulations of nanomaterials-based pesticides and insecticides
Enhancement of agricultural productivity using bio-conjugated nanoparticles (encapsulation) for slow
release of nutrients and water

Nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants for the development of insect pest-resistant varieties
Use of nanomaterials for preparation of different kind of biosensors, which would be useful in remote
sensing devices required for precision farming.
For controlling pests state-of-the-art nanotechnology has evolved to hassle-free gel-based carriers for
pheromones called nanogels.
Water treatment and remediation

Nanomembranes for water purification, desalination, and detoxification
Nanosensors for the detection of contaminants and pathogens
Nanoporous zeolites, nanoporous polymers, and attapulgite clays for water purification
Magnetic nanoparticles for water treatment and remediation
TiO2 nanoparticles for the catalytic degradation of water pollutants
Construction
Nanomolecular structures to make asphalt and concrete more robust to water seepage
Heat-resistant nanomaterials to block ultraviolet and infrared radiation
Nanomaterials for cheaper and durable housing, surfaces, coatings, glues, concrete, and heat and light
exclusion
Self-cleaning surfaces (e.g., windows, mirrors, toilets) with bioactive coatings
Energy
Novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nanotubes and other lightweight nanomaterials
Photovoltaic cells and organic light-emitting devices based on quantum dots
Carbon nanotubes in composite film coatings for solar cells
Nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation
2.1.3. CURRENT ISSUES WITH NA NOTECHNOLOGY
Governance issues
The boundary-crossing nature of nanotechnology has given rise to several issues. Because materials at the
nano-scale are not confined to one particular scientific field or industrial sector, nanotechnology is expected to
have an impact that crosses many existing disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Thus, the question here is
how particular countries, groups, or actors can facilitate the responsible development of nanotechnology.
Health and environmental issues
Another major challenge that nanotechnology has raised across the world is the potential risk of
nanotechnology to human health and the environment due to the size of the nano particles.
Ethical consequences
For instance nanotechnology may be used in warfare, may invade peoples privacy, or may impinge on the
relationship between human beings and technology.
Effect on developing and underdeveloped countries
Reverse effects of nanotechnology developments on material demands and consequently on developing

countries export of raw materials. Properties at the nano-scale may be used to imitate the properties of rare
minerals, thus affecting the export rates of their main producers.
Human Resource issues
A developing country such as India may struggle to find quality human resource, esp. in an emerging field which
requires cutting edge research.

2.1.4. EVOLUTION
The 9th Five-Year Plan (1998-2002) had mentioned for the first time that national facilities and core groups
were set up to promote research in frontier areas of S&T which included superconductivity, robotics,
neurosciences and carbon and nano materials.
However, the thrust came with the launch of Programme on Nanomaterials: Science and Devices in 2000 by
the Department of Science and Technology.
Subsequently, the National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative (NSTI) was launched in October, 2001
under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Science. The motive of
launching NSTI in 2001 was to create research infrastructure and promote basic research in nanoscience and
nanotechnology.
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012) categorically mentioned projects to create high value and large
impact on socio-economic delivery involving nano material and nano devices in health and disease. The
generous Eleventh Five Year Plan Budget allocation of Rs. 1000 crore was earmarked for the Nano Mission
when it was launched in 2007/
Accordingly, on 3 May 2007, a Mission on Nano Science and Technology (Nano Mission) was launched by the
DST to foster, promote and develop all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology which have the potential to
benefit the country.
12th FYP
The Union Cabinet gave its clearance for the continuation of the NSTM in its second phase in the 12th plan
period at a cost of Rs. 650 crores. Announcing the Cabinet decision, an official statement noted that as a result
of the efforts led by the mission, India has moved from the fourth to the third position in the world in terms of
scientific publications in nano-science and technology.
The Nano mission, in this new phase, will make greater effort to promote application-oriented R&D so that
some useful products, processes and technologies also emerge. It will be steered by a Nano Mission Council
chaired by an eminent scientist.
2.1.5. MAJOR STA KEHOLDERS

Department of Science and Technology (DST): DST is the nodal agency in the Indian nanotechnology innovation
system. It has since 1980s launched may programmes/schemes to foster R&D on miniature-scale and on nano-
scale.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT): The DBT is basically active in the area of nano biotechnology R&D. In the
period around 2007, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) initiated a programme on Nano biotechnology.
Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeITy): The DeITy has established Centre for Materials
for Electronics Technology (C-MET) at Pune, Hyderabad and Trissur. These centres are involved in
nanotechnology R&D activities, particularly in nanomaterials.
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP): DIPP established a Nano-Manufacturing Technology
Centre (NMTC) and Academy of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AEAMT) at the Central
Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bangalore.
2.2. DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR SAFE HANDLING OF NANOMATERIALS

The Nano Mission under the Department of Science and Technology has come out with the draft
Guidelines and Best Practices for Safe Handling of Nanomaterials in Research Laboratories and Industries.

The guidelines, intended as standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling nanomaterials in research
laboratories and industries, prescribe a combination of engineering controls, work practices and personal
protective equipment as part of a robust exposure control strategy.
These lay down the process for identifying hazards, taking note of the specific effect of surface chemistry,
shape, size and morphology on toxicity caused to various organs.
The guidelines also lay down set of best practices related to the making and handling of Nanopowders and
use of products relating to food and healthcare.
Objectives of these draft guidelines
Identifying hazards: Nanomaterials are no monolith and thus they pose hazards of different degrees. The
draft policy has separately outlines the involved hazards.
Best practices for handling nano particles: The guidelines has clearly intended to make the Nano tech lab a
safer place. With the provision for locating emergency equipment, hygiene standards, labelling and signage
and cleaning procedures and spill, it can be concluded that Nano tech just like other tech has to be dealt
with a word of caution.
Safety practices: Explosion safety, access control, transportation of nano materials is specifically mentioned
that again aims at making nano lab a very safe place.
Way forward
Nano science has its own risks and the real issue is no clear definition on them. Thus these draft lines has taken
baby steps and wait for further studies over it. It is important to address potential risks from emerging
technologies like nanotechnology, while promoting their development.
Thus t the government should be taking on board different stakeholders including the public and incorporating
societal concerns. Government has to celebrate the potentialities yet simultaneously acknowledging the
vulnerabilities of nano tech.
2.3. GRAPHENE
What is Graphene?
Graphene form of carbon consisting of
planar sheets (2D structure) which are one
atom thick, with the atoms arranged in a
honeycomb-shaped lattice.
According to recent research, Graphene-
coated solar panels can produce electricity
from rain drops. This will increase
efficiency of solar panels.
Rain water contains salts which in turn
contains positive and negative ions. These
positive and negative ions are used to
generate electricity.
Properties of Graphene
Stronger than the steel.
Good conductor of heat and electricity.
Applications
Paints and coatings, lubricants, oils and functional fluids,
capacitors and batteries, thermal management applications,
display materials and packaging, solar cells, inks and 3D-
printers materials and films
To Recreate Bones
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
suggests that 3D Blocks of graphene composites can be

used for bone tissue regeneration as they mimic the environment of the bone.
Graphene will be used for strengthening Polycaprolactone (PCL)-a biodegradable polymer which will be
used for bone support
The purpose of the PCL is to provide only a temporary home for the regenerating cells & allowing for
healthy tissue to eventually replace the scaffold.
Nanotechnology will be used to create 3D structure of Graphene
2.4. NANO TECHNOLOGY AND SUPERBUGS

A new, adaptive, light-activated Nano therapy could kill superbugs that have become resistant to
antibiotics.
The dots, which are about 20,000 times smaller than a human hair and resemble the tiny semiconductors
used in consumer electronics, successfully killed 92 percent of drug-resistant bacterial cells in a lab-grown
culture.
Special Features of Quantum dots based therapy
Targeted tissue damage: Previous research on nanoparticles showed that gold and silver nanoparticles
can be harmful to healthy tissue as well as the target bacteria. But that kind of collateral damage
doesn't seem to be a problem with the new quantum dots.
Made of semiconducting materials like cadmium telluride instead of metal, they can be tailored to
specific infections, slipping inside the disease-causing germs and, when activated by light, triggering
chemical reactions that destroy them.
A typical weak light source (a lamp, well-lighted room, sunlight, etc.) is enough to activate these quantum
dots.
Depending on the nature of the infection several applications for quantum dots can be: covering infected
cuts might simply be with nanoparticle-impregnated bandages and injecting quantum dots into infectious
system.
In addition, hospital rooms and medical instruments might be treated with a dot-containing disinfectant in
order to reduce the risk of spreading infections from patient to patient.
But more research, including clinical trials, will be needed to develop quantum dot therapy and prove its
safety and effectiveness in humans.
2.5. CARBON NANOTUBES

What is it?
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an allotrope of carbon- they are cylindrical hollow fibers, comprised of a
single sheet of pure graphite (a hexagonal lattice of carbon), having a diameter of 0.7 to 50 nanometers
with lengths generally in the range of 10s of microns.
Being a hollow tube comprised entirely of carbon, they are also extremely light weight.
They have novel properties that make them potentially useful in a wide variety of applications in
nanotechnology, electronics, optics and other fields of materials science.
Difference with Carbon fibres
Carbon fibers are fibers about 510 micrometres in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. Some
important properties of carbon fiber are- high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical
resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion. These make them very popular in
aerospace, civil engineering, military and sports.
Carbon nanotubes, being at the nano scale have enhanced all these properties of carbon fiber. They are
used as additives in various structural materials, often mixed with carbon fiber to improve these properties.
They are used in golf clubs, car accessories, aerospace vehicles, etc.
Structural composites made of carbon fiber (or glass fiber) and a thermoset (e.g.epoxide) have been
improved quite substantially by the introduction of carbon nanotubes.

Uses of Carbon Nanotubes
Stiffness and strength of materials used in load bearing applications is key as they reduce the mass and
dimensions of the materials..
CNTs are dispersed homogenously through the metal, with strong interfacial adhesion between the CNTs
and the metallic matrix.
CNT metal matrix composites have excellent electrical properties and are used as reinforcement to metals
in order to enhance their electrical properties.
Carbon nanotubes have extremely high thermal conductivity that allows metal matrix carbon nanotubes to
be used for thermal management.
The thermal properties of CNT metal matrix composites can be improved based on the distribution and
bonding of CNTs with the matrix.
CNT metal matrix composites production is economically viable
Composite coatings have an increase in their corrosion resistance when CNT is added to them
Metal matrix composites have high thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
The applications of CNT metal matrix composites in different manufacturing industries are listed below:
Electronic packaging industry: Solders and heat sinks for thermal management
Automobile industry: gears, break shoes, piston rings and cylinder liners
Sports industry: badminton and tennis rackets and light weight bicycles
Space applications: structural radiators and high gain antenna boom
Aerospace industry: landing gears and aircraft brakes
MEMS and sensors battery and energy storage: hydrogen storage materials, micro-beams and micro-gears,
anodes and anode coatings.

3. ROBOTICS
3.1. APPLICATIONS
Agriculture
Robots can be used to farming on a large scale, with efficiency and in lesser time. Helps in extensive
farming.
Robots make it possible to do agriculture in rugged, harsh terrain areas. It makes farming a child's play like
remote controlled farming.
Robots makes ploughing, sowing, harvesting and thrashing faster and accurate. Robotics can make farming
systematic, ordered and efficient.
Robots can be used in weeding out pests, unwanted herbs. No need to use chemical pesticide, herbicide.
Making farmers life more comfortable, avoiding intense sunlight and harsh weather.
Robots can be used in preventing the attack of wild stray animals. Effective monitoring of the crop using
drone.
Replacement for human labour

Hazardous works Machines can be employed in areas which prose great risk to humans health and safety.
Like in coal mines to help the workers to reach to inaccessible and dangerous spots, to handle nuclear
waste/reactor meltdowns, sewage treatments which currently employ manual scavengers, in bomb
disposal squads.
Monotonous job Like assembly line can be taken up by machines and robots and human can be engaged
in more interesting, insightful, challenging and skill enhancing jobs.
With India becoming the global hub for auto manufacturing, robots play a crucial role in the automation of
the assembly line
Rescue operations Rescue personnel can employ robots to reach out to dangerous site like edge of
buildings or fire affected areas to enhance their capability and efficiency.
Space robotics
Application of robots in space is usually done for unmanned missions into areas where it is not possible to
send humans due to technological constrains in bringing them back, or in high risk missions.
Other areas include to explore alien terrain, autonomous navigation of space crafts etc.
ISRO's Chandrayan and Mangalyan missions had robots to carry out experiments and explore the terrain.
Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has sent a proposal to the Central government for
carrying out an unmanned mission to space.
Electric Mobility
With the coming up of Google's driverless cars and RFID tagged number plates, robotics opens possibilities
hitherto unexplored such as new approaches to traffic control, intelligent, environmentally sound and
integrated urban mobility solutions.
Logistics, Production and Consumer (LPC)

New systems are developed which will improve handling and scheduling tasks by using methods of Artificial
Intelligence. Areas include
Delivery of goods via drones to geographically inaccessible areas.

Intelligent production memory based on RFID chips in logistic chains
Software robotics to take over repetitive tasks. Recently, ICICI bank automated various repetitive processes
in high value tasks using software robots.

Manufacturing
Modern manufacturing is shifting towards automation with the use of robotics which will limit the job
creation ability of manufacturing sector. E.g. Adidas that is setting two plants in Germany for shoes to be
manufactured by robots.
Even iPhone maker, Foxconn Technology is planning to set up highly automated factories in China and USA.
Disaster management
Drones are especially useful in this regard. Also drones have various other applications, some of them
include
Delivering food packets in flood area.
Surveying of election booths
Security and Defense
Surveillance of street in night, Maoist areas, national borders, high building or mountains unapproachable.
Defense applications, such as reconnaissance, search and rescue operations.
Medical applications
Robotically-assisted surgery was developed to overcome the limitations of minimally-invasive surgical
procedures and to enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing open surgery by enhancing precision
and the tasks performed. Such a surgery was first performed in AIIMS in 2010, and is now done on a regular
basis.
Its use has been extended in a wide spectrum of diseases in the field of Urology and other specialties.
Conclusion
Develop an ecosystem concomitant to advances in robotics, i.e. implementing the Electronic and
Semiconductor Policy, 2012, developing human resource in universities and improving quality and quantity
in STEM fields and bridging the lagging gender ratio in the same.
Reducing import duties on robotics consumables and spreading awareness among the masses.
At the same time, regulation on the sector should focus on equity by taking care not to further the digital
divide, provide an enabling environment for the masses to quickly adapt such technologies, and upgrade
their skills so that they do not face loss of jobs due to automation.
3.2. MAJOR ISSUES

Jobs vs Automation
India is in a race against demography as well as against intelligent machines. In other words, it will have to
figure out how to create jobs for the millions who join the labour force every year at a time when robots
are becoming adept at performing a range of human tasks.
Effect of machines on labour depends on the nature of technical change. Some variants are beneficial to
labour while others are not. It is wrong to blindly bet on any one result.
Can robots replace humans?
If we assume that robots are almost perfect substitutes for human labour, the good news is that output per
person rises. The bad news is that inequality worsens, for several reasons.
First, robots increase the supply of total effective (workers plus robots) labour, which drives down wages in
a market-driven economy.
Second, because it is now profitable to invest in robots, there is a shift away from investment in traditional
capital, such as buildings and conventional machinery. This further lowers the demand for those who work
with that traditional capital.
However, the impact can be very diverse, and it is better if we look at net gain for the economy as a whole
rather than in one industry. Also, the nature of change itself is difficult to predict.

3.3. UNMANNED ARIEL VEHICLES: REGULATORY ISSUES
3.3.1. ABOUT UAVS
The UAV is an acronym for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is an aircraft with no pilot on board. UAVs can be
remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on
pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems
Background
UAVs since their inception into the Indian military in the mid-90s, are now being used by civilian government
agencies, public and private sector entities, lending institutions for the purposes of law and order, planning,
data gathering, monitoring.
Threats and challenges
Privacy issues: Drones with cameras are big threat to individual privacy.
Security issues: Terrorists can acquire them to survey the sensitive areas and planning their attack. They
can also interfere with Aviation.
Safety issues: If they are flying in civilian areas then any malfunctioning can make them fall on anyone,
which can cause serious injuries.
Legal issues: Drones with cameras pose many legal issues as they can be used to record events that are
private.
Recently, Draft guidelines for civil UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operations were announced by the DGCA
(directorate general of civil aviation). The draft guidelines recently issued call for the requirement of UAOP
(unmanned aircraft operator permit) for all UAV operators as well as a UIN (unique identification number) for
all UAVs.
3.3.2. DRAFT GUI DELI NES FOR CIVIL UAV

Why in news?
Recently, the draft guidelines for civil UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operations were announced by the DGCA
(Directorate General of Civil Aviation).
Need of guidelines
UAVs or Drones have the potential for use in a large number of civil applications. Its use, besides being a
safety issue, also poses a security threat, and has the potential for invading privacy.
The airspace over Indian cities already has a high density of aircraft traffic and unregulated use of drones
poses a grave threat for air collisions and accidents.
Further, in view of technological advancements in UAS (Unmanned Aircraft system), it has become
necessary to develop guidance material to regulate its activity.
Regulations
All unmanned aircraft intended to be operated in India will Case Study: UAVs used by Karnataka
require a Unique Identification Number (UIN) issued from Police:
DGCA. Karnataka Police Department is the first
to own and operate drone fleet. About 20
All civil UAVs have to obtain operator permit (UAOP) from policemen have been trained and given
DGCA. the exclusive task of operating the
UIN to be granted to an Indian citizen or a company whose drones. The UAVs have already helped the
chairperson and two-thirds of its directors are Indian citizens. police identify sand mining along the
UAVs with an UIN shall not be sold or disposed to any other border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
person or firm without permission from DGCA. due to its night visibility.
The policy also lists out guidelines for training remote pilots

who should have completed 18 years of age as well as the regulations on controlled airspace.
Import of drones will require prior approval from DGCA based on which DGFT shall provide license for
import.
UA operations at or above 200 feet AGL (above ground level) in uncontrolled airspace will require permit
from DGCA. Operations below 200 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace will not require a UAOP.
International operations of civil UAS (flying across territory) and/or over water shall be strictly prohibited.
Uses and benefits of UAVs
Damage assessment of property and life in areas affected with natural calamities, surveys, critical
infrastructure monitoring.
The benefits are immense - for government, security agencies, companies, researchers, retailers and
aviation enthusiasts.
Other commercial and recreational uses.
Issues and Suggestions
The operational limits of micro as well as the mini UAVs range is 500m which is a limiting factor for purpose
of mapping and monitoring of large infrastructure projects such as power lines, highways, river basin, etc.
The DGCA regulations must provide for a level playing field for the private sector so that innovation, growth
and adopting of UAV technologies by end users can become commonplace.
It must initiate multi stakeholder engagement process to develop a framework for privacy, accountability,
and transparency issues of commercial and private UAV use in line with the policy of ease of doing business.
Visual line of sight (VLOS) restrictions should go - it restricts the utility of a UAV fitted with camera and
product delivery capability.
Issues of security, enforcement and penalty have not been adequately dealt with . For e.g. without
adequate monetary fines, the penalty provisions in the guidelines will lack the bite to be taken seriously.
Conclusion
UAVs of today are a precursor to next generation aerospace technologies. Unless we bring in the right set of
regulations, the investors would be reluctant to take a leap of faith in the development of the UAV industry.

4. IT AND COMPUTERS
4.1. FACEBOOKS FREE BASICS TUSSLES WITH TRAI
Why in news?
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India accused Facebook for turning the consultation over differential
pricing of data services into an orchestrated opinion poll on its Free Basics product.
Indias telecom regulator has received over 14 lakh responses in support of Facebooks Free Basics, virtually
all redundant for formulating a policy as the regulator had sought views on the principle of differential
pricing for data services.
What is Free Basics? TRAIS Consultation paper:

The consultation paper on
Internet.org was rechristened Free Basics in September. differential pricing of data
According to Facebook, it is an open platform that gives Indian services raises concerns over
developers the opportunity to make their services and websites zero-rating tariff models a
available free of cost to those who cannot afford internet access. practice wherein service
However, this free access is limited to partner websites and providers offer free data to users
applications. for select applications and
It was launched two years ago globally in partnership with Samsung, websites. According to Internet
Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera Software, Nokia and Qualcomm. activists, this model violates the
principle of net neutrality as it
Whats the problem with Free Basics?
restricts access to free, open
It doesnt offer equal and unbiased access to all services. Internet for users, making the
Facebook is partnering with ISPs to provide preferential and selective paper key to the ongoing debate
access to a set of app developers and services. on net neutrality.
Critics argue that the internet should be free and equal for all users.
This is also the cornerstone of net neutrality.
4.2. CLOUD COMPUTING AND BIG DATA

Why in news?
At the recently concluded 103rd Indian Science Congress,

experts said that Cloud computing can be the solution to Big
data problem.
What is Big Data?
Big data is a term that describes the large volume of data

both structured and unstructured beyond the ability of
commonly used software tools to capture, curate, manage, and
process data within a tolerable elapsed time.
Its what organizations do with the data that matters. Big data can be analyzed for insights that lead to
better decisions and strategic business moves.
Big data is characterized by 3Vs.
Applications of Big Data
Companies use big data to better understand and target customers by bringing together data from their
own transactions as well as social media data and even weather predictions.
Businesses optimize their processes by tracking and analyzing their supply chain delivery routes and
combine that data this with live traffic updates. Others use machine data to optimize the service cycles of
their equipment and predict potential faults.

Big Data is used in healthcare to find new cures for cancer, to optimize treatment and even predict diseases
before any physical symptoms appear.
Big Data is used to analyze and improve the performance of individuals (at sports, at home or work) where
data from sensors in equipment and wearable devices can be combined with video analytics to get insights
that traditionally where impossible to see.
Police forces and security agencies use big data to prevent cyber-attacks, detect credit card fraud, foil
terrorism and even predict criminal activity.
Big Data is used to improve our homes, cities and countries by e.g. optimizing the heating or lighting in our
homes, the traffic flow in our cities, or the energy grit across the country.
How is cloud computing related to Big data?
Cloud computing is very important in BIG data analytics due to its application sharing and cost effective
properties.
This technology will help in current genomic data storage and analysis.
To head towards sustainable livelihood and development, such analyses with respect to agriculture
including plants and animals are crucial.
90% of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone.
4.3. INDUSTRIAL INTERNET

What is Industrial Internet?
About The internet of things (IoT)
Internet o Things (IoTs) industrial applications are called as
The internet of things (IoT) is the
the Industrial Internet. network of physical devices, vehicles,
The Industrial Internet closely linked to enterprise IoT is likely buildings and other items-embedded
to radically transform and overhaul business segments with electronics, software, sensors, and
including manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, defence, network connectivity that enable these
mining, transportation and healthcare etc. Collectively, these objects to collect and exchange data.
sectors account for over two-thirds of the global economy. Thus IoT creates opportunities for more
direct integration of the physical world
How Industrial Internet works? into computer-based systems, and
The industrial Internet draws together fields such as machine resulting in improved efficiency,
accuracy and economic benefits
learning, big data, the Internet of things and machine-to-
machine communication to absorb data from machines, IoT is one of the platforms of today's Smart
analyze it (in real-time), and use it to adjust operations. City, and Smart Energy Management
Systems. It can also be used to improve crop
It holds great potential for quality control, sustainable and
yield to help feed the worlds growing
green practices and overall supply chain efficiency.
population.
The Industrial Internet also is applied to transportation
projects, such as driverless cars and intelligent railroad systems.
Challenges
The Industrial Internet is still at an early stage and the full range of implications of the industrial internet on
their industries is still emerging and not crystal clear.
But it is said that industrial internet applications in the sectors mentioned above will grow by leaps and
bounds, requiring not just huge amounts of bandwidth but more importantly, absolutely reliable and real-
time responses.
Consumer internet, i.e. terrestrial internet (through fibre, cable or WiFi) is not quite the solution as
Next generation satellite technologies are becoming available providing high speeds, much lower
latency, smaller form-factor satellite devices and satellite mobility.
Cost: For the purpose of IoT, satellite broadband especially with high-throughput satellites would also
be available at a fraction of the cost of terrestrial broadband.
4.4. AQUILA

Why in news?
Free Basics Banned in India
Facebook successfully completed its first test flight of its solar Facebook tied up with Reliance
powered internet drone Aquila. Communications to launch the Free
Also, the company hopes to develop a fleet of Aquilas that Basics program in India in 2015.
can fly for at least three months at a height of 60,000 feet However, the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) banned Free
and communicate with each other to provide internet access.
Basics in early 2016 supporting net
About Aquila neutrality and against differential data
pricing for content services.
Aquila project is part of the Facebooks Connectivity Lab, a
department which is creating new technologies including aircrafts, satellites and wireless communication
systems.
Facebook is trying to bring internet access to areas where internet connectivity is bad or non-existent.
One of the other initiatives that the company has taken to achieve this goal is by providing pared down
version of the internet in poor areas. It is called Free Basics or internet.org.
Similarly, Googles parent company Alphabet Inc. has also invested to provide internet access to under-
served areas through Project Loon. The project aims to use high-altitude balloons to create an aerial
wireless network.
4.5. OPTICAL FIBRE

What is it?
Optical fibre is made up of semiconducting materials and usually has a cylindrical structure. In inner core
there is material of higher refractive index than in outer core resulting in Total Internal Reflection (TIR).
Thus signal keeps moving along the axis and never passes out from curved surface while there is almost no
loss of energy during transmission.
Importance of Optical Fibre

Optical fibre are roots of Digital India as they provide end connectivity to users in the remotest part of the
country and establish G2C and C2C interface at all levels and almost all spheres of life. Government is
moving towards total e-governance and digital infrastructure is vital to realize such goals.
National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), also known as Bharatnet, is a project to provide broadband
connectivity to 2.5 lakh gram panchayats across the country. However, laying down optical fibre has
multiple challenges:
Bharatnet or NOFN is to be executed based on PPP model where a SPV, Bharat Broadband Network Ltd
(BBNL) has been constituted. However, the evolution of viable PPP models in various regions is a problem.

Problem of autonomy, flexibility and quick decision making of BBNL has been reported.
Land acquisition and construction on private lands and populated areas is an issue.
Right of Way (RoW) has not been sorted out yet. Some states are charging exorbitant charges while some
are demanding free bandwidth for government establishments. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 does not notify
the rules on Right of Way which is a sensitive area involving centre-state jurisdiction. As per the act, only
the Centre can legislate over such subjects, but provides for reasonable conditions that local authorities can
impose while granting Right of Way permissions.
Thus there is a need of sound cooperation between the centre and states. Moreover,
All the stakeholders i.e. states, local governments and people must be taken along and awareness about
the project be increased to reduce resistance by people.
Besides, we should also come up with a robust PPP policy which facilitates single easy exit and negotiations
during and after the execution of projects.
We can allow private sector to generate revenue from extra capacity. For instance, if the private company
builds up the fibre network and 50 per cent of it is used by BharatNet, it can make money the way it wants
from the remaining unutilised 50 per cent.
BBNL must be provided with greater autonomy and flexibility.
There is a requirement for National policy for Optical Fibre. Policies that can be adopted by the Government:
Government should mandate every new building to have provision for OFC in design plan like it is required
in case of other amenities - electricity, water pipeline.
industry and the government will have to work together in increasing supply of bandwidth in the country
Government should open with private players for rolling out OFC across country

5. SPACE
5.1. GSAT-18 COMMUNICATION SATELLITE PLACED IN ORBIT
What is GSAT?
A GSAT is a series of geosynchronous satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit, with an orbital period the
same as the Earth's rotation period.
Such a satellite returns to the same position in the sky after each day.
A special case of geosynchronous satellite is the geostationary satellite, which has a geostationary orbit a
circular orbit directly above the Earth's
equator.
Geosynchronous satellites have the
advantage of remaining permanently in
the same area of the sky, as viewed from
a particular location on Earth
Geostationary satellites have the special
property of remaining permanently fixed
in exactly the same position in the sky,
meaning that ground-based antennas do
not need to track them but can remain
fixed in one direction. Such satellites are
often used for communication purposes.
GSAT-18
GSAT-18, India's latest communications satellite, was launched successfully from Kourou in French Guiana
in South America
This Indian satellite has a design life of 15 years.
GSAT-15 carries a total of 48 communication transponders.
5.2. ADITYA
What is it?
It is Indias first dedicated scientific mission to study the sun.
A joint venture between ISRO and physicists from leading institutes of the country.
The mission aims to put a heavy satellite into what is called a halo orbit around a point between the Sun
and the Earth. This point is at a distance of about 1.5 million km from the earth.
Importance of mission
Help in understand the origin of solar storms and also for
constraining how the storms evolve and what path they
take
Help us to understand the corona and solar winds impact
on environment
Will yield information for space weather prediction and a
possibility of Indians developing their own space weather
prediction models.
ISROs planning to add another spacecraft under Aditya to
observe the sun from a different stable orbital position
called L5.
Adding another orientation viz L1 and L5 would provide more clarity.
Older L1 sun missions by US and Japan could not yield much result/information.

What is L1 and L5?
Lagrange point is a position in space where the combined gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as
Earth and the sun or Earth and the moon, equal the centrifugal force felt by a much smaller third body.
The interaction of the forces creates a point of equilibrium where a spacecraft may be parked to make
observation.
These points are named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, an 18th-century mathematician.
There are 5 such points between the earth and the sun namely L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5.
5.3. NAVIC
With the successful launch of IRNSS 1G, India has successfully put into all the seven navigation satellites
into orbit. This positioning system of India is called NAVIC.
Launched by PSLV-C33 rocket from
Sriharikota.
Life span is 12 years.
Accuracy better than GPS.
This will provide position information
service to users across the country and the
region, extending up to an area of 1,500 km.
Features of NAVIC
The fully deployed NAVIC system consists of
3 satellites in GEO orbit and 4 satellites in
GSO orbit. The full system comprises of 9
satellites including 2 on the ground as stand
by.
The NAVIC would provide two services, with
the Standard Positioning Service open for
civilian use, and the Restricted Service (an
encrypted one) for authorized use.
The system is intended to provide an
absolute position of accuracy of better that
10 m throughout Indian landmass and
better than 20 m in the India Ocean as well as a region extending approximately 1500 km around India.
It will reduce Indias dependence on foreign navigation systems such as US GPS. This is significant as foreign
controlled navigation services may not be available during hostile situations as happened to Indian military
during the Kargil War.
5.4. REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE-

TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR
Why in news?
RLV-TD was successfully flight tested recently, validating the
critical technologies such as autonomous navigation,
guidance & control, reusable thermal protection system and
re-entry mission management.
Features and significance
A reusable launch system (RLS, or reusable launch
vehicle, RLV) is a system capable of launching a payload into
space more than once.

The model is 6.5 metres long and weighs about 1,750 kg and design is that of a delta-winged aircraft.
The working RLV will be about 40 metres long and it will need a five km-long landing runway. It might be
2030 before it is fully operational.
It demonstrated the success of hypersonic flight, re-entry aero thermodynamics, autonomous mission
management and hot structures for thermal protection.
About RLV-TD
The cost of access to space is the major deterrent in space exploration and space utilization. RLV is the
solution to achieve low cost, reliable and on-demand space access.
RLV-TD is part of a series of technology demonstration missions that have been considered as a first step
towards realizing a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-usable vehicle.
The configuration of RLV-TD is similar to that of an aircraft and combines the complexity of both launch
vehicles and aircraft.
A Winged RLV-TD has been configured to act as a flying test bed to evaluate technologies like hypersonic
flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight and hypersonic flight using air-breathing propulsion.
These technologies will be developed in phases through a
series of experimental flights. The first in the series of
experimental flights is the hypersonic flight experiment
(HEX) followed by the landing experiment (LEX), return
flight experiment (REX) and scramjet propulsion
experiment (SPEX).
Objectives of RLV-TD
Hypersonic aero thermodynamic characterisation
of wing body
Evaluation of autonomous Navigation, Guidance
and Control (NGC) schemes
Integrated flight management
Thermal Protection System Evaluation
About Hypersonic Technology & SCRAMJET Engine

Hypersonic aviation technology involves speeds greater than 5
mach.
To fly at hypersonic speed a different type of engine such as a
supersonic-combustion ramjet, or scramjet is required.
Unlike in a jet engine where the rotating compressor and
turbine are used, in a scramjet engine air is compressed and
expanded by complex systems of shockwaves under the front
of the aircraft, inside the inlet and under the fuselage at the
rear.
It uses oxygen from the atmosphere for fuel.
This makes it lighter and faster than fuel-carrying rockets, making it an alternative to rockets for putting
satellites into space.
It will also help making air travel in earths atmosphere faster and cheaper.
5.5. SCRAMJET ENGINE

Why in News?
ISRO carried out successful testing of scramjet engine from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
India became only the fourth country to successfully test the scramjet engine after United States, Russia
and the European Space Agency.

More About The Flight Test
SRO'S Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) - It is
ISRO used an Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV), a the vehicle which was used to test the scramjet
sound rocket for the test. engine. It is a sounding rocket.
The initial launch of ATV was by regular solid fuel rocket Sounding rocket - Sometimes also called
motor. a research rocket, it is an instrument-
Two scramjet engines were at the sides of the rocket. carrying rocket designed to take measurements
and perform scientific experiments during
The scramjet engines were ignited 55 seconds later and its sub-orbital flight.
physically operated for 6 seconds.
The engine achieved ignition and maintained combustion USA, Russia and European Space Agency are the
others who have successfully tested Scramjet
at six times the speed of sound (Mach 6).
engines.
What is Scramjet?
Scramjet stands for Supersonic Combustion Ramjet.
Scramjet breathes air and uses high speed vehicle to forcefully compress the incoming air before
combustion.
Conventional aircraft engines on the other hand compresses air using fan before combustion.
It is also called the air breathing engine as it uses atmospheric oxygen to burn the hydrogen fuel.
Scramjets are efficient only at supersonic speed.
Significance of the Launch
The fact that scramjet uses atmospheric oxygen to burn the fuel in the first phase will considerably reduce
the amount of oxidiser to be carried aboard.
This in turn will reduce cost-to payload ratio.
A rocket using scramjet engine would be significantly lighter, smaller and therefore cheaper. It will also be
able to carry more payloads.
Scramjet also has many other applications in cruise and other missiles.
This flight test is a big technological achievement for India and also highlights ISROs capabilities.
Challenges
The scramjet engine needs to test at higher Mach speeds and prolong the period of combustion.
Since the scramjet engine comes into play only when the rocket goes beyond the speed of Mach 5
therefore an engine needs to be developed that initially works as subsonic (ramjet) and later as scramjet
engine.
5.6. ISRO LAUNCHES 20 SATELLITES

Why in news?
ISRO has created a new record of launching 20
satellites from a single rocket, including those of
US, Germany, Canada and Indonesia, from the
Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
This has brought India into the elite club of USA and
Russia who have also launched more than 20
satellites in a single launch.
ISRO has broken its own record of launching 10
satellites in 2008.
About the mission
The PSLV-34 vehicle was used to launch 3 Indian
and 17 commercial foreign satellites.
Among the 3 Indian satellites there is CARTOSAT-2
series which has potential uses in geological

surveying, border management, disaster management etc.
The other two Indian satellites - SatyabhamaSat and Swayam were made by college students.
They will be used to collect data on greenhouse gases and provide point-to-point messaging services
The foreign satellites are LAPAN-A3 from Indonesia, Brios from Germany, M3MSat and GHSSat-D from
Canada, SkySat Gen 2-1 and 12 Dove satellites from the United States.
The payload or total weight of all the 20 satellites carried on-board PSLV-C34 is 1288 kg.
Benefits for Indian space industry
This successful launch establishes ISRO as a credible player in global space market worth $300 billion.
The inclusion of satellites made by students encourages the young minds towards pursuing space science.
Packing a rocket with a large no. of satellites displays utility and efficiency, and reduces mission costs.
Future opportunities for India
The market for small satellites is growing. This perfectly syncs with ISROs ability of launching small
satellites at one-third costs of the global average.
With the successful testing of Reusable Launch Vehicle, total expenditure of launch may further reduce by
up to 80 percent of the current costs. This will further attract foreign customers to ISRO.
ISRO can subsidise the Indian programme and to an extent, set a scientific agenda for space.
India could use this to deepen its soft power and relations with other third world nations.
5.7. NISAR MISSION

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will be the biggest collaboration between these
two space organizations
The mission is to build a 2,600 kg satellite for detailed view of Earth by using advanced radar imaging
It is expected launched from Indian launch vehicle by 2020
Payload
L-band (24-centimeter wavelength): To be produced by NASA
S-band (12-centimeter wavelength): To be produced by ISRO
Functions of NISAR:
Observe and take measurements of some of the planet's most complex processes, including ecosystem
disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and
landslides.
To Predict changes in Earths topography
To create the worlds largest freely available remote sensing data set
Earlier collaborations between NASA and ISRO:

2005 Chandrayaan-I mission where Moon Mineralogy mapper from NASA accompanied the mission,
resulting in joint-discovery of water on moon.
2014 Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) where NASAs navigational expertise in deep space trajectory and
maneuverability aided the mission
5.8. SPACE PARKS: ISRO

The Indian space agency will open a 100-acre Space Park in Bangalore where private industry players would
be allowed to set up facilities to make subsystems and components for satellites.
ISRO wants to groom and engage domestic industry in the launch vehicles area from integrating sub-
systems up to assembling, and even launching the PSLV.
On the spacecraft front, ISRO plans to increasingly support small and mid-sized industries at its 10-year-old
second spacecraft complex, the 100-acre ISITE, at Marathahalli in Bengaluru.
The Space Park will also contribute to the governments Make in India initiative as the private industry and
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) have been helping us in making rockets and satellites over the years.

Also in the pipeline is allowing private players to make satellites and providing them facility at Sriharikota
for launch.
Why is ISRO helping private sector?
It could help ISRO to focus on its other core activities and

Develop an ecosystem (including private players) in space research and production.
To cater to the increasing demand new satellites and replacing old ones.
5.9. INDIAS LARGEST OPTICAL TELESCOPE

The telescope is the product of an Indo-Belgian collaborative effort, Why in news?
assisted by the Russian Academy of Sciences that was started Indias largest ground-based optical
in 2007. telescope, in Devasthal in
ARIES telescope has been built with collaboration with Belgian Uttarakhand, was switched on by the
company, AMOS assisted by Russian Academy of Science. prime ministers of India and Belgium
It would be Asias largest ground based Optical Telescope. from Brussels recently.
It uses a mirror of diameter 3.6 m.
It is located at a height of 2500m at a site suitable to get a clear view of sky.
It will be used to study star structures and magnetic field structures of stars
5.10. CASPOL
Why in News?
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), have developed the ceramic-polymer hybrid (CASPOL) that could
protect public transport systems and poor men residing in thatched homes from fire accidents.
The water-based ready-to-coat product was originally developed to protect the rockets from high
temperature and fire to which they are exposed during the initial moments of launch.
Potential applications of Caspol
Caspol can withstand up to 800 degree Celsius. Seats in automobiles, public transport system and seat
cushions of railway coaches can be made fireproof when Caspol is applied.
Besides its ability to protect against fire and high temperature, Caspol can also make surfaces waterproof.
5.11 OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

5.11.1. STRONG SOLAR WI NDS STRIPPED MARS A TMOSPHERE: NASA
According to NASA strong solar winds likely played a key role in the transition of the Martian climate from
an early, warm and wet environment that might have supported life to the cold, arid planet Mars.
NASAs Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission data has enabled researchers to
determine the rate at which the Martian atmosphere currently is losing gas to space via stripping by the
solar wind.
Ancient regions on Mars bear signs of abundant water such as features resembling valleys carved by rivers
and mineral deposits that only form in the presence of liquid water.
What is a solar wind?
The solar wind is a stream of energized, charged particles, primarily electrons and protons, flowing outward
from the Sun, through the solar system at speeds as high as 900 km/s and at a temperature of 1 million
degrees (Celsius).
It is made of plasma, 4th state of matter. Its particles can escape the Sun's gravity because of their high
energy.

How does it affect earth?
They collide with the magnetic field of the Earth and cause it to change its shape. The particles then leak
through the magnetic field of the Earth, particularly near the north and south poles
The effects of solar winds on the earth that are visible to naked eye are the Aurora Borealis (the Northern
lights) at the North Pole and the Aurora Australis ( the Southern Lights) at the South Pole.
Astronauts and cosmonauts suffer serious radiation related health conditions if they are caught in the path
of solar winds.
Radiation from solar winds is known to cause chromosome damage and cancer, and these conditions may
be fatal for humans in outer space.
Radio and television communication and satellite based internet services are disrupted by solar winds.
Military satellites are the affected the worst by solar winds.
Geomagnetic storms caused by solar winds are very strong and can destabilize or destroy power grids.
They also affect all navigation and communication systems especially for vessels at sea. Aircraft
communications and instruments in the aircraft will be susceptible to faulty functioning during geomagnetic
storms.
The fiery tail seen attached to comets is the effect of solar winds visible to the naked eye.
5.11.2. CUBSATS
Why in news? Recent CubeSat

Last year the worlds first phonesat went
Scientists have designed at least two new methods of into orbit. It was a Google Nexus One
maneuverability of miniature satellites (Cubsats) in outer space smartphone incorporated into a three-unit
orbits. CubeSat called STRaND-1. The idea was to
test the components of the smartphone in a
What is a cubesat? space environment. The phone was loaded
with a number of experimental apps for such
CubeSats are tiny satellites, usually no more than about 4 things as taking photographs and recording
inches on each side that can conduct space research using magnetic fields during orbit.
readily available, off the shelf hardware plus one of a variety

of propulsion devices.
So far CubeSats reach low-earth-orbit (LEO) only. CubeSats are most commonly put in orbit by
as secondary payloads on a launch vehicle.
Why Cubesats are emerging so fast?
Smartphones and other consumer electronics provide a wealth of ready-made technologies that can enable a
CubeSat to perform many of the functions of a satellite.
Other advantages
A nanosat of CubeSat dimensions might cost $150,000-1m, rather than $200m-1 billion for a full-sized one.
Ease of construction and less time required to build.
Once their orbits decay and they burn up on re-entering the atmosphere.
Because of their size, multiple CubeSats can be launched as secondary payloads along with a large, primary
spacecraft. This makes them ideal platforms for high-risk, experimental payloads and technology
demonstration missions.
Propulsion in Cubsats?
A CubeSat cannot carry conventional rocket fuel because of safety issues, therefore scientists have developed
two methods of maneuverability. These are:
1. Using ion drives: An ion drive accelerates charged particles derived from a liquid propellant to very high
speeds. This creates thrust more efficiently than ejecting heated vapour, but without the explosive chemical
reactions of a conventional rocket.
2. Using light: A photonic laser thruster that uses the principle that light exerts pressure when it hits
something.
5.11.3. ASTROBIOLOGY MISSION
A team of scientists from the NASA, the Mars Society What is a Space Bound Programme?
Australia and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany,
Lucknow, will mount an expedition to Ladakh this August. Spaceward bound is an educational
program developed at NASA Ames.
The aim is to study the similarities of certain parts of the
The objective of this programme is for
regions topography and microbial life to Martian the participating scientific researchers,
surroundings. educators and students to visit the
This is the first time India is part of a Spaceward Bound remote and extreme environments in
Programme. different parts of the world and conduct
Some of the factors that played a role in selection Ladakh the astrobiological experiments, make
region were: observations and learn about the origin,
Availability of several astrobiologically interesting sustenance and adaptation of the living
features with same region and coverable distance, such organism within such biospheres.
Previous Spacebound experiments have
as: cold high altitude desert soil, hot springs,
been conducted in Mohave Desert, USA,
permafrosts, glaciers, saline paleo-lakes.
Nambian Desert, Antarctica, etc.
Low human habitation
High altitude environment for conducting human
dexterity and performance based test.
High altitude clear skies for astronomy and astrophotography.
India offers a variety of location that could be of interest to an astrobiologist such as
Ladakh, Jammu &Kashmir
Kutch, Gujarat
Lonar Crater lake and Western Deccan Trap Region

5.11.4. NASA INSIGHT MISSION
Why in news?
NASA managers have decided to suspend the planned March 2016 launch of the Insight mission. The decision
follows unsuccessful attempts to repair a leak in a section of a key instrument in its payload.
About INSIGHT Mission
Insight stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigation, Geodesy and Heat Transport. It is NASA
Discovery Program mission that will place a single geophysical Lander on Mars to study its deep interior.
Objective is to study the processes that shaped the formation of rocky planets including Earth more than 4
billion years ago.
Payloads: It contains two key instruments:
SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure). It can measure ground movements as small as the
diameter of an atom. For better sensitivity it needs to operate within a vacuum chamber.
Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package. This would hammer itself to a depth of about 16ft into the
ground.
Other missions to Mars:
Present Missions
Opportunity and Curiosity rovers exploring the Martian surface.
Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft currently orbiting the planet.
Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) orbiter, which is helping scientists
understand what happened to the Martian atmosphere.
In year 2014 INDIA successfully inserted its first orbital mission, Mangalayan into Mars orbit.
Future Missions:
NASA is on an ambitious journey to MARS that includes sending humans to the Red Planet, and the
work remains on track.
ISRO plans to develop and launch a follow up mission called Mangalayan 2 between 2018 and 2020.
This mission will likely consist of a Lander and Mars Rover.
5.11.5. HELIUM MICROSCOPE

This device would enable scientists to study human, animal and plant samples, as well as computer chips
and pharmaceutical drugs, without damaging or changing them.
This would be able to see much smaller objects with a much higher resolution.
It may be helpful in clean up of toxic or radioactive spills, without harming the surrounding flora or fauna.
It could lead to the development of stealth technology and new explosives.
5.11.6. KEPLER -62 F

It is a planet which is about 1,200 light-years away from Earth and, in all probability, has surface liquid
water is a good prospect for a habitable world.
Kepler-62f, which is in the direction of the constellation Lyra, is in the Goldilock zone.
It is the outermost of five planets orbiting a star that is smaller and cooler than the sun.
There are multiple atmospheric compositions that allow it to be warm enough to have surface liquid water.
Further research is being done with simulations varying the amounts of carbon dioxide required to keep the
planet warm enough for liquid and life to exist on its surface.
5.11.7. PLANET 9
Astronomers have claimed that the mysterious Planet 9 may have Kuiper belt is a region of the solar
been stolen from its original star by our Sun some 4.5 billion years system beyond the orbit of Neptune,
ago, possibly making it the first exoplanet to be discovered inside believed to contain many comets,
the solar system. asteroids, and other small bodies
Planet Nine is a hypothetical large planet in the far outer Solar made largely of ice.

System, the gravitational effects of which would explain the improbable orbital configuration of a group of
trans-Neptunian objects that orbit mostly beyond the Kuiper belt.
The predicted planet would be a super-Earth, with an estimated mass of 10 Earths, a diameter two to four
times that of Earth, and a highly elliptical orbit with an orbital period of approximately 15,000 years.
5.11.8. MOU FOR GEO -TAGGING ASSETS

A MoU has been signed between the Rural Development Ministry and ISRO, for geo-tagging the assets
created under MGNREGA in each gram panchayat.
It will help in online recording and monitoring of assets to check leakages and for effective mapping of
terrain for future developmental works.
A Gram Rozgar Sahayak or junior engineer will take a photo of an asset created by beneficiaries of the
scheme and through a mobile app created by ISRO, upload the photo on the Bhuvan web portal run by
ISROs National Remote Sensing Centre.
When the photo is uploaded, the location and time will get encrypted and there will be an option to add
more information according to a few parameters.
5.11.9. CHINA SETS UP FIRST 'DARK SKY' RESERVE

China has launched its first "dark sky reserve" for astronomical observation in the Tibetan prefecture of
Ngari, bordering Nepal and India.
The reserve covers an area of 2,500 square kilometres and aims to limit light pollution by stepping up
protection of dark-sky resources for education and tourism development.
Why Ngari is famous?
Ngari is among the best sites for astronomical observation on earth, due to its high altitude and large
number of cloudless days throughout the year.
However, the recent inflow of people from other areas has given rise to increasing urbanisation, and thus
the associated risk of more light pollution.
Light pollution is excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial (usually outdoor) light. Too much light pollution
washes out starlight in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems, has adverse
health effects and wastes energy.
5.11.10. NEW HORIZONS MISSION
Why in news?
Following its historic first-ever flyby of Pluto, NASAs New Horizons mission will now fly onward to an object
deeper in the Kuiper Belt, known as 2014 MU69.
2014 MU69 is considered one of the early building blocks of the solar system
What is Kuiper belt?

Kuiper belt is flat ring of icy small bodies that revolve around the Sun beyond the orbit of the planet
Neptune.
It comprises hundreds of millions of objects-presumed to be leftovers from the formation of the outer
planets-whose orbits lie close to the plane of the solar system.
The Kuiper belt is thought to be the source of most of the observed short-period comets, particularly those
that orbit the Sun in less than 20 years

5.11.11. NASAS JUNO SPACECRA FT
Why in news?
NASAs Juno spacecraft has successfully entered into the orbit of Jupiter and started orbiting it.
Salient features
The spacecraft's name comes from Greco-Roman mythology.

Aim
To understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter.
Investigate the existence of a solid planetary core.
Map Jupiter's intense magnetic field,
Measure the amount of water and ammonia in the deep atmosphere and
observe the planet's aurora
It will orbit Jupiter from pole to pole, 5,000 kilometers above planets cloud tops.
Mission Life: Juno will have mission life of 20 months from July 2016 to Feb 2018.
It is second spacecraft to orbit Jupiter, after Galileo probe that had orbited from 19952003.
Galileo probe in its mission had found evidence of subsurface saltwater on Jupiters moons Europa,
Ganymede and Callisto.

5.11.12. DWARF PLA NET CERES
Why in News?
Pictures from the NASAs Dawn Mission show permanently shadowed regions on Ceres.
The permanently shadowed regions do not receive direct sunlight and are identified as extremely cold.
They have been cold enough to trap water ice for billions of years.
The pictures indicate that water could exist in these shadowed craters even today.
Significance of Dawn Mission
The goal of the Dawn Mission is to characterize the conditions and processes of the earliest history of the
giant proplanet Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres.
In March, 2015, Dawn Spacecraft became first probe to orbit the two solar bodies.
It explored the giant proplanet Vesta in 2011-2012. Now, it is studying Ceres.
More about Ceres
Ceres is a dwarf planet, the only one located in the inner circle of the solar system, rest all are located on
the outer edges.
It is the largest object in the asteroid belt.

5.11.13. STEPHEN HAWKINGS PR EDICTION ABOUT BLACK HOLES
Scientists who created a virtual black hole in the lab claim to have Antimatter - Antimatter is a
observed for the first time a phenomenon according to which some material composed of antiparticles,
particles can escape black holes. which have the same mass
It was predicted by British physicist Stephen Hawking more than 40 as particles of ordinary matter but
years ago. opposite charges, as well as other
Before this, it was believed by scientists that nothing could ever particle properties.
escape from a black hole, not even light.
However, in 1974, Stephen Hawking suggested particles, that are now called Hawking radiation, could
escape black holes.
As per him if a particle and its antimatter appeared spontaneously at the edge of a black hole, one of the
pair might be pulled into the black hole while the other escaped, taking some of the energy from the black
hole with it.
5.11.14. YEARS OF HUMA N PRESENCE ON ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) has completed 15 years of continuous human presence
Expedition 1, the first station crew, docked inside the Soyuz TM-31 spacecraft on 2nd November 20001.
Significance: Human beings in the space station have worked on advancing scientific knowledge,
demonstrating new technologies
Making research breakthroughs that will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep
space

6. IPR
6.1. INTRODUCTION
6.1.1. WHAT IS IPR?
Intellectual property rights are the rights given to persons over the creations of their minds. They usually
give the creator an exclusive right over the use of his/her creation for a certain period of time.
IPRs in India are administered by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion under the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry.
6.1.2. TYPES OF IPR

Patent
A patent is granted for an invention which is a new product or process that meets conditions of
novelty, non-obviousness and industrial use.
Novelty means inventive step is the feature(s) of the invention that involves technical advance as
compared to existing knowledge.
Non-obviousness means the invention is not obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Industrial use means that the invention is capable of being made or used in an industry.
Patents in India are governed by The patent Act 1970 which was amended in 2005 to make it
compliant with TRIPS.
Trademark
A trademark means a mark capable of being represented graphically and which is capable of
distinguishing the goods or services of one undertaking from those of other undertakings.
A Trade Mark can be a device, brand, heading, label ticket name, packaging, sign, word, letter, number,
drawing, picture, emblem, colour or combination of colours, shape of goods, signature or a
combination thereof.
Trade marks in India are governed by Trade Marks Act 1999 which was amended in 2010.
Geographical Indications
It is a sign used on agricultural or natural or manufactured goods as originating or manufactured in a
particular region of a country. It denotes its origin where a specific quality, characteristic or reputation
of the product is essentially attributable to that origin.
Geographical Indicators in India are governed by The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
& Protection) Act, 1999.
Copyright
Copyright is a right given by the law to creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works and
producers of cinematograph films and sound recordings.
This right allows its creator the rights of reproduction, communication to the public, adaptation and
translation of the work.
Copyrights in India are governed by The Copyright Act, 1957.
Design
An industrial design consists of the creation of a shape, configuration or composition of pattern or
color, or combination of pattern and color in three-dimensional form containing aesthetic value.
An industrial design can be a two- or three-dimensional pattern used to produce a product, industrial
commodity or handicraft.
Designs in India are governed by The Designs Act 2000.
Plant Variety Protection
It refers to the protection granted for plant varieties. These rights are given to the farmers and plant
breeders to encourage the development of new varieties of plants.
Plant variety protection in India is governed by The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights
(PPV&FR) Act, 2001.

6.2. NATIONAL IPR POLICY 2016
The new IPR policy to be unveiled will be completely compliant with the World Trade Organisations
agreement on Trade Related aspects of IPRs (TRIPS).
The policy will have a special thrust on
Awareness generation at school/college level,
Effective enforcement of IPRs and
Encouragement of IP commercialisation through various incentives
The policy will retain the provisions on Compulsory Licencing (CL) (in the National Manufacturing Policy and
Section 84 of India's Patents Act) as well as Section 3(d) of India's Patents Act (preventing ever-greening of
drug patents) in spite of the EU and US objections terming CL as inconsistent with WTOs TRIPS agreement.
According to Section 3(d), besides novelty and inventive step, improvement in therapeutic efficacy is a
must for grant of patents when it comes to incremental inventions.
The policy will also suggest incentives such as tax benefits and fee waivers to encourage R&D and IP
creation to strengthen the Make In India/Start-up/Digital India initiatives.
To protect 'small inventions' developed especially in the informal / unorganised sectors, policy will
promote utility patents (with lower compliance burden and shorter period of protection, when compared
to the normal patents) only for mechanical innovations.
Seven objectives
IPR Awareness - To create public awareness about the economic, social and cultural benefts of IPRs among
all sections of society.
Generation of IPRs - To stimulate the generation of IPRs.
Legal and Legislative Framework - To have strong and effective IPR laws, which balance the interests of
rights owners with larger public interest.
Administration and Management - To modernize and strengthen service oriented IPR administration.
Commercialization of IPR - Get value for IPRs through commercialization.
Enforcement and Adjudication - To strengthen the enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms for
combating IPR infringements.
Human Capital Development - To strengthen and expand human resources, institutions and capacities for
teaching, training, research and skill building in IPRs.
Key features
Department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) will be the nodal agency for all IPR issues.
Films, music, industrial drawings will also come under the ambit of copyright.
Existing IPR laws will be reviewed to remove any inconsistencies and make them in accordance with present
time and future needs.
Less empowered groups of IP owners such as artisans, weavers and farmers will be provided financial
support by offering them IP friendly loans.
Trademark offices to be modernised, and the aim is to reduce the time taken for examination and
registration to just 1 month by 2017.
It proposes to establish IP Promotion and Development Council which will oversee opening of IP Promotion
and Development Units in all states in order to create a single window system for promotion, awareness
and utilization of IP in the country.
1st time patent fee waiver and a support system for MSMEs. This will boost innovation in the sector. Also an
effective loan guarantee scheme to be created to encourage start-ups.
The policy to be reviewed every 5 years in consultation with all the stakeholders.
Limitations
The policy is based on the premise that more IPRs mean more innovation. However there is little research
that backs this assumption.

Openness, sharing and access to knowledge have been given back seat in the policy document.
Policy suggests researchers in public funded research organizations to mandatorily convert all research into
IP. However it is best left at the discretion of the inventor.
Criminalizing the civil wrong of unauthorized copying such as movies and literature is prone to misuse.
To create an atmosphere of creativity and innovation, a holistic approach is required and not just IPR
protection.
The Policy aims to push IPRs as a marketable financial asset, promote innovation and entrepreneurship,
while protecting public interest including ensuring the availability of essential and life-saving drugs at
affordable prices.
The new IPR policy introduced with a slogan of Creative India, Innovative India is largely a step in the right
direction. However to obtain the best outcome the challenges and limitations needs to be suitable
addressed.
6.3. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND BODIES

TRIPS Agreement
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights is an international agreement administered by
WTO that sets down minimum standards for IP regulation for WTO member nations.
TRIPS contain provisions that allow a degree of flexibility and sufficient room for countries to
accommodate their own patent and intellectual property systems and developmental needs.
A balance between the goal of providing incentives for future inventions of new drugs and the goal of
affordable access to existing medicines is one such flexibility.
India amended its IPR laws such as the Patent Act of 1970 was amended in 2005 to make it compliant
with this agreement.
Marrakesh Treaty
It is to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise
print disabled.
This treaty provides an exception to domestic copyright law for visually impaired and print disabled
people.
This means that countries which ratify the treaty must ensure their laws allow blind people and their
organisations to make accessible format books without the need to ask permission first from the holder
of copyright (e.g. author or publisher).
India was the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty.
Berne Convention
It is an international agreement governing copyright which came into being in 1886.
It provides for the protection of literary and artistic works.
It established a system of equal treatment for internationalised copyright amongst signatories.
It provides creators such as authors, musicians, poets, painters etc. with the means to control how their
works are used, by whom, and on what terms.
WIPO
It was created in 1967 to encourage creative activity and promote the protection of intellectual
property throughout the world.
It is one the 17 specialized agencies of the UN.
Apart from promoting creative intellectual activity and for facilitating the transfer of technology related
to industrial property to the developing countries in order to accelerate economic, social and cultural
development.

6.4. IPR ISSUES IN INDIA
6.4.1. IPR ISSUES BETWEEN I NDIA A ND THE US
US is a big critique of Indias IPR environment and has put her on Priority watch list of special 301 report.
US accuse India of doing minimum to protect patent laws on global level.
This and other retaliatory measures taken by USA to protect its corporates are a clear violation of the
WTO's principles. India has sent a strong message by rejecting all accusation and challenged the USA to
justify its measures in WTO.
Major contentious issues are:
Section 3(d) of the Patent Act 1970 which prevents ever greening of the patent and requires efficacy
improvement for re-patent. Example: this led to cancellation of the patent for Novartis AG's cancer
drug Glivec.
Section 84 of the Patent Act which provides for compulsory licensing. This empowers the government
to allow manufacture of patented product without the prior permission of patent holder in the larger
public interest. Example: Indian company Natco pharma in 2012 to manufacture cancer drug nexavar
and sell it at a very low price.
The step taken by government considering the importance of public health was fully compatible with TRIPs
and well within the boundaries of its patent laws.
6.4.2. ISSUE OF PA TENTS AND I NDIA N GENERIC MEDICINE

Background
USA and European Union have time and again raised issues over Indian Patent Laws.
2 provision have been sighted as problematic by western drug manufacturers -
Section 3(D) of the Indian Patents Act, which checks ever greening of Patents on frivolous grounds.
Compulsory Licensing (CL): allowing someone else to produce the patented product or process without
the consent of the patent owner.
SC of India has ruled against ever-greening of a drug- Glivec by Novartis and India has also issued CL for
cancer drug Nexavar to issue generic medicines.
So, the Office of United States Trade Representative has put India into Priority Watch list(PWL) in its
Annual Special 301 report.
What do WTO rules say?
Indian patent laws are compliant with TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights).
It allows flexibilities to governments to issue compulsory licensing in case the original manufacturer reverts
to anti-competition policy or in the interest of public health.
Current Issue
India is in the process of formulating its maiden IPR policy and it is alleged that U.S. industry lobby groups
such as the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce received verbal, private
assurances from Indian officials that India will not use compulsory licensing.
USIBC also revealed that it had conducted trainings for Indias patent examiners which might affect
independence of patent examination system.
Concerns for India
Affects Indias status of pharmacy of the world
Threaten peoples accessibility to medicines.
Affect Indias fight against Drug Resistant TB, HIV, Cancer etc.
Erode our Soft power especially with African countries for which India is the source of low cost generic
lifesaving medicines.

Way out
Resist pressure from the lobbyist group and ensuring that new IPR Policy is TRIPS compliant.
Utilize flexibilities in international rules to cater to health needs of least developed and developing
countries.
To take like-minded countries on board on international forums over the issue.
6.5. BIOPROSPECTING AND BIOPIRACY

Introduction
Bioprospecting refers to biodiversity prospecting. It is the process of discovery and commercialization of

new products based on biological resources.
These biological resources may include chemical compounds, Biopiracy is the practice of commercially
genes, micro-organisms, macro-organisms, and other exploiting naturally occurring biochemical or
valuable products from nature. genetic material, especially by obtaining
patents that restrict its future use, while
Analysis failing to pay fair compensation to the
community from which it originates.
Pros:
Bioprospecting, if well managed, can generate income for developing countries and its indigenous
community.
It can provide incentives for the conservation of biological resources and biodiversity.
It can lead to discovery of new drugs.
Cons:
If not well managed, bioprospecting may lead to environmental problems related to unauthorized
(over-) exploitation.
Social and economic problems related to unfair sharing of benefits -or the total absence of benefit
sharing- and to disrespect for the rights, knowledge and dignity of local communities.
Thus bioprospecting in itself is not bad. However it is its misuse (leading to biopiracy) that creates problem
for nature and human kind.
Steps taken to prevent biopiracy
India is a member of CBD (Convention on Biodiversity) and as a mark of its ratification, India enacted the
Biodiversity Act of 2002.
Autonomous bodies such as National biodiversity authority, state biodiversity boards and biodiversity
management committees have been constituted to regulate access to biological resources and associated
traditional knowledge to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their use.
Traditional knowledge digital library: It is a database that documents traditional knowledge and makes it
available in the public domain.
Way forward
It is evident that India is on the right path when it comes to protecting its national interest in its biodiversity
and traditional knowledge, while granting access on a case-by-case basis.
The issue of benefit sharing is tantamount, and India must now adopt a balanced approach to safeguard its
genetic resources while promoting much needed growth in the biotechnology sector.
This could be achieved by formulating a comprehensive National Bioprospecting Policy which suitably
addresses issues related to intellectual property rights, tenure of land and natural resources, R&D,
conservation and protection of biodiversity.

6.6. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT: GOVT. POLICY AND MEASURES
Why in News? Copyright Law in India
The government has planned for strict enforcement of The Copyright Act, 1957 governs the subject
copyright law to tackle piracy in the country through its matter of copyright law in India.
IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) Policy. It has been amended 6 times since 1957, the
A nation-wide awareness campaign is set to be launched latest being in 2012.
on IPR by the Department of Industrial Policy and India is a member of many important
international conventions governing the area of
Promotion (DIPP).
copyright law. They are Berne Convention of
The government has issued strict warning against copyright 1886, The Universal Convention of 1951, The
infringement online stating the punishable offences under Rome Convention 1961 and the Agreement on
its copyright law. Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property
Problem at Hand Rights (TRIPS).
India is experiencing rampant copyright infringement in the case Penal Provisions of the Copyright Act
of music, books and movies as well as other products. Section 63 deals with offence of
The online media being a significant participant of copyright infringement. It provides that any
infringement. person who knowingly infringes
copyright or is party to it may be
Common Copyright Infringements punished with imprisonment and fine.
Making infringing copies for sale or hire or selling or letting them The minimum imprisonment is of 6
for hire. months (extendable up to 3 years) and a
fine up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
Permitting any place for the performance of works in public
Section 63-A deals with repeat offences
where such performance amount to copyright infringement.
and provides for a higher fine and
Distributing infringing copies for the purpose of trade or to such imprisonment for a repeat offenders.
an extent that is harmful to the interest of the owner of Section 65 deals with the possession of
copyright; plates for the purposes of making
Public exhibition of infringing copies by way of trade. infringing copies.
Importation of infringing copies into India. Section 65-A deals with digital rights
management.
Positives of the Government Initiative
Awareness campaigns are expected to sensitize the public about intellectual property rights.
The new IPR policy puts a legal framework in place for the IPR regime.
It has also reduced the time taken by govt. to approve a trademark from about a year to a month by 2017.
Loopholes
The recent approach by the government of stronger penalising of copyright infringement is a misguided
one.
Piracy is being exclusively viewed as destructive force and its productive aspect such as sharing of
knowledge has been totally neglected.
Moreover, the root cause of media piracy i.e. the global pricing problem (high prices for media goods, low
incomes and cheap digital technologies) is not being considered.
6.7. INTERNATIONAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEX AND INDIA

Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) of US Chamber of Commerce placed India at 37 out of 38
countries in International Intellectual Property (IP) Index in a report.
These 38 economies account for the 85 percent of global GDP.
India remains at the bottom for fourth year in a row.
The index is based on 30 criteria including patent, copyright and trademark protections, enforcement, and
engagement in international treaties.

Major Weakness Areas of Indias IP regime
Use of compulsory licensing (CL) for commercial and

non-emergency situations.
Poor application and enforcement of civil remedies
and criminal penalties.
Suspension of implementation of Final Guidelines for
Computer Related Inventions (CRI).
Way Forward
The government is finalizing a National Intellectual

Property policy to improve the IP regime, increase IP
awareness and strengthen enforcement of rules.
6.8. RIGHT TO PHOTOCOPY

Why in News
Recently in a landmark judgement concerning copyright law in India, Delhi High Court dismissed the
copyright infringement petition filed by three international publishers against a photocopy shop -
Rameshwari Photocopy Service located at Delhi University.
Section 14 of the Copyright Act, 1957: It
Judgment grants a bundle of exclusive rights such
Copyright is not a natural but statutory right in India. as the right to reproduction to the
Photocopying for academic purposes is not an infringement as copyright owners.
Section 52(1)(i) of the Copyright Act 1957 permits Section 52: It provides exceptions to the
reproduction of any work: section 14.
by a teacher or a pupil in the course of instruction; or
as part of the questions to be answered in an examination; or
in answers to such questions.
These exceptions are consistent with articles in the Berne Convention and the TRIPS agreement.
Even these international agreements provide for domestic legislation to permit reproductions for specific
purposes, as long as they do not conflict with normal exploitation of the works or unreasonably prejudice the
rights-holder.
Pros
Knowledge and education will become accessible and affordable. It is very crucial for India as still about
1/5th of its population lies below poverty line and 1/4th is illiterate.
Free access to knowledge will boost creativity and innovation.
Source of livelihood to people working in photocopy shops.
Cons
No limitation on photocopying if the material is prescribed in the course of instruction.
This judgment is in conflict with earlier judgment related to copyright and reproduction of such work. This
shows that the interpretation of the statute is subjective.
It can result in the loss of revenue to the book owner as well as publishers.
It can play a spoilsport to the investment environment and ease of doing business in India.
It can result in escalation of disputes to international level such as WTO.
Way Forward
The judgment will have far reaching consequences as far as equitable access to knowledge is concerned.

This would help maintain balance between the interests of the student community as well as the copyright
holders.
However the vagueness in the Copyright laws needs to be suitably so that cloud of ambiguity and confusion
concerning copyright in India could be removed.
This would go a long way in achieving the aim of making a Creative India; Innovative India as envisioned in
IPR policy 2016 as well as increasing inflow of foreign investments.
6.9. OPEN RESOURCE LICENSING

Why in news?
Due to Government policy in favour open source software across all Central departments.
Open source software are those software which can be freely used, modified, and shared.
Advantage of open source software
Entail substantial savings on the Centres software expenses as most open source alternatives are free
Increase interoperability.
Help in developing local capacity/ industry.
Enable localization.
Reduce piracy/copyright infringements.
Promote growth of knowledge-based society.
Benefits
There is dependency on closed software by government.
Average spend on cyber security of closed software is about 2 to 3 per cent of the total IT spending.
Shifting to open software would help the government save a lot of money.
It is more difficult to hack into open source software than close software.
Open-source licences are cost effective.
Faster in operation.
Why open source resources are more secure
In open source users have access to the algorithm that makes it work.
No one has access to the encryption key or the set of numbers that act as a password.
Without that password it is impossible to hack into these.
Adaptations of ORS in educational institution
At present there is dependency on commercial closed software that tend to suppress innovation in
educational institution.
There is need to create an environment where open-source talent can come out of these institute.
Challenges
There are Concerns pertaining to security and operational efficiency.
Due to publicly accessible source code, it can be modified by anyone.
Unlike closed or commercial software, open source requires a certain ecosystem to work smoothly.
They need to be backed by a strong community as there are certain vulnerabilities with it.
Due to lack of regulation using open source in government departments might be a concern.
No serious policy backing until recent.
Way forward
The question about the efficiency of open source software is largely a perception
The government is banking on BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) in vernacular language
Adoption of new policy will promote innovation by encouraging collaborative development to develop
better products in less time.

7. CONTRIBUTION OF INDIANS AND
INDIGENIZATION OF TECHNOLOGY
7.1. CONTRIBUTIONS OF SIR CHANDRASEKHARA VENKATA RAMAN
Notable works
Raman Effect: Explained the scattering of light passing through a His 45th death anniversary on
transparent material. He won the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics for this 21st November 2015 and 128th
discovery. birth anniversary on 7th
Worked on the vibrations in musical instruments & nature of the sound November 2015
of the Indian drums such as the tabla, mridangam & violin.
Experimental and theoretical studies on the diffraction of light by waves of ultrasonic and hypersonic
frequencies.
Honors and awards

He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London early in his career (1924) and knighted in 1929.
In 1930 he won the Nobel Prize in Physics.
In 1954 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna
India celebrates National Science Day on 28 February of every year to commemorate the discovery of the
Raman effect in 1928.
He was the first Asian and first non-white to receive any Nobel Prize in the sciences. Before him
Rabindranath Tagore (also Indian) had received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913.
7.1.1. RAMAN EFFECT
What is Raman Effect?
A change of wavelength exhibited by some of the radiation scattered in a medium. The effect is specific to the
molecules which cause it, and so can be used in spectroscopic analysis.
Some of the Applications:
Chemical Industry
To study catalysts
To monitor chemical
purity in petro chemical
industry
Control of polymerisation
reaction
NanoTechnology and material

science
To study nonparticles
To develop microelectronics devices and novel photovoltaic cells.
Biomedical Application
Invivo studies of the skin

Transdermal drug transfer
Cancer identification
Bone studies

Detection of Narcotics and explosives
Hand held Raman scanners to detect narcotics

Handhelp Raman scanners to detect explosives such as TNT, RDX, HMX
7.2. GOVERNMENTS INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE INDIGENIZATION

7.2.1. 103RD INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS A ND TECHNOLOGY VISION DOCUMENT
2035
Why in news?
103rd Indian Science congress in Mysuru was organized with the focal theme Science and Technology for
Indigenous Development in India.
It has been prepared by Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council, (TIFAC)
Aim of Technology Vision Document 2035:
The Aim of this Technology Vision Document 2035 is to ensure the Security, Enhancing of Prosperity, and
Enhancing Identity of every Indian.
It also identifies twelve (12) prerogatives- (six for meeting individual needs and six for the collective needs) that
should be available to each and every Indian. These are:
It categorizes technologies into a six-fold classification from an Indian perspective which is as follows:
Technology Leadership niche technologies in which we have core competencies, skilled manpower,
infrastructure and a traditional knowledge base eg., Nuclear Energy, Space Science.
Technology Independence strategic technologies that we would have to develop on our own as they may
not be obtainable from elsewhere eg. Defence sector.
Technology Innovation linking disparate technologies together or making a breakthrough in one
technology and applying it to another eg. solar cells patterned on chlorophyll based synthetic pathway are a
potent future source of renewable energy.
Technology Adoption obtain technologies from elsewhere, modify them according to local needs and
reduce dependence on other sources eg., foreign collaboration in the sectors of rainwater harvesting, agri-
biotech, desalination, energy efficient buildings.
Technology Constraints areas where technology is threatening and problematic i.e. having a negative
social or environmental impact because of serious legal and ethical issues eg., Genetically Modified(GM)
Crops.
The Vision Document gives a Call to Action to all the key stakeholders
Technical Education Institutions engage in advanced research on a large scale leading to path-breaking
innovations.
Government enhances financial support from current 1% to long-envisaged 2% of the GDP.
Full-time equivalent Scientists in the core research sector should increase.
Private Sector Participation and Investment in evolving technologies that is readily deployable and is
translatable from lab to field thereby increasing efficiency in terms of technology and economic returns.
Academia-Intelligentsia-Industry connect is established via idea exchange, innovative curricula design,
based on the needs of the industry, industry-sponsored student internships and research fellowships inter
alia.
Creation of a Research Ecosystem to achieve translation of research to technology product/process by
integrating students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

Three key activities identified as a part of
the Call to Action
Knowledge creation: It says that India

cannot afford not to be in the forefront
of the knowledge revolution, either
applied or pure.
Ecosystem design for innovation and
development: the primary responsibility
for ecosystem design must necessarily
rests with government authorities.
Technology deployment: with launching
certain national missions involving
specific targets, defined timelines
requiring only a few carefully defined
identified players.
7.2.2 INSPIRE AWARDS
Why in News? More on Inspire Programme

The programme aims to attract talent
The Inspire Awards have been renamed as MANAK (Million towards the excitement and study of
Minds National Aspirations and Knowledge). The Inspire science at an early age and to build the
Awards is part of the larger Inspire programme. critical resource required for expanding
the S&T system and the R&D base. The
What Are the Inspire Awards? programme has three components:
Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent
The Inspire Awards is an outreach programme of Department Scholarship for Higher Education
of Science and Technology that was started in 2010 to Assured Opportunity for Research
encourage children to develop interest in science and research Careers.
through innovation.
Every year 2 lakh students between the ages
of 10-15 years are identified for the Inspire
Awards. Each Inspire Award envisions an
investment of Rs. 5000/- per child.
Since its inception, it has funded 13.85 lakh
students.
In 2016, 60 of the best ideas would be worked
by professional engineers and designers for
potential commercial development with
intellectual property right for children.
The programme aims to bring out ideas that use science and innovation to solve problems. To be certain
that this happen, the programme will employ National Innovation Fund (NIF). NIF is to make sure that
recycled ideas are eliminated and original ones emerge.
7.2.3. IMPRINT I NDIA PROGRAM
President of India has launched Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (Imprint) India - a joint
initiative of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Imprint India seeks to develop a road map for research to solve major engineering and technology
challenges in 10 technology domains relevant for the country.
The move will motivate technical institutions to conduct research in areas where the country is heavily
dependent on foreign technology. These include health care, information and communication technology,
energy, sustainable habitat, nano-technology hardware, water resources and river systems, advanced
materials, manufacturing, security & defence, and environment & climate

The objectives of the initiative
identifying areas of relevance to society that require innovation
ensuring higher funding support for research into these areas
measuring the researchs impact on peoples standard of living.
7.2.4. INDIAS 3 STA GE NUCLEAR PROGRAMME
India's three-stage nuclear power

programme was formulated by
Dr. Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to
secure the countrys long term energy
independence, through the use
of uranium and thorium reserves found
in the monazite sands of coastal
regions of South India.
Motivation behind this programme:
India has 25% of world thorium
reserves but only 1-2% global uranium
reserve. So it will enable the thorium
reserves of India to be utilised in
meeting the country's energy
requirements.
The recent Indo-US Nuclear Deal and
the NSG waiver, which ended more than three decades of international isolation of the Indian civil nuclear
programme, have created many hitherto unexplored alternatives for the success of the three-stage nuclear
power programme.
Stage 1: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor:
In this natural uranium fuelled pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWR) produce electricity while generating
plutonium-239 as by-product.
Stage II Fast Breeder Reactor:
In the second stage, fast breeder reactors (FBRs) would use a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel made
from plutonium-239, recovered by reprocessing spent fuel from the first stage, and natural uranium.
In the second stage, fast breeder reactors (FBRs) would use a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel made
from plutonium-239, recovered by reprocessing spent fuel from the first stage, and natural uranium.
In FBRs, plutonium-239 undergoes fission to produce energy, while the uranium-238 present in the mixed
oxide fuel transmutes to additional plutonium-239.
Thus, the Stage II FBRs are designed to "breed" more fuel than they consume.
Stage III Thorium Based Reactors:
A Stage III reactor or an advanced nuclear power system involves a self-sustaining series of thorium-232-
uranium-233 fuelled reactors.
This would be a thermal breeder reactor, which in principle can be refuelled after its initial fuel charge using
only naturally occurring thorium.
According to the three-stage programme, Indian nuclear energy could grow to about 10 GW through
PHWRs fuelled by domestic uranium, and the growth above that would have to come from FBRs till about
50GW.
The third stage is to be deployed only after this capacity has been achieved.
Full exploitation of Indias domestic thorium reserves will likely not occur until after the year 2050.

7.2.5. INDIA-BASED NEUTRINO OBSER VATORY (I NO)
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)
Project is a multi-institutional effort aimed at
building a world-class underground laboratory
with a rock cover of approx.1200 m for non-
accelerator based high energy and nuclear
physics research in India.
The INO is set to come up on the hills near
Thevaram in Theni district and will have a
50,000-tonne magnetic detector to study
neutrinos that are significant in particle physics.
In the 1960s, India had a neutrino observatory
located at the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka.
However, the laboratory was shut in the 1990s
because the mines were being closed.
Need: Determination of neutrino masses is the
most significant open problem in particle
physics today and is the key goal of the INO project.
Benefits:
According to government INO will be the agent of transforming physics of this kind in India and will make a
global impact. The outcome of this investment will be extraordinary and long term.
Understanding the particle will help scientists pick the correct theory beyond the standard model of particle
physics and address the problem of matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe.
Research on neutrino particle would be path breaking in the field of science and will help in knowing more
about the universe.
An important outcome of the project will be training young researchers in large-scale experimental science.
It can play a role in nuclear non-proliferation through the remote monitoring of nuclear reactors. Using
Neutrino detectors, the plutonium content can be monitored remotely and can be used to detect any
pilferage.
Study of Geoneutrinos might help creating an earthquake warning system. This field of science is called
Neutrino Tomography.
7.2.6. INDIAS FIRST INDIGENOUS SONAR DOME

Recently, Defense Minister flagged off Indias first indigenous composite sonar dome.
It was designed and produced by a Defence and Research Development Organization (DRDO) lab in Pune.
All anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships have a sonar array fitted to the ship structure below the waterline.
The sonar functions as the ships underwater eyes and ears.
7.2.7. SRSAM (SHORT RANGE SURFACE-TO-AIR) MISSILE SYSTEM

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and French firm MBDA will jointly develop and
build SRSAM systems in India.
It will replace ageing Israeli Barack-1 air defence systems and Russian weapon systems.
However the project is still waiting for governments final approval.
About SRSAM
SRSAM is a Mach 3-class missile, weighing around 100 kilograms.

It has a range of 40 kilometers & can be launched vertically to provide 360-degree defense coverage.
Unlike Akash (medium-range-surface-to-air) missile, the new missiles will be a cannister based and
vertically-launched system suitable for naval ships.

Can be placed hidden in the ship's dock and escape enemy surveillance radars.
Can be used by the Army and Air Force too.
7.2.8. K-4 MISSILE-I NTERMEDIATE-RANGE SUBMARI NE-LAUNCHED BA LLISTIC

MISSILE (SLBM)
Why in news
The DRDO has test-fired the nuclear capable K-4 missile from the
indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arihant.
Features
It is nuclear capable missile.
It is under development by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) of India.
It will arm the Arihant-class submarines.
It can carry a warhead weighing up to 2.2 tons.
The K-4 was developed to overcome the difficulty of fitting in AGNI-III
in equipping INS Arihant.
7.2.9. INDIAS INTERCEPTOR MISSI LE

Why in news?
DRDO has come up with a new indigenously produced
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile,
Ashwin.
The missile was tested on the newly named Abdul
Kalam Island located in the Balashore district off the
Odisha coast. This was the 12th test in the series to
develop interceptor missiles.
The test involved the launch of the single-stage Ashvin
Advanced Defense interceptor missile from a mobile
launcher and the successful destruction of an incoming
nuclear-capable Dhanush ballistic missile at endo-
atmospheric altitudes of 20-40 kilometers.
The kill effect of the interceptor was ascertained by
analyzing data from multiple tracking sources.
Salient Features
7.5-metre-long, single stage solid rocket propelled,
guided, supersonic missile.
It is capable of destroying any incoming hostile ballistic missile.
The missile comes with an inbuilt navigator, an advanced computer and an electro-mechanical activator.
The technology in the missile is encrypted using a secure data link independent tracking and homing
capabilities and sophisticated radars.
After the successful test, India became the fourth country in the world to have full-fledged multi-layer
Ballistic Missile Defence system. Only United States, Russia and Israel are in the same league.
The new supersonic missile interceptor will soon become a part of the Indian Army's arsenal.
About Indias BMD
India began developing a multi-tiered Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system in 1999, after the end of the
Kargil War in reaction to Pakistans growing missile arsenal.
A consortium of 40 Indian companies were involved in the development of the missile defense shield.
Indias BMD shield is a two-tiered defense system

Prithvi Air Defense (PAD) / Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor destroying missiles at exo-
atmospheric altitudes of 5080 kilometers (3150 miles),
Advanced Air Defense (AAD)/ Ashvin Advanced Defense interceptor missile endo-atmosphere at
altitudes of 20-40 kilometers (12-24 miles).
In addition to the indigenously developed BMD system, India has procured six regiments of Russian S-300
air defense systems and is negotiating for five regiments of more advanced S-400 systems with Russia.
7.2.10. OCEAN STA TE FORECA ST SERVICES
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences was recently
presented with the National Geoscience Award for developing the Ocean Forecast and Information System.
About Ocean State Forecast Services
It provides information on the following parameters:
Height, direction and period (of both wind waves and swell waves).
Sea surface currents.
Sea surface temperature.
Mixed Layer Depth (the well mixed upper layer of the sea).
Depth of the 20 degree isotherm (measure of the depth of the thermocline).
Astronomical tides.
Wind speed and direction.
Oil-spill trajectory.
Forecast is available accurately based on a real time data for Indian Ocean & also separately for the
following regions: Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Northern Indian Ocean, Southern Indian Ocean, Red Sea,
Persian Gulf and South China Sea
The forecast services have also been extended to Maldives, Sri Lanka and Seychelles in collaboration with
the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia.
Uses
The users can take appropriate informed decisions based on the forecast sea state conditions, saving life
and property.
Help traditional fishermen & those operating in high seas.
Help high tech oil exploration for executing operations on seas.
Help port activities like entry and exit of vessels.
Boost recreational tourism at the sea side, including the operations of sea planes
Better management during contingencies like search and rescue operations, oil spills, cyclones etc.
7.2.11. ADVANCED ULTRA SUPER CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY (AUSC)

Why in news? Conventional coal-fired power plants,
which make water boil to generate steam
Govt. approved Rs 1,554 crore to develop advanced ultra-
that activates a turbine, have efficiency
super critical (AUSC) technology for power plants. of about 32%.
It will be used for thermal power plants of future, envisaging Supercritical (SC) and ultra-supercritical
reduced coal consumption and CO2 emission. (USC) power plants operate at
Significance temperatures and pressures above the
critical point of water, at which point
This will be the first time large power plant equipment will be there is no difference between water gas
manufactured with advanced technologies without any and liquid water. This results in higher
technological collaboration/licensing agreement with foreign efficiencies of above 45%.
companies. SC and USC power plants require less coal
This technology is still not matured and demonstrated per megawatt-hour, leading to lower
emissions (including carbon dioxide and
anywhere in the world.
mercury), higher efficiency and lower fuel
costs per megawatt.

8. HEALTH
8.1. ZIKA VIRUS
About Zika virus
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by

It was first identified in monkeys in
Aedes mosquitoes. It is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain- Uganda in 1947.
Barr syndrome. The first human case was detected in
Microcephaly is a condition where a babys head is much Nigeria in 1954 and there have been
smaller than expected. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare further outbreaks in Africa, South East
condition in which immune system attacks nerves, leading to Asia and the Pacific Islands.
muscle weakness and even paralysis.
Countries Affected
In May 2015, it was reported in Brazil and has spread rapidly.

It has since also been reported in: Barbados, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El
Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama,
Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.
Recently, few cases of Zika Virus has been confirmed in Texas, USA.
According to senior experts in WHO, the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could be a bigger threat to
global health than the Ebola epidemic.
Cycle of Spread
It is spread by Aedes mosquitoes.

They are found throughout the Americas except
for Canada and Chile where it is too cold for
them to survive.
If mosquitoes drink the blood of an infected
person they can then infect subsequent people
they bite.
Unlike the mosquitoes that spread malaria, they
are mostly active during the day, so bed nets
offer limited protection.
Affected People
Most virus carriers are symptomless.

It is a silent infection in a group of highly
vulnerable individuals pregnant women which
in turn is associated with a horrible outcome for
their babies.
How to prevent it?
As there is no treatment/vaccination available for

the treatment of Zika virus, the only option is to
reduce the risk of being bitten. Hence people are
advised to-
Use insect repellents
Cover up with long-sleeved clothes
Keep windows and doors closed

Actions Taken
The Indian Health Ministry have started constituting a technical group to monitor the spread of Zika virus in
India.
At International level, the WHO will also convene an international health regulations emergency committee
on Zika on February 1st.
Zika Vaccine: DNA Vaccine (GLS-5700)
The first Phase-1 human clinical trial of a vaccine for the Zika virus is set to begin soon.
The DNA vaccine (GLS-5700) has already been tested on animals and found to elicit robust antibody and T
cell responses.
The human trial will be carried out on 40 healthy adults to evaluate safety, tolerability and immunogenicity
and the interim results are expected before the end of the year.
8.2. EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINES

Why in news?
World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2014 declared that it was not unethical to use experimental
medicines (Zmap and convalescent plasma therapy) under the exceptional circumstances as witnessed in
West Africa during Ebola outbreak.
What is convalescent plasma technique and how does it work?
The rationale of techniques is that the plasma taken from survivors will have antibodies (against the virus)
that would fight the virus. It is similar to passive immunity (which results when a person is given someone
elses antibodies) technique.
However, its potential depends on amount of antibodies introduced. There is a direct correlation between
antibody level and its effectiveness.
It had once been used successfully to treat measles, mumps, pneumonia, influenza and diphtheria.
Results of the trail
It was seen that both antibody and cell mediated responses are important to treat Ebola.
Higher amount of Antibodies need to be infused to make it effective.
Children younger than five and pregnant women have been found to benefit the most when compared with
others.
The plasma was not found to be safe for treatment of the Ebola virus disease.
The virus has been found in semen and in the eye long after it was cleared from the blood, care need to be
taken to avoid giving plasma containing the virus.
WHO has said trial is acceptable at all stakeholders level-patients, family, health-care providers and
researchers.
Such trails are essential for future experiments.
8.2.1. CLINICAL TRIALS I N INDIA-ETHICAL A ND LEGAL ISSUES

Introduction
India has fast emerged as a popular destination for global clinical trials. Presently about one-fifth of global
clinical trials take place in India.
Various reason for this are:
Cheap and highly skilled medical investigators
Large and diverse pool of patients
Low cost of drug development
Lower rate of compensation for any injury sustained or death during the research process.
Timely completion of clinical trials in India
Government has eased the regulatory environment

Ethical and Legal Issues
In various clinical trials subjects are not informed and made to participate without their consent.
Many a times patients recruited are poor and illiterate due to which patients are not aware of their
involvement and possible risks of injury.
Financial inducements make volunteers participate in more than one study at a time. This not only put their
life at danger but also skews the accuracy of test results.
Since 2005, thousands of patients have died in clinical trials because of adverse effects. However due to
lack of improper documentation and investigation, only a handful received compensation.
Although clinical trials are conducted in India but the outcome benefits mostly the western society. Thus
one society takes the risk whereas other reaps the benefit. In this context an important ethical question
remain unanswered: Does the new drug tested in India actually benefit the local patients and are these
drugs made available to them at reasonable price.
The clinical trial industry in India has great potential to become the most favourable destination in the
world. However to achieve this a balance needs to be maintained between provision of facilitatory
environment to CROs and protection of the participating subjects.
There is a need to establish a policy framework for the Indian CT industry to provide for easy access to
affordable drugs developed through adaptive clinical trials and create a regulatory environment capable of
ensuring the conduct of clinical trials without violation of humanitarian ethics and other social norms.
This way benefit maximization and risk minimization could be achieved.
8.3. HYPOXIA AND FROSTBITES

Why in news?
One junior commissioned officer (JCO) and nine jawans of the Armys 19 Madras battalion died after an
avalanche struck their post in Siachen.
An Indian soldier who survived being trapped under 25 feet (8 metres) of snow for six days after being
caught in an avalanche died in hospital after suffering multiple organ failure.
Consequence of High Altitude on human health
Hypoxia: It is a condition in which the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.
Frostbites: It is an injury that is caused by exposure of parts of your body to temperatures below freezing
point. The cold causes freezing of your skin and underlying tissues. The fingers, toes and feet are most
commonly affected but other extremities including the nose, ears, and the cheeks can also develop
frostbite.
Hypothermia: It is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged
exposure to cold temperatures.
High-altitude pulmonary edema: It is a medical condition in which excess fluid develops in the lungs, either
in the lung tissue itself or in the space normally used for gas exchange.
High-altitude cerebral edema: It is a medical condition in which the brain swells with fluid because of the
physiological effects of traveling to a high altitude.
8.4. ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Background
Antibiotic resistant bacteria mean bacteria which have become immune to the antibiotics used to control or
kill them.
There has been a rise in their menace owing to indiscriminate use of antibiotics due to over-prescription by
doctors and easy availability.
As a result bacteria have developed immunity and even highest doses of antibiotics are failing to treat
diseases.

These resistant bacteria pose a major global threat to public health.
To counter this trend steps mainly surveillance, research and global cooperation are required:
Surveillance - better hygiene, access to clean water, infection control in healthcare facilities, and
vaccination to reduce the need for antibiotics. The government needs to introduce incentives for industry
to develop new, affordable antibiotics and adapt to the needs of developing countries where the
vaccination rates are low and hygiene conditions are poor.
Research - more new antibiotics need to be developed. It is vital that microbiologists and other researchers
work together to develop new approaches to tackle antimicrobial resistance. These approaches will include
studies to develop new rapid-diagnostic devices, fundamental research to understand how microbes
become resistant to drugs, and how human behaviour influences the spread of resistance. India has
developed expertise in low cost drugs. Hence, it can be a fulcrum of research and development of cheap
and effective antibiotics.
International collaboration - global coordinated efforts by pooling the human, economic and technical
resources are required. Learning and sharing from the creative approaches of different countries. For
example, red line campaign in India to curb over the counter sale should be followed elsewhere.
8.4.1. ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTA NCE F UND

Department of Biotechnology (DBT) through the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council
(BIRAC) has invested an initial $1,00,000 to start an India-focused seed fund.
It will help groups in India compete for the Longitude Prize.
Importance for India
India faces increasing instances of diseases like
tuberculosis which are becoming resistant to front line
drugs.
The World Health Organisation statistics for 2014 give
an estimated incidence figure of 2.2 million cases of TB
for India out of a global incidence of 9 million, with
instances of drug-resistant TB rapidly rising.
Reasons for rising anti-microbial resistance

Lax monitoring
Profligate prescription by medical authorities that
allow these drugs to be easily available
Indiscriminate usage means that bugs are, overtime,
able to resist these medicines.
8.5. INDIA'S RED LINE CAMPAIGN ON ANTIBIOTICS

Why in news?
The Global Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, commissioned by U.K. Prime Minister in 2014 in its report, has
praised this campaign of India.
What is the Red Line Campaign?
Consumption of antibiotics in India increased sharply, while the effectiveness of these to treat bacterial
infections has been steadily declining. India consumed 13 billion units of antibiotics, the highest in the
world.
A much-needed public awareness campaign called Medicines with the Red Line to highlight the dangers of
misuse and irrational use of antibiotics was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Now, packs of certain medicines carry a 'red line' differentiating them from other drugs.

Way forward
Drug companies manufacturing irrational fixed-dose combination drugs should be checked.
The government should also regulate drug companies discharging antimicrobial waste into the environment
and use of antibiotics in animal feed.
8.6. BAN ON COMBINATION DRUGS

What is the issue? What are FDCs?
The government recently banned 344 fixed dose FDCs are medicines in which two or more active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are combined in
combinations (FDCs) and short-listed around 600 more
a fixed dose to form a single drug
FDCs to be banned
Side-effects of the combined product and its
Later, Delhi High Court restrained the government from effects are different from those of its individual
enforcing the ban until it has heard petitions from components and sometimes the combination can
drugmakers challenging the order. contain risks that are not there in the components
Reasons for Ban by themselves
The added danger is that when an adverse
The Parliamentary standing committee on health and reaction happens in a patient, it is often difficult to
family welfare pointed out several loopholes in the place which ingredient is responsible for that
approvals of FDCs. reaction.
Committee also found that many of these FDCs are
already banned in western countries.
Therapeutic Reasons - FDCs are ineffective, hazardous or simply inappropriate as sighted in many research
articles.
FDCs could promote addiction, which has emerged as a serious concern in the US.
Implications of the Decision
The ban on FDCs, linking drug prices to wholesale price index (WPI) along with bringing a larger number of
medicines under price control, could wipe out 12 per cent of the pharmaceutical sectors turnover.
Way forward
Streamline the regulation - Presently States and the Centre issue licence to manufacture and market a
drug respectively. To ensure that consumers get the right FDCs, a streamlined system of regulation is
needed.
A National Health Authority should be formed which should regulate both the health and commercial
issues in the pharma sector.
Drug inspectorates needs to be provided with funding and infrastructure to increase their ability of testing
the therapeutic attributes
8.7. ORGAN DONATION IN INDIA

Why in news?
Govt issued draft guidelines to streamline kidney transplant
Organizational Structure in India
National Network division of NOTTO would function as apex centre for All India activities of coordination
and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues
Donation and Transplantation in the country.
Low organ donation in India: The number of people pledging to donate their organs or relatives allowing for it is
still very less. Reasons:
Religious beliefs such as concept of afterlife, honouring the dead, etc.

Restrictions due to Organ donation rules framed under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994.
Lack of Awareness: Organ removal and plantation is a complex task and requires quick decision making.
Due to lack of awareness about correct time (i.e. after declaration as brain dead), and procedure, donation
has not developed.
Attitude of Doners: Till the time one is not exposed to reality of lack of organs they fail to realize the
importance it holds in saving a human life.
Other issue: Proliferation of illegal rackets of organ donation has discouraged genuine donors and
encouraged trade through exploitation of poor.
Other issues:
It is important to realize that organs cannot be stored but can only be transported in special solutions and
sterile ice to be transplanted into suitable recipients.
A green corridor is a special route, where all the street signals between the hospital where the organ is
harvested and the hospital where it is to be transplanted are manually operated to avoid red
signals.Combined with media campaigns, such successful examples can go a long way in encouraging
people to come forwards to donate organs.
Draft guidelines to streamline kidney transplant

No-give, No-take Policy: A patient who has donated an organ earlier or is a close relative of a person whose
organs were donated after death get preference in allocation.
Your City, Your Organs: If an organ comes up in a city, resident of the city will be benefited first followed by
the state.
Priority Score: the urgency of transplant will be approved by a state-level kidney advisory committee and
only then can you be put on the active wait-list.
8.8. QUERCETIN
Why in news?
IISc Bangalore concluded study on quercetin
recently and found it to be extremely useful for
cancer patients.
What is it?
Quercetin is a flavonoid (plant pigment)
commonly found in fruits and vegetables,
especially onions, citrus, and apples.
The primary benefit of quercetin is that it
possesses potent antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free radicals - chemically reactive compounds that
damage cell membranes and DNA and also cause cell death.
Why is it called a Green Way to cancer treatment?

Quercetin, known to cause anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity, reportedly induces apoptosis, a
process by which cells commit suicide in a controlled manner.
The compound may also prevent multiplication of cancerous cells by blocking the process of cell division.
It can even kill the highly aggressive leukaemia cell line K562, which is resistant to most anti-cancer drugs.
It is an originally purified compound, which is now also commercially purified and sold.
It was found to have no adverse effects on the non-cancerous cells even while killing the cancerous ones,
including in the experimental animals.

8.9. POTASSIUM BROMATE
The government banned the use of potassium bromate as a food additive following a Centre for Science
and Environment (CSE) study that found its presence in bread
According to the CSE, potassium bromate
caused cancer. typically increases dough strength, leads to
Potassium iodate is also used as a food additive and it too is higher rising and gives uniform finish to
said to be carcinogenic, it has been also referred to a baked products. Potassium iodate is a flour
scientific panel. treatment agent.
A CSE study had found that 84 per cent of 38 commonly
available brands of pre-packaged breads, including pav and buns, tested positive for potassium bromate
and potassium iodate.
The two food additives are banned in many countries and are listed as hazardous to public health.
According to the CSE, potassium bromate typically increases dough strength, leads to higher rising and gives
uniform finish to baked products. Potassium iodate is a flour treatment agent.
8.10. BLUE LIGHT EMITTED BY LED IS HARMFUL

According to a report recently released by the American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Science and
Public Health, excessive blue light emitted by light emitting diodes (LED) can adversely impact human
health.
Blue light directly affects sleep by suppressing the production of the hormone melatonin, which mediates
the sleep-wake cycle in humans.
As per the report, compared with conventional street lighting, the blue-rich white LED street lighting is five
times more disruptive to sleep cycle.
Although more research is needed, evidence available suggests a long-term increase in the risk for cancer,
diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity caused by chronic sleep disruption due to exposure to blue
light.
The excessive blue wavelength contributes to glare effects as a result of larger scattering in the human eye.
Glare forms a veil of luminance that reduces the contrast, thus in turn reducing the visibility of a target.
The report also notes that unshielded LED lighting causes papillary constriction, leading to worse night-
time vision between lighting fixtures. Intense blue spectrum can even damage the retina.
As per the report, contrary to the popular notion that bright LED lighting increases road safety, discomfort
and disability glare caused by unshielded, bright LED lighting negatively impacts visual acuity, thus
decreasing safety and creating road hazards.
8.11. YAWS FREE STATUS FOR INDIA

Why in news?
Recently, India received the official citation from WHO and UNICEF for being YAWS-free.
India is the first country to be officially acknowledged as being Yaws-free.
India has achieved this important milestone of being Yaws-free much before the WHO global target year of
2020.
What is yaws?
Yaws is a chronic infection that affects mainly the skin, bone and cartilage.
The disease occurs mainly in poor communities in warm, humid, tropical areas
It affects mainly children below 15 years of age.
It is caused by the bacterium - Treponema pallidumm and transmitted by skin contact.
Yaws occurs in overcrowded communities, with limited access to basic amenities, such as water and
sanitation, as well as health care.

Significance
This has been possible because of education and early treatment of vulnerable population.
Lessons learned from this public health milestone should guide other programmes as well.
It will improve the health of marginalized communities and enhance their socio-economic status and
contribute to Indias wider development.
8.12. CHARGE SYNDROME

Why in news?
Scientists from the Delhi-based CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology are a step closer to
bringing hope to children born with CHARGE syndrome.
The results of a study were published recently in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
What is Charge Syndrome?
It is a rare disorder in which multiple life-threatening problems such as deafness and blindness, heart
defects, genital problems and growth retardation and facial bone and nerve defects that cause breathing
and swallowing difficulties.
A mutation in the CHD7 gene is responsible for 60-70 per cent of all CHARGE defects. The expression of the
gene peaks in the early stages of embryo development, starting from 2-4 cells.
There is a high death rate in the very first year in children born with CHARGE.
About 1 in 20,000 people in the world, and an estimated 50,000 in India alone, are born with CHARGE
syndrome.
About the Study
The team IGIB studied the fertilised egg of a zebrafish to better understand the CHARGE syndrome.
Following fertilization, zebrafish embryos are transparent. This allows scientists to observe the inside of the
embryo and watch in real time how various organs develop.
Since most organs begin forming in the first 24-36 hours and are fully formed within five days, it allows
researchers to study the development of an organism from egg to maturity.
An RNA injected into a one-cell embryo interferes with the making of the CHD7 protein, thus producing a
zebrafish embryo with very similar problems as the human babies with CHARGE syndrome.
The researchers found that the CHD7 protein causes CHARGE syndrome by modifying a second gene
sox10.
Though CHARGE syndrome is extremely complex with multiple defects, reducing the sox10 protein in
CHARGE patients may go a long way in reducing their suffering and improve their chances of survival.
8.13. NEED FOR AN HPV VACCINE

Why in News?
It is being debated whether HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Vaccine should be included in the universal
immunisation programme or not.
What is it?
The vaccine offers protection against sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus.
The vaccine also averts the risk of contracting cervical cancer.
It needs to be administered before the first intercourse.
WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends two doses of the vaccine preferably in the age of 9-13
years.

What is The Debate?
The cervical cancer cases in India has decreased potentially in the last 10 years due to improved personal
hygiene, availability of running water in washrooms and better nutrition.
In such a scenario, the need for the vaccine is a matter of debate as it is an expensive intervention.
Moreover, it is difficult to determine its efficacy in averting the risk of cervical cancer.
Also, regular screening (such as the pap smear test) in India is given more importance.
On the other hand, WHO says that interventions such as screening and vaccination need to coexist and can
even help eliminate cancer.
Current Status
Two vaccines: Gardasil and Cervarix are available in India.
The decision to include the vaccine in the immunization programme is pending with the Health Ministry.
Delhi became the first state in the country to launch this vaccine as a public health programme for
schoolchildren.
Universal Immunisation Programme for Cervical CaNCER
The health ministry is going to introduce Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine in the universal
immunisation programme.
The virus is believed to be responsible for most cervical cancer cases
After breast cancer, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India.
National cancer registry data has registered around 90,000 cases for year 2013.
8.14. MADE-IN-INDIA LEPROSY VACCINE

Why in news?
A first-of-its-kind leprosy vaccine developed in India is to be launched on a pilot basis in Bihar and Gujarat.
Significant Facts
Vaccine name is Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii (MIP).
It is developed by National Institute of Immunology (NII).
This vaccine will be administered as a preventive measure to those staying in close contact with leprosy
patients.
Important facts about leprosy
Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects around 127,000 people in India every year. About 59 per
cent of the worlds leprosy patients live in India.
National Leprosy Eradication Programme was launched in 1983.
India achieved the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in Dec 2005.
Chhattisgarh and Dadra & Nagar Haveli have still not achieved elimination.
8.15. BEDAQUILINE
Why in news?
On World Tuberculosis Day (24th March), Union Health Minister launched Bedaquiline new drug for Drug
Resistant TB - as part of the national programme.
The drug will be introduced in 104 districts across five States.
What is Bedaquiline?
Bedaquiline is a bactericidal drug that belongs to a new class of antibiotics (diarylquinolines).
Although the drug is active against many different bacteria, it has been registered specifically for the
treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, MDR-TB.
It specifically targets Mycobacterial ATP synthase, an enzyme essential for the supply of energy to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis and most other mycobacteria.

The drug is unique among the anti-tuberculosis drugs currently used in that it interferes with the function
of an enzyme required by the tuberculosis bacterium to produce energy and to replicate.
Significance
The last time a drug was introduced specifically for the treatment of TB was in the late 1960s, known as
rifampicin.
Since then, resistance to rifampicin has been increasingly reported in the world.
This is a major concern, as it remains among the most effective anti-TB drugs available today.
Bedaquiline has been released specifically to treat TB patients with bacteria that are resistant to rifampicin
as well as to isoniazid, another core anti-TB drug, and thus suffer from MDR-TB.
8.16. PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Why in news?
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, have found a new way to kill cancerous cells by using
iron-based compounds decorated with organic groups. This method is called Photodynamic Therapy.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
It is treatment that uses drug called photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, and a particular type of
light.
Each photosensitizer is activated by light of a specific wavelength that determines how far the light can
travel into the body.
When it is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, it produces a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells.
Thus, doctors can use specific photosensitizers and wavelengths of light to treat different areas of the
body.

9. SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FIELD OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
9.1. 'LI-FI' LED LIGHT BULBS TO TRANSMIT GIGABIT-LEVEL WIRELESS
DATA
Until now, wireless data was
facilitated by Bluetooth (for low-
speed, short distance wireless
communication,) cellular signals
(wide range 3G, and soon 4G etc.) or
WiFi (broadband wireless within
rooms, buildings and open areas).
Recent developments are pointing to
a new-generation technology that
uses LED light to transmit data known
as Li-Fi (loosely expanding to Light-
Fidelity).
Using precisely controlled light
modulation, data can be transmitted
using regular, visible light.
Its speeds will between 10 and 100
times faster than current-generation
WiFi.
Transmission range of this technology
is limited compared to a radio frequency based technologies like Wi-Fi.
o Range is inversely proportional to frequency
Current applications
Used in enabling of household appliances and devices communication
Used in high-speed point-to-point networking devices that deliver backbone network support.
Data-laden lights can continue to function for regular illumination, lighting up rooms while continuing to
transmit ultra-broadband data.
9.2. DEVELOPMENT OF ARTIFICIAL LIVER TISSUE BY 3-D PRINTING

Recently, Pandorum Technologies Pvt. Ltd, a biotechnology start-
What is 3D printing?
up focused on tissue engineering, has made Indias first artificial
human liver tissue with the help of 3D printing technology. 3D printing, also known as additive
manufacturing (AM), refers to various
To build liver tissue of 5 mm size Pandorum needed 10 million liver
processes used to synthesize a three-
cells, which were arranged in three-dimensional architecture, a dimensional object.
bio-material made up of glucose, proteins and living cells extracted
In 3D printing, successive layers of
from a particular type of insect is used as ink, which is placed in
material are formed under computer
three interchangeable dispensers of the printers head controlled control to create an object.
by lasers.
These objects can be of almost any
The tissue performs critical functions of a human liver tissue
shape or geometry, and are produced
including detoxification, metabolism and secretion of biochemicals from a 3D model or other electronic
such as albumin and cholesterol. The tissue can grow and survive data source. A 3D printer is a type of
up to eight weeks industrial robot.
The 3D bio-printed mini-livers that mimic the human liver will

serve as test platforms for discovery and development of drugs with better efficacy, less side-effects and at
lower costs.
The cell-based miniature organs can be used to develop bio-artificial liver support systems for preserving
life in patients who have developed liver failure.
In the near future, such bio-printed organs will address the acute shortage of human organs available for
surgical transplantation, however the current 3D printing technology is able to make small slices of tissue,
producing a complete organ such as the liver with 300 billion cells may take several years.
9.3. BIO-INK FOR 3D PRINTING

Scientists have developed a new stem cell-containing bio-ink Potential Applications of Bio-ink
that allows 3D printing of complex living tissues that may be It can be used for printing complex tissues
used for surgical implants. using the patients own stem cells for
The bio-ink contains two different polymer components: a surgical bone or cartilage implants, which
natural polymer extracted from seaweed, and a sacrificial could be used in knee and hip surgeries.
synthetic polymer used in the medical industry.
The special bio-ink formulation was extruded from a retrofitted benchtop 3D printer, as a liquid that
transformed to a gel at 37 degrees Celsius, which allowed construction of complex living 3D architectures.
How it works?
The synthetic polymer causes the bio-ink to change from liquid to solid when the temperature is raised, and
the seaweed polymer provides structural support when the cell nutrients are introduced.
The team was able to differentiate the stem cells into osteoblasts - a cell that secretes the substance of bone
- and chondrocytes, cells that have secreted the matrix of cartilage and become embedded in it, to engineer
3D printed tissue structures over five weeks.
9.4. HVDC TECHNOLOGY

Why in News?
In next three years, India will see some 34,000 megawatt (Mw) of power being transported over long
distances, primarily to the northern and the southern regions.
This will be made possible through setting up of large trunk transmission HVDC lines.
What is HVDC?
High-voltage direct current (HVDC) is a technology developed to increase the efficiency of power
transmission over long distances by using Direct current transmission at high voltage.
Background and Technology
Power stations generate alternating current (AC) and most power lines carry AC that oscillates with 50 or 60
cycles per second, whether for the high, medium or low-voltage distribution grid.
Power also reaches consumers in homes, industries and offices as AC.
Direct current doesn't oscillate, so less energy is lost during transmission using DC.
The current is changed in a converter station and transmitted to the receiving point by an overhead line or
cable.
It is then restored to AC in another converter station and injected into the receiving AC network.
A 2,000-km long DC transmission line at 800 kV loses about 5 percent of its power, while the power losses in
an AC line of similar voltage are about twice as high.
Why HVDC demand is increasing?
Rising energy needs.
Less electricity is lost in transmission than with conventional AC technology.
Requires fewer transmission lines, meaning that less land has to be cleared.

Why HVDC only for longer transmission?
Because special equipment is needed to convert electricity from alternating current to direct current, HVDC
is cheaper only over long distances, typically more than 600 kilometers for overhead lines and more than 50
km for underwater cables.
HVDCs relevance for renewable energy?

There are challenges to large scale integration of renewable generation into the energy mix.
To be viable, projects have to be installed where they can be fully and efficiently utilized, and such locations
are typically far away from load centers that need the energy the most.
Hence, integrating renewable generation on a large scale will also require a considerable increase in power
transmission capacity and efficiency.
Indias first HVDC transmission line
Indias first high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) transmission line was built by the state-owned PowerGrid
connecting the northern states with the north-eastern ones.
The HVDC corridor would facilitate transfer of 24,000 Mw from future power generation projects in the
northeastern region and Bhutan.
The corridor would help resolve the issue of congestion in the north and northeast regions.
9.5. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Why in news?
Marvin Minsky, a pioneer of Artificial Intelligence died on 24 January due to cerebral haemorrhage.
What is artificial intelligence?
It is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs.
It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to
confine itself to methods that are biologically observable.
AI is not always about simulating human intelligence. There is something about how to make machines solve
problems by observing other people.
However, most work in AI involves studying the problems the world presents to intelligence rather than
studying people or animals.
AI researchers are free to use methods that are not observed in people or that involve much more
computing than people can do.

9.6. SMART GRID
About the Smart Grid project
Why in news?
The project is a part of the smart city initiative. The NDMC is coming up with a Rs 500-crore
The project has been divided into three phases "Smart Grid" project aimed at reducing losses
through better power distribution and
Replacing old equipment and cables
checking thefts and faults in transmission.
Installing smart meters in households
Developing software to improve the efficiency of electricity distribution.
A major highlight of the NDMCs Smart City proposal is its plan to upgrade its electricity network into a
smart grid system.
A smart grid network will facilitate two-way communication between the consumers and the power
utilities.
It will bring synergy between generation, transmission, distribution systems, consumers and also renewable
sources by integrating all into one seamless system.
An important aspect of the system is to have 100 per cent Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI), which
will give the consumers real-time data about power consumption thereby allowing them to make informed
choices about their usage.
A basic example of how it will help the consumers is that they will be able to give commands right in their
energy meters including troubleshooting.
Add MicroGrid from previous year
9.7. MICROGRID
A microgrid is a local energy grid with control capability, which means it can disconnect from the traditional grid
and operate autonomously.
How does Microgrid works?
To understand how a microgrid works, we first have to understand how the grid works.
The grid connects homes, businesses
and other buildings to central power
sources, which allow us to use
appliances, heating/cooling systems and
electronics.
But this interconnectedness means that
when part of the grid needs to be
repaired, everyone is affected.
This is where a microgrid can help. A
microgrid generally operates while
connected to the grid, but importantly,
it can break off and operate on its own
using local energy generation in times of
crisis like storms or power outages, or
for other reasons.
A microgrid can be powered by distributed generators, batteries, and/or renewable resources like solar
panels. Depending on how its fueled and how its requirements are managed, a microgrid might run
indefinitely.
How does Microgrid connect to the grid?
A microgrid connects to the grid at a point of common coupling that maintains voltage at the same level as
the main grid unless there is some sort of problem on the grid or other reason to disconnect.
A switch can separate the microgrid from the main grid automatically or manually, and it then functions
independently.

Why microgrid is necessary?
A microgrid not only provides backup for the grid in case of emergencies, but can also be used to cut costs,
or connect to a local resource that is too small or unreliable for traditional grid use.
A microgrid allows communities to be more energy independent and, in some cases, more environmentally
friendly.
9.8. AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)

The basic idea of augmented reality is to superimpose graphics, audio and other sensory enhancements
over a real-world environment in real time.
So its like adding a layer of digital information on top of the physical world around us.
The interesting example is projecting a calculator on a palm where one can perform normal calculations.
Many a times Augmented reality is confused with Virtual Reality. However, there are some differences
between the two as follows.
9.8.1. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A UGMENTED REALITY A ND VI RTUAL REA LITY
Augmented Reality Virtual Reality

Augmented reality is the blending of virtual reality Virtual reality is all about the creation of a virtual world
and real life, as developers can create images that users can interact with. This virtual world should be
within applications that blend in with contents in designed in such a way that users would find it difficult to
the real world. tell the difference from what is real and what is not.
In AR, users continue to be in touch with the real In VR, the user is isolated from the real world while
world while interacting with virtual objects around immersed in a world that is completely fabricated.
them.
With AR, users are able to interact with virtual VR is usually achieved by the wearing of a VR helmet or
contents in the real world, and are able to goggles similar to the Oculus Rift.
distinguish between the two.
9.8.2. APPLICATIONS OF A UGMENTED REALITY

Navigation: Enhanced GPS systems are using augmented reality to make it easier to get from point A to
point B.
Military: A transparent display is positioned directly in the fighter pilots view, it shows information about
altitude, speed etc.
Medical: Medical students use the technology to practice surgery in a controlled environment.
Gaming: With recent advances in computing power and technology, gaming applications in augmented
reality are on the upswing.
AR is also useful in knowing the identity of the people using various facial recognition devices which
compares the identity of a person in data bases of social networking sites. However, this application has lot
of legal and ethical issues regarding right to privacy, anonymity concerns etc.
9.9. TINTORANG
Why in news? Stains basic use is to impart
A science start-up, incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has colour to tissues or cells and they
built the world's first food-grade DNA/RNA stain. also facilitate microscopic study
and identification, which is of
Why important?
great importance for researchers.
Traditionally from crop improvement and food testing to forensic
applications, carcinogenic and toxic nucleic acid stains are used by biologists and genome experts.

Tintorang, developed from an undisclosed plant source being a fluorescent dye, can be used for DNA and
RNA visualization, molecular diagnosis and in vivo imaging applications.
Applications
Applying Tintorang to diagnose diseases does not require any bacterial culture, hence the result is obtained
sooner.
Tintorang may help to bring down the time taken for lab diagnosis of critical diseases like HIV-AIDS to only
one day from the present 3-45 days
Also, the same DNA/RNA stain can be used for multiple tests as the structure of the nucleic acid is not
altered by one test.
Tintorang would be safe even on consumption, as it is a food additive and thereby would be much more
safer for the scientist to use.
Being indigenous, faster and reusable, it would reduce the cost of molecular diagnostics.
9.10. TREASORES PROJECT

Why in news?
Researches in Europe have developed a new technology - transparent electrodes and barrier material. It can be
used in the next generation of flexible optoelectronics devices like tough panels, LEDs, solar cells etc .
What is it?
TREASORES stands for Transparent Electrodes for large area large scale production of organic
optoelectronics devices.
Currently, Indium Tin oxide (ITO) is widely used as electrodes in Issues with Indium Tin oxide (ITO)
opto-electrical devices. Indium is expensive rare element.
Indium Tin oxide devices have poor
Transparent Organic Electrode -It uses electrodes made of
mechanical flexibility.
organic polymers which are made of combination of molecules
Limited spectral operation i.e. it cant
unlike ITO electrodes which are made of combination of two work in all spectrum of light.
atoms.
The only concern as of now is the efficiency and charge mobility (because atoms are neatly arranged in ITO
electrodes unlike organic electrodes).
Advantages of using Transparent Organic Electrodes
Organic electrodes have their building blocks as molecules which being larger than atoms are easier to work
with.
Low cost
Better mechanical flexibility
Broad spectral usability.
Including TRANSPARENT BARRIERS would prevent moisture and oxygen entry from reaching sensitive
organic electronic devices.
Therefore a combination of transparent organic electrode and barrier could be a boon for solar industry in
terms of cost and flexibility of devices.
9.11. XENOTRANSPLANTS
Why in news?
A pig's heart has been kept healthy and beating inside a baboon's abdomen for over two years, setting a
new world record, and suggesting that cross-species transplants are closer than ever.
Scientists say that the research can be extended to human's heart as the Pig heart is most similar to human
heart.
Xenotransplantation is when living cells, tissues or organs are transplanted between species.

Uses of xenotransplantation
Organ transplants replacing diseased organs, such as hearts, lungs, livers, pancreases and kidneys.
Cell transplants replacing damaged or destroyed cells in diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimers
and Parkinsons disease.
Tissue transplants skin grafts, cornea transplants or bone transplants.
Bridging transplants providing organ function externally to patients with organ failure.
Challenges
Even if experiment works for humans, transplant recipients would need to stay on immunosuppressants for
the rest of their life.
Risk of infectious disease spreading from animals to humans
9.12. NEW ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER PURIFICATION

Why in news?
Indian scientists at Institute of Advance Study in Science & Technology (IASST) in Assam's Guwahati have
developed an eco-friendly nanotechnology for water-softening applications that could be used in civic
water treatment plants for generating potable water.
How it works?
The team made a biopolymer using a naturally occurring substance, called chitosan (obtained from the
hard outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp).
On this polymer Nano particles are attached.
In the biopolymer, nanoparticles are the functional parts of the technology. They remove calcium and
magnesium components of water through ion exchange, the same process that is used by common water
purifiers
This material is the first of its kind with potential to act as a biodegradable and green material for water-
softening applications.
While convention water-softening techniques use synthetic resins, this novel technology is biodegradable
as well.
9.13. BIO-GLASS
Why in news?
Scientists from Imperial College London in the UK and University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy have developed
a bio-glass material that mimics the shock-absorbing and load bearing qualities of real cartilage.
The material can also mimic cartilage and encourage it to re-grow, which will be helpful in damaged
cartilage replacements between discs in vertebrae.
The bio-glass consists of silica and a plastic or polymer called polycaprolactone.
Features
It can be made in a biodegradable ink form, enabling the researchers to 3D print it into structures that
are tiny, biodegradable scaffolds.
It also displays self-healing properties when it gets damaged, which could make it a more resilient and
reliable implant. When implanted, the combination of the structure, stiffness and chemistry of the bio-glass
would encourage cartilage cells to grow through microscopic pores.
Thus it has the potential to encourage cartilage cells to grow in the knees, which was not possible till now.
Over time the scaffold would degrade safely in the body, leaving new cartilage in its place that has similar
mechanical properties to the original cartilage.
Bioglass also finds application in drug delivery, as antibacterial agent, as remineralization element and in
bone tissue engineering.

9.14. LIDAR
Why in News?
Unprecedented new details of medieval cities in Cambodia near Angkor Wat have been revealed using
Lidar, shedding new light on the civilisation.
In Telangana, the State government proposes to use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology in
preparation of high resolution maps for use in various engineering works and projects that the State is
planning.
Last year, the Telangana State government had conducted Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey on
the river flow of Godavari last year
About LiDAR
Lidar stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a
pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.
These light pulses-combined with other data recorded by the airborne system generate precise, three-
dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
In other words, LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with
a laser and analysing the reflected light.
A LIDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver.
LiDAR is highly accurate scientific surface/topographic data with active sensing system and it uses its own
energy source, not reflecting naturally or naturally emitted radiation. This mode allows direct acquisition of
terrain information.
Applications
Use of Lidar technology is quite beneficial and it gives quality data in digital form in a short time. This data
can be used in many projects related to roads, canals, surface transport, city planning, landslides, irrigation
etc.
This system can be brought to use for engineering designs, conservation planning, floodplain mapping,
surface feature extraction (trees, shrubs, roads and buildings) and vegetation mapping (height and density).
9.15. BIONIC LEAF

Why in News
A team of scientists from Harvard University has created a unique bionic leaf that uses solar energy to
split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, and hydrogen-eating bacteria to produce liquid fuels.
Bionic leaf 2.0 can convert solar energy to biomass with 10 percent efficiency - a number far higher than
efficiency of photosynthesis in the plant.
How it works?
The bionic leaf 2.0 is placed in water and, as it absorbs solar energy, it's able to split the water molecules
into hydrogen and oxygen. These can be harvested and used in fuel cells to generate electricity.
With the help of an engineered bacterium, the hydrogen can also be used to produce liquid fuels.
9.16. SOLAR POWER TREE

Why in news?
Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences recently launched the Solar Power Tree.
It has been developed by the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), a constituent
laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
What is Solar Power tree?
It is an innovative way to generate electricity using solar power in a limited space
It has a structure like a tree with branches made of steel to hold the photovoltaic panels

Advantages
It takes less land of only 4 sq ft for a 5 kW solar power tree as compared to 400 sq ft of land required in case
of the conventional solar photovoltaic layout
It holds the panels at a higher height - thus gets more sun (by 1 hour) in a day in comparison to that of
conventional layout on ground. This could also be rotated so that the photovoltaic panels get more
sunlight. Thus, it is possible to harness 10-15 per cent more power.
It has a water sprinkler at the top for self-cleaning of panels.
9.17. SCIENTISTS RECYCLE CO2 TO CREATE USABLE FUEL

Why in News?
According to a study published in journal Science, Scientists have developed a highly effective method of
converting carbon dioxide into methanol.
Methanol can be used as low emission fuel for vehicles.
What is it?
The gas produced by the burning of fossil fuels can be converted into usable energy source by using
sunlight, similar to the way plants convert CO2 into sugar.
Plants use catalysts in the conversion; similarly here scientist used tungsten diselenide as catalyst to
convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide being highly reactive can then easily
converted into useful fuel such as methanol.
Significance: This method directly targets the conversion of CO2 making it highly effective for environment
protection.
9.18. SUPERCHARGED PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The supercharged photosynthesis process, called C4
photosynthesis, boosts plants growth by capturing
CO2 and concentrating it in specialized cells in the
leaves.
That allows the photosynthetic process to operate
much more efficiently. Thats why corn and sugarcane
grows so productively (as they possess genes for C4
photosynthesis); if C4 rice comes about, it will yield
more than conventional rice within a few weeks of
planting.
Researchers calculate that engineering C4
photosynthesis into rice and wheat could increase
yields per hectare by roughly 50 percent;
alternatively, it would be possible to use far less water
and fertilizer to produce the same amount of food.
A team of scientists from UK have completed two of
three necessary steps to turbo-charge photosynthesis
in crops like wheat and rice.
The scientists used genes from a bacteria called cyanobacteria and transplanted them into rice crops. With
the genes, plants are able to produce a more efficient enzyme that converts CO2 into sugars and other
carbohydrates.
The process
could help
boost crop
yields by 36 to
60 percent for
variety of plants.

Remaining Hurdles
Despite the genetic changes, the altered rice plants still rely primarily on their usual form of photosynthesis.
To get them to switch over completely, researchers need to engineer the plants to produce specialized cells
in a precise arrangement: one set of cells to capture the carbon dioxide, surrounding another set of cells
that concentrate it. Thats the distinctive wreath anatomy found in the leaves of C4 plants.
However, scientists still dont know all the genes involved in producing these cells and suspect that they
could number in the dozens.
Using conventional breeding to manipulate more than one or two genes is a difficult but with new genome
editing methods that allow scientists to precisely modify parts of plant genomes could help solve the
problem.
Once scientists solve the C4 puzzle in a plant such as rice, they hope, the method can be extended to
dramatically increase production of many other crops, including wheat, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, and
soybeans.

10. MISCELLANEOUS
10.1. HYDROGEN BOMB
Why in news?
North Korea announced on January 6 that it had successfully tested

a hydrogen bomb.
What is a hydrogen bomb?
Hydrogen bombs are thermonuclear weapons.

A thermonuclear
weapon is a
nuclear weapon
that uses the
energy from a
primary nuclear
fission reaction to
compress and
ignite a secondary
nuclear fusion
reaction.
The result is
greatly increased
explosive power when compared to single-stage fission weapons.
It is colloquially referred to as a hydrogen bomb or H-bomb because it employs fusion of isotopes of
hydrogen.
Salient Features of Hydrogen Bomb
A Hydrogen bomb is a much more powerful atomic weapon.

The energy released in a Hydrogen bomb is several magnitudes higher than an Atom bomb.
Hydrogen bombs use the fusion of hydrogen atoms, hence its name.
A fusion bomb is more sophisticated and difficult to make, since it requires a much higher temperature -- in
the order of millions of degrees centigrade. So a fission is carried out first to produce more energy, which is
then used to initiate fusion. In a fusion bomb, a fission device has to be triggered first.
It is easier to make Hydrogen bombs in small size, so it is easier to place them in missiles.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki both were atomic bombs and till date Hydrogen bombs have never been used in
war.

10.2. GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
Why in news?
Gravitational waves have been discovered by the U.S.-based LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave
Observatory).
The Advanced LIGO laboratories in the US states of Washington and Louisiana have traced the warping of
space from the merger of two black holes about 1.3 billion light-years from Earth.
India is an important partner in the LIGO project
and the announcement was simultaneously made
at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune.
What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves are distortions or 'ripples' in
the fabric of space-time caused by some of the
most violent and energetic processes in the
Universe.
Albert Einstein predicted the existence of
gravitational waves in 1916 in his general theory
of relativity.
The effect is very weak, however, and only the
biggest masses, moving under the greatest
accelerations, are expected to warp their
surroundings to any appreciable degree. Put in
this category the explosion of giant stars, the
collision of ultra-dense dead ones, and the
coming together of black holes. All these events
should radiate gravitational energy at the speed
of light.
Gravitational waves have never been detected
before, though indirect evidence of these waves have been found and resulted in a Nobel Prize in 1993.
How it is detected in the lab?

The basic principle for detection is interference when two waves combine, they produce a pattern based
on relative positions of peaks and troughs in those waves.
In LIGO, a high powered laser beam is split and sent down two L-shaped vacuum tunnels, each 4 Km. long.
They get reflected from two high precision mirrors and reach back at the base. They come back in such a
way that they completely cancel out each other. No light is detected at the photo-detector.
But when a gravity wave passes-by, it distorts space and changes the distance that the beams have to
travel. No longer are the peaks and troughs of the two reflected waves perfectly aligned. As they do not
cancel out each other now, some pattern is detected at the photo-detector.
Gravitational wave detector in India: INDIGO

India-LIGO project will be a replica of the two LIGO detectors and would be stationed at a perpendicular
direction to the detectors in USA.
LIGO-India project is piloted by Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and
Technology (DST).
The LIGO-India project will be jointly coordinated and executed by three Indian research institutions: the
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune and Department of Atomic Energy
organisations: Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar and the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced
Technology (RRCAT), Indore.
It will enrich technological areas like precision metrology, photonics and control systems.

But most importantly, it will
inspire coming generations of
young Indians to engage in
international scientific
research within the country.
Challenges
Current estimates suggest
the project would cost at
least Rs. 1,200 crore.
Many scientists familiar with
the project believe that such
a project is at least eight years away.
Another ambitious mega-science project, the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO) has been stalled for over a
year due to protests by activist groups, concerned over its environmental impact.
10.2.1. LISA PATHFI NDER

Why in News?
ESAs LISA Pathfinder mission has demonstrated the technology needed to build a space-based gravitational
wave observatory.
Results from LISA Pathfinder, show that the two cubes at the heart of the spacecraft are falling freely
through space under the influence of gravity alone, to a precision more than five times better than
originally required to detect gravitational waves.
About LISA
LISA would be the first dedicated space-based gravitational wave detector. It aims to measure gravitational
waves directly by using laser interferometry.
The LISA has a constellation of three spacecraft, arranged in an equilateral triangle with million-kilometre
arms flying along an Earth-like heliocentric orbit. The distance between the satellites is precisely monitored
to detect a passing gravitational wave.
As a prelude to the massive LISA mission, the smaller LISA Pathfinder was launched by ESA in 2015.
10.3. THE SVALBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT

What is it?
It is a secure seed bank on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen near Longyearbyen in the remote Arctic
Svalbard archipelago, about 1,300 kilometres (810 mi) from the North Pole.
Purpose
The purpose of the Vault is to store seed samples from the worlds crop collections.
Permafrost and thick rock ensure that the seed samples will remain frozen even without power.
It would be like an insurance policy for worlds food supply, offering options for future generations to
overcome the challenges of climate change and population growth.
It would be the final back up, securing, for centuries, millions of seeds representing every important crop
variety available in the world today.
10.4. TRACE GAS ORBITER (TGO) MISSION

Why in news?
Recently Russian (Roscosmos) and European (ESA) space agency jointly launched a Mars Mission called
Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO).
The Trace Gas Orbiter carries the Entry, Descent and landing demonstrator Module (EDM), known as
Schiaparelli.

Trace Gases on Mars: Methane, Water Vapour, Nitrogen Oxides and Acetylene
Aim of mission
To study methane and other rare gases in Mars atmosphere.
To drop a lander (Schiaparelli) on its surface. The probe will take pictures on the way down, but it has no
surface camera. It will make environmental observations until its battery dies
The main goal is to demonstrate its descent radar, computers and algorithms.
It will be used in the mechanism that lands the future ExoMars rover.
Trace Gas Orbiter carries a scientific payload capable of detection and characterization of trace gases in the
Martian atmosphere.
10.5. PETRIFICATION
A 20-million-year-old fossilized tree, discovered in Himachal Pradesh.
Petrification is the process by which organic material is converted into a fossil through the replacement of
the original material and the filling of the original pore spaces with minerals.
It requires a minimum of about 10,000 years to take place.
10.6. LOHAFEX PROJECT

Why in news?
Recently, Indian scientists discovered 3 new clusters of bacteria not related to any other bacteria.
The discovery happened during LOHAFEX experiment in the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, which was aimed
at increasing CO2 sequestration through ocean iron fertilisation as part of studies on global warming
mitigation.
Among the three new LOHAFEX clusters that were discovered, the first was related to class of Bacteroidetes
while the second and third belonged to Firmicutes.
A unique feature of the three clusters was their differentiated response to the presence of iron in the
ocean.
What is LOHAFEX all about?
The Indo-German project (Loha means iron in Hindi while Fex is an acronym for fertilization) in the Antarctic
assumed that the algal bloom (algae need iron to grow) induced by iron fertilization would suck up a lot of
carbon dioxide from the environment and sink it.

Experiments in oceans near Antarctica have indicated that seeding the oceans with iron might not help to
suck up carbon dioxide from the environment in sufficient quantities as to check global warming.
Also, Environmentalists have opposed it as the effects on marine ecosystems are unknown and they violate
the norms of CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity).
10.7. EXPLORING METALS IN INDIAN OCEAN

Cabinet approved signing of a 15 year contract between its Earth Sciences Ministry and the International
Seabed Authority (ISA) for undertaking exploration and other developmental activities related to
polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean.
The exploration will be done in the allotted area of 10,000 sq km in parts of Central and South - West Indian
Ridges (SWIR), in the Indian Ocean.
It will enhance India's presence in the Indian Ocean where other players like China, Korea are active.
These polymetallic sulphides in the Ocean Ridges have attracted worldwide attention for their long term
commercial as well as strategic values.
This comes after the ISA, under the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), approved an
application submitted by India for allotment of 10,000 square km area along with 15 years plan of work for
exploration of polymetallic sulphide (PMS) along these two areas.
The program will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with the participation from various
national institutes and research laboratories and organizations.
Related Information:
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous international organization established under the
1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1994 Agreement relating to the
Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Authority, which has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, came into existence on 16 November 1994,
upon the entry into force of the 1982 Convention.
It was established to organize, regulate and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed
area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, an area underlying most of the worlds oceans.
Polymetallic nodules (manganese nodules)
These are small potato-sized (from millimetres to tens of centimetres in diameter) lumps of material
precipitated from seawater and sediment pore water at slow rates over millions of years and occur mainly
on the deep-seafloor.
They contain approximately 24% manganese, compared to 35 to 55% manganese in land ore bodies, so
they do not offer solid economics as a manganese source, but they also contain iron (14%), copper (>1%),
nickel (>1%), and cobalt (0.25%).
The last three metals together, can make up to 3 wt. %.
Apart from these metals, nodules include trace amounts of molybdenum, platinum and other base metals.
Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts

Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts occur at shallower depths of <400 to about > 5000 meters in areas of
significant volcanic activity.
The crusts grow on hard-rock substrates of volcanic origin by the precipitation of metals dissolved in
seawater in areas of seamounts, ridges, plateaus and where prevailing currents prevent deposition of
unconsolidated sediments and occupy large areas on top of these topography highs.
In many cases, the deposits occur within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the countries.
Similar in general composition to the polymetallic nodules, cobalt crusts are attracting investment in
exploration for higher cobalt percentage (up to 2%), platinum (0.0001%) and Rare Earth Elements (REE)
besides Nickel and Manganese.

In addition, crusts can also contain significant amounts of nickel, lead, cerium, molybdenum, vanadium and
other minor metals including those of the platinum group elements.
ISA has signed exploration contracts for cobalt-rich crusts with Japan, China and Russia.
The mining technology for these deposits is more complex than the polymetallic nodules.
Polymetallic sulphides (PMS)

PMS are formed by precipitation of metals leached by hydrothermal fluid as it interacts with the cooler
ambient seawater at or beneath the seafloor at hydrothermal vent sites.
PMS are typically composed of iron pyrite, but contain varying proportions of pyrrhotite, pyrite/marcasite,
sphalerite/wurtzite, chalcopyrite, bornite, isocubanite and galena.
Copper and zinc are the most likely metals to be recovered, but some deposits exhibit significant gold (020
ppm) and silver (01200 ppm) grades as well.
Submarine massive polymetallic sulphide bodies are principally found along the earths major tectonic
belts.
Up to 40% of the known deposits occur at shallower depths in back-arc basins and on submarine volcanic
ridges within 200 nautical miles of the coast and within the jurisdiction of national exclusive economic
zones (EEZs).
10.8. LUCA
Why in News?
A team of scientists led by William Martin from Heinrich

Heine University, Dusseldorf have discovered the
ancestor of all things on earth and its name is LUCA.
About LUCA
LUCA stands for Last Universal Common Ancestor.

It is the most recent organism from which all organisms
now living on Earth have a common descent. Thus, it is
the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all current
life on Earth.
As such, it should not be assumed to be the first living
organism.
An autotroph is an organism that produces
Highlights of the study complex organic compounds from simple
substances present in its surroundings,
Two of three major life domains: Bacteria and Archae share generally using energy from light or
common genetic features with LUCA. inorganic chemical reactions.
Scientists went through 6.1 million protein encoded genes
and identified 355 genes that trace to the last ancestor by phylogenetic criteria.
LUCA is no less that 4 billion years old and was a single cell organism.
The study suggests that LUCA lived in a geochemically active environment. i.e. it did not necessarily need
oxygen and can feed off hydrogen, carbon dioxide and iron.
LUCA would have inhabited volcanically active places or areas where tectonic plates are moving apart,
ocean basins, and hotspots.
The study also suggests autotrophic or self-nourishing origin of life.
It also proves Charles Darwin propose theory of universal common descent through an evolutionary
process.

10.9. PAVA SHELLS
Why in news?
PAVA, a chilli based non-lethal munition will replace pellet guns in Jammu & Kashmir, decided an expert
panel of the Home Ministry.
What is it?
PAVA stands for Pelargonic Acid Vanillyl Amide. It is also called Nonivamide.
It is an organic compound characteristically found in natural chilli pepper.
On the Scoville scale (the degree to measure the power of chilli), PAVA is categorised as above peak.
It has the ability temporarily but severely irritate and paralyse humans.
10.10. CLOUD SEEDING

What is Cloud Seeding?
Cloud seeding is a process of intervening chemically to induce precipitation - rain or snowfall from clouds.
What is the mechanism?
Rain happens when moisture in the air reaches levels at which it can no longer be held, and cloud seeding
aims to facilitate and accelerate that process by making available chemical nuclei around which
condensation can take place.
These seeds of rain can be the iodides of silver or potassium, dry ice, or liquid propane as well table salt.
Cloud seeding chemicals can be dispersed in the clouds either by fly through aircrafts or by ground based
dispersion devices that use rockets or guns to fire canisters into the sky.
In case of seeding by aircraft, the pilot fires sodium chlorides flares to the base of the cloud, and silver
iodides flares to the top.
The chemical particles are embryos for the formation of larger drops which ultimately falls as rain. When
fired by rockets, chemical seeds are propelled by air currents.
Utility of cloud seeding and Potential Benefits
The utility of cloud seeding is that it can produce good rain over smaller areas and can supplement the
natural phenomena.
It can be developed as an effective tool to safeguard from the effect of vagaries of monsoon on agriculture
as it is timely rain, rather than a lot of it, which is more important for crops.
Concerns
Several experiments have been conducted across India to protect drought affected areas. However, they
were not very effective and gave mixed results. There are various other limitations.
The amount of rainfall and areas it can cover depends on several factors including the dimensions and
moisture content of the cloud and prevailing atmospheric conditions.
Different types of clouds may exist over a region, and same type of seeding may not be effective for all.
There are environmental consequences like spreading of harmful chemicals in atmosphere.
Moreover, cloud seeding is very expensive.

11. PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
2015
1. What do you understand by Standard Positioning Systems and `Precision Positioning Systems in the GPS
era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven
satellites.
2. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives
that can propel research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.
3. Discuss the advantages and security implications of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in-house machine-
based hosting for government businesses.
4. Indias 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 countrys fight
against erroneous patents. Discuss the pros and cons of making this database publicly available under open-
source licensing.
2014
1. Can overuse and the availability of antibiotics without doctors prescription, the contributors to the
emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and
control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
2. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our
business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented.
Critically comment.
3. In a globalised world, intellectual property rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly
distinguish between the terms copyrights, patents and trade secrets.
2013
1. Bring out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to section 3(d) in the India n Patent Law,
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.
2. What do you understand by fixed dose drug combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits.
3. What do you understand by Umpire decision review in cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how
silicon tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system?
4. (a) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of
a digital signature.
(b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the
technology.
5. (a) What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in aviation
and automobile industries.
(b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other
hydroelectricity project?
Copyright by Vision IAS
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Vision
IAS.


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Classroom Study Material

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4. IT AND COMPUTERS ________________________________________________________________ 30

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1.1.2. APPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

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1.1.3. STATUS OF BIOTECH NOLOGY SECTOR I N INDIA

1.1.4. CHALLENGES FACI NG BIOTECH SECTOR

1.2. NATIONAL BIOTECHNO LOGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (NBDS)

The idea is to make India a world class bio-manufacturing hub.

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Analysis and Conclusion

1.3. RECENT ISSUES AND DEBATES IN BIOTECH

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Major issues concerning GM crops

Impact on human health

Conclusion and way forward

1.3.3. GM MUSTARD (DMH-11)

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1.4. HUMAN DNA PROFILING BILL

Why DNA Profiling Law is needed?

At present, DNA testing labs are unregulated and lack uniform

Salient feature of the Bill

A DNA profiling law is supposed to codify everything and set

DNA data to become admissible as evidence in judicial

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What are the objections?

1.5. GENE EDITING

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It is a revolutionary gene editing

1.6. GERMLINE EDITING

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1.7. HUMAN GENOME PROJECT-WRITE (HGP-WRITE)

Background The Human Genome Project (HGP) was a large,

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How will HGP-write benefit biomedical research?

Concerns: The concerns range from the ethical to the scientific.

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1.8. AYURVADIC PRAKRITI TO GET GENETIC PROOF

1.9. OPOGENETICS AND CLARITY

Prof. Deisseroth (Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry

It is combining genetics and optics.

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1.10. TOUCH DNA

1.11. SYNTHETIC ORGANISM

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Use in intelligence gathering through difficult to detect sensors/cameras/recording devices.

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Water treatment and remediation

2.1.3. CURRENT ISSUES WITH NA NOTECHNOLOGY

Health and environmental issues

Effect on developing and underdeveloped countries

Reverse effects of nanotechnology developments on material demands and consequently on developing

Human Resource issues

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2.1.5. MAJOR STA KEHOLDERS

2.2. DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR SAFE HANDLING OF NANOMATERIALS

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