The Study IAS

Tag: GS-3

  • Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme Promoting ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in Defence

    Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme Promoting ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in Defence

    Context: The TDF scheme is instrumental in advancing ‘Atma Nirbharta’ in the defence sector, encouraging start-ups and MSMEs to develop capabilities in advanced technology.

     

    The Technology Development Fund : 

    • TDF scheme is a flagship program of the Ministry of Defence. 
    • It is executed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
    • It aims to enhance capabilities in cutting-edge technology and promote self-reliance (‘Atma Nirbharta’) in the defence sector.
    • This is achieved by encouraging the participation of public and private industries, particularly start-ups and MSMEs.
    • To date, 77 projects worth over Rs 300 crore have been sanctioned and successful realisation of 27 defence technologies have been done under the scheme.

     

    • Objectives of the TDF Scheme
        • Grant in Aid to Indian industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, and academic/scientific institutions. 
          • This funding is for developing defence and dual-use technologies not available in the Indian defence industry.
        • Engage private industries in designing and developing military technology, supporting them with grants.
        • Concentrate on research, design, and development of niche technologies being developed for the first time in the country.
        • Establish a bridge among the Armed Forces, research organisations, academia, and private sector entities.
        • Support the futuristic technologies having a Proof of Concept and converting them into prototypes.
    • Funding: Projects up to INR 10 Crores will be considered for funding subject to a maximum of 90% of the total project cost in general. 
      • However, up to 100% funding may be considered under the scheme, on a case-to-case basis. 
    • Duration of project: Not exceed a development period of two years. 
    • Academia and Research Institution Involvement: Their work involvement cannot exceed 40% of the total efforts required. 

     

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    Success Stories: 

    • Combat Robotics, Pune, developed an Innovative Simulator for Unmanned Vehicles under Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), DRDO
    • ChiStats Labs Private Limited, Pune developed: 
    • Virtual Sensors for Aero Gas Turbine Engine Health Monitoring and 
    • Tools for Data Assessment, Active Learning & Believability for Visual Data

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  • Emerging Threat: Snowblind Banking Malware

    Emerging Threat: Snowblind Banking Malware

    Emerging Threat: Snowblind Banking Malware

     

    Context:

    A new banking malware called ‘Snowblind’ is targeting Android users to steal banking credentials. 

     

    About Snowblind Malware:

    • Snowblind exploits a built-in security feature called ‘seccomp’ to bypass anti-tamper protection in apps handling sensitive information.
    • It repackages apps to avoid detection of accessibility features, allowing it to extract login credentials and gain remote access.
    • Snowblind injects code to evade seccomp’s security measures, enabling it to use accessibility services to monitor victims’ screens remotely.
    • The malware can disable biometric and two-factor authentication, typically used by banking apps for enhanced security.
    • Snowblind infects users who download apps from untrusted sources.
    • It is predominantly active in Southeast Asia, according to security firm Promon.

     

     

    What is Malware:

     

     

    • Malware, short for malicious software, is created by cybercriminals (often referred to as hackers) to infiltrate computer systems, steal data, and potentially cause damage.
    • It includes various types such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
    • India has been hit by several recent cyber attacks, causing disruptions across critical services and sparking widespread concern:
      • AIIMS Attack In 2023, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Power Utilities, UHBVN Ransomware Attack, WannaCry, Mirai Botnet Malware Attack,Petya, BSNL Malware Attack.

     

  • IEEE Approves IIT Bombay’s Network Standard

    IEEE Approves IIT Bombay’s Network Standard

    Context: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approves wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas developed at IIT Bombay.

     

    More on News: 

    • Mobile devices are integral for communication, financial transactions, and Internet access. Their connectivity relies on cellular (mobile) wireless networks.
    • IIT Bombay has been developing affordable rural connectivity solutions that form the basis of the 2061-2024 standard.
    • The standard defines a wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas.

     

    Cellular network

    • A cellular network, such as a 5G network, includes a set of network equipment connected by communication links. 
    • They work together to move data between different devices and to other networks, e.g., the Internet. 
    • It can be divided into two sub-networks: Access network (AN) and Core network (CN).
    • Access Network (AN): Includes base stations providing wireless connectivity to mobile devices in specific coverage areas. 
      • These towers, equipped with antennae, are strategically placed across regions by network operators.
    • Core Network (CN): Centralised equipment connecting to external networks such as the Internet. 
      • Linked to base stations via optical fibre (backhaul), it facilitates crucial data transmission and supports user mobility. 
      • All data, even from nearby users, must pass through both the base station and CN to reach its destination.

     

    Impediments to Rural Connectivity:

    • Income Disparity: Lower rural incomes hinder affordability of mobile services.
    • Population Density: Sparse rural populations are clustered in villages spread across wide areas.
    • Infrastructure Challenges: Cost & feasibility hinder fibre optic deployment in remote regions.
    • Urban-Rural Digital Divide: India has a tele-density gap between urban (127%) and rural (58%) areas.

     

     

     

    IEEE 2061-2024 Standard (Frugal 5G network)

    • This standard outlines an architecture for a low mobility, energy-efficient network designed for affordable broadband access. 
    • It includes a wireless middle-mile network, an access network, and the necessary control and management functions. 

     

    • Key Features of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard
      • Heterogeneous AN: Comprises different types of base stations, including macro base stations (macro-BS) for large coverage areas and Wi-Fi for high-speed connectivity within villages.
      • Seamless Connectivity: Allows devices to switch from Wi-Fi to macro-BS without service disruption, due to integrated AN control functionality.
      • Direct and Alternate Internet Paths: Provides a direct connection to the Internet from AN, bypassing the CN for stationary users, and enabling direct communication between nearby users within the AN.

     

    • Multi-hop Wireless Middle-Mile Network:  IEEE-2061 standard proposes a cost-effective middle-mile network using technologies like satellites or long-range Wi-Fi, eliminating need for optical fibre in remote areas.

     

    • Benefits of IEEE 2061-2024 Standard
      • Provide cost-effective connectivity solutions for rural populations.
      • Offers a flexible and scalable mobile network, accommodating legacy and new technologies (4G, 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi).
      • Integrated AN control functionality helps avoid issues like call drops in a heterogeneous network.
      • Direct routing within the AN for nearby users enhances network efficiency, similar to direct regional travel.
  • Megafauna Extinctions

    Megafauna Extinctions

    Context: Over the past 50,000 years, land vertebrate faunas have undergone significant losses, particularly of large species known as megafauna.

     

    Megafauna Extinctions: A Unique Phenomenon:

     

    • The selective loss of megafauna is unprecedented in the past 66 million years.
    • Climate Change Role: Previous climate change periods did not lead to such large, selective extinctions, suggesting climate played a minor role.
    • Impact Across Stable and Unstable Areas: Recent extinctions affected climatically stable and unstable areas equally, further diminishing climate as a primary cause.

     

    • Global Extinction Patterns
      • Widespread Extinction Events: Extinctions occurred globally but varied widely in timing and rate, correlated with human arrival or cultural advancements.
      • Varied Timelines: Extinctions occurred rapidly in some areas and over millennia in others, but all followed the presence of modern humans or cultural changes in Africa.

     

    • Human Hunting and Vulnerability of Megafauna:
      • Archaeological Evidence: Traps designed for large animals and isotope analyses of ancient human bones indicate widespread hunting of megafauna. Led to decrease in population.
      • Vulnerability Factors: Megafauna’s susceptibility to overexploitation was exacerbated by long gestation periods, low offspring production, and slow maturity.

     

     

     

     

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    Megafauna Overview:

    • Megafauna refers to large animals found in all terrestrial regions worldwide. Generally, they are defined as animals weighing over 40 kg or over a tonne. 
    • Term is used to denote the largest living and extinct terrestrial wild animals, such as giraffes, elephants, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses.
    • Importance:
      • Megafauna are crucial ecosystem engineers, shaping habitats through grazing and browsing, and regulating the abundance of smaller animals. 
      • Studying megafauna offers valuable insights into ecological systems, evolution, and conservation.

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    Ecological Impacts of Megafauna Loss:

    • Global Extinction Impact: Species went extinct on all continents and in diverse ecosystems, from tropical forests to arctic regions.
    • Adaptability of Extinct Species: Many extinct species thrived in various environments, suggesting climate change alone couldn’t explain their disappearance.
    • Ecological Consequences: Loss of megafauna significantly altered ecosystem structures and functions, affecting vegetation, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling.

     

     

    Conservation and Restoration Efforts: Need for Conservation: The profound ecological consequences highlight the urgency for active conservation and restoration efforts.

    • Restoration Benefits: Reintroducing large mammals can help restore ecological balances and support biodiversity, crucial for ecosystems that evolved with megafauna richness.

     

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    The Cheetah Reintroduction Program:

    • It is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to the country, following their local extinction in 1952.

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  • Species in News: Psilocybe Mushrooms

    Species in News: Psilocybe Mushrooms

    Context: In a recent publication in Mycologia, researchers from Stellenbosch University and citizen mycologists introduce two new species of psychoactive mushrooms in the genus Psilocybe from southern Africa.

     

    Key Findings

    • The two new species, Psilocybe ingeli and Psilocybe maluti. 
      • Psilocybe ingeli was first found in KwaZulu-Natal (2023), while Psilocybe maluti was discovered in the Free State and Lesotho (2021).
    • This discovery increases the number of known indigenous Psilocybe species in Africa to six.
    • Species are globally recognised as some of the most studied and well-known psychoactive mushrooms, with approximately 140 documented species.

     

     

    About Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms)

    • Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) comes from certain types of mushrooms (shrooms, magic mushrooms) found on nearly every continent.
    • Type: Hallucinogenic fungi found worldwide (except Antarctica).
    • Active Compounds: Psilocybin and psilocin (cause mind-altering effects).
    • Form: Typically consumed dried or powdered.
      • When ingested, psilocybin undergoes conversion into psilocin.
    • Effect: Psychedelic/hallucinogenic, alters perception of reality.
    • It has a low level of toxicity but there are health risks associated with its use.
      • These include dangerous behaviour, psychosis, and accidental poisoning from consuming toxic mushrooms.
      • Individuals with mental health conditions or a family history of psychosis face an increased risk of adverse psychiatric reactions.
    • History: Used in Central American rituals for millennia (3000 BC).
    • Scientific Interest: Studied for decades for potential treatment of mental illness (depression, addiction, PTSD).
    • Modern Use: Increased research and individual curiosity about therapeutic and personal growth applications.
    • The production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in Canada unless authorised by Health Canada. 
      • Psilocybin and psilocin are controlled substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

     

  • Zinc’s Groundbreaking Impact on Nitrogen Fixation and Climate-Friendly Farming

    Zinc’s Groundbreaking Impact on Nitrogen Fixation and Climate-Friendly Farming

    Context: Researchers in France have discovered the crucial role of zinc in promoting the health and productivity of legume crops. 

    • The study published in the Nature Journal conducted by Denmark’s Aarhus University in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Madrid shows how zinc significantly impacts nitrogen fixation. 

     

    Key Highlights

    • Researchers discovered that legumes utilise zinc as a secondary signal to integrate environmental factors and regulate the efficiency of nitrogen fixation. 
    • They identified a genetic regulator called “Fixation Under Nitrate” (FUN) that acts as an “off switch” for nitrogen fixation in legumes. 
      • By studying 150,000 individual legume plants where specific genes were disabled to investigate how plants regulate the transition from nitrogen fixation to the uptake of soil nitrogen.
    • The study identified an essential transcription factor that controls the breakdown of nodules when soil nitrogen levels are elevated.

     

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    What are legume plants?

    • Legume is the fruit of plants in the pea family (Fabaceae).
    • It includes beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, lentils, peas, peanuts, soybeans, and tamarind.
    • Most legumes split open along two seams to release seeds. Some legumes, like peanuts and carobs, don’t naturally open.
    • It provides food for humans and animals, edible oils, fibres, and even raw materials for plastics.
    • Legume plants possess an exceptional ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nutrients through nitrogen fixation. 
    • However, this energy-intensive process is slowed when soil nitrate levels are already high due to natural processes or synthetic fertiliser applications.

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    Understanding Zinc’s Impact

    • Zinc in plants plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, a process essential for converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a vital nutrient for plant growth.
    • Legume crops form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia, bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen within root nodules. 
      • These nodules are sensitive to various environmental factors including temperature, drought, flooding, soil salinity, and high levels of soil nitrogen.

     

     

     

    The Zinc Sensor: Fixation Under Nitrate (FUN)

    • FUN is a novel type of zinc sensor in legumes. It decodes zinc signals in nodules and regulates nitrogen fixation efficiency. When soil nitrogen concentrations are high, It controls nodule breakdown.
    • It is activated or deactivated based on cellular zinc levels, forming large filament structures that release active FUN when zinc is inadequate

     

     

     

     

    Implications for Agriculture

    • By understanding zinc’s role in regulating nitrogen fixation, researchers aim to optimise crop productivity and resilience.
    • Enhanced nitrogen fixation not only boosts crop yields but also reduces the dependency on synthetic fertilisers, thus mitigating environmental impact and production costs.

     

    Future Directions:

    • Researchers are delving deeper into the mechanisms through which zinc signals are generated and interpreted by FUN. 
    • This could lead to higher nitrogen delivery, increased crop yields, and a decreased reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
    • They are currently studying the performance of common legume crops like soybean and cowpea under conditions where FUN activity has been disrupted or lost.
  • Understanding Epilepsy and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

    Understanding Epilepsy and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

    Context: Oran Knowlson, a UK-based teenager, has become the first person globally to receive a brain implant designed to control epileptic seizures. The deep brain stimulation (DBS) device has successfully reduced his daytime seizures by 80%.

     

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    DBS and Its Functioning:

    • Traditionally neurostimulators were placed in the chest with wires running to the brain, now direct implantation in the brain for more targeted relief.
    • Functioning: The neurostimulator delivers continuous electrical impulses to the brain to disrupt or block abnormal seizure-causing signals:
      • Implantation: A 3.5 cm square device, 0.6 cm thick, is surgically implanted in the skull and anchored with screws.
      • Electrodes: Two electrodes are inserted deep into the brain, reaching the thalamus.
      • Connection: Electrodes are connected to the neurostimulator, which is switched on post-surgery and can be recharged wirelessly.

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    Epilepsy: An Overview:

    • Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable brain disease, or a neurological disorder affecting around 50 million people worldwide. 
    • Characterised by recurrent seizures, epilepsy manifests as brief episodes of involuntary movement, which can be partial (affecting a part of the body) or generalised (affecting the entire body). 
    • Seizures are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. These seizures can manifest in various forms, including:
      • Jerking of arms and legs, Temporary confusion, Staring spells, Stiff muscles.
    • Diagnosis of Epilepsy: One seizure does not necessarily indicate epilepsy, epilepsy is diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures.The condition is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. 
    • While the exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown in about 50% of cases, several factors can contribute to its development:
      • Head trauma, Brain tumours, Infections like meningitis, Genetic factors.
    • Innovative Treatment: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
      • Other methods include: Anti-seizure medications, Ketogenic diet, Brain surgery, Corpus callosotomy.

     

    Historical Context and Social Stigma:

    • Epilepsy, recognized since 4000 BCE, continues to be surrounded by fear, misunderstanding, discrimination, and social stigma.
    • Affecting the quality of life for individuals and their families despite advancements in understanding and treatment.

     

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    Epilepsy in India

    • According to a 2022 Lancet study, the prevalence of epilepsy in India ranges from 3 to 11.9 per 1,000 people. 
    • Despite the availability of various anti-seizure medications, around 30% of patients remain resistant to treatment, highlighting the need for alternative therapies.

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  • Global IndiaAI Summit 2024

    Global IndiaAI Summit 2024

    Context:

    The Global IndiaAI Summit 2024, organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in New Delhi, aims to advance the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in India. 

     

    Global IndiaAI Summit 2024:

    • Objective: Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among international AI experts from science, industry, civil society, governments, international organisations, and academia.
    • Focus: Ethical and inclusive growth of AI technologies, positioning India as a global leader in AI innovation for socio-economic development.
    • Host Role: India will host member countries and experts as the lead chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), focusing on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.

     

     

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    About GPAI:

    • It is an international body of experts from science, industry, civil society, international organisations, and national governments committed to bridging the gap between AI theory and practice.
    • Formed in June 2020
    • India is a member of GPAI.

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    IndiaAI Mission:

    • Purpose: Build a comprehensive AI ecosystem fostering innovation through democratising computing access, enhancing data quality, and developing indigenous AI capabilities.
    • Seven Pillars:
      • IndiaAI Compute Capacity: Establishing a scalable AI computing ecosystem with over 10,000 GPUs, offering AI as a service and pre-trained models.
      • IndiaAI Innovation Centre: Developing indigenous large multimodal models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models.
      • IndiaAI Datasets Platform: Streamlining access to high-quality non-personal datasets to support AI innovation.
      • IndiaAI Application Development Initiative: Promoting AI applications in critical sectors for socio-economic transformation.
      • IndiaAI FutureSkills: Increasing AI education accessibility and establishing Data and AI Labs in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
      • IndiaAI Startup Financing: Supporting deep-tech AI startups with funding and risk capital.
      • Safe & Trusted AI: Ensuring responsible AI development through Responsible AI projects, indigenous tools, and ethical guidelines.

     

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    About GPU:

    • It is a specialised computer chip designed to render graphics and images by performing rapid mathematical calculations. 
    • Initially employed mainly for rendering 2D and 3D visuals, animations, and videos, GPUs have evolved to serve a broader array of functions.
    • Key GPU Producers: Major producers of GPUs include Nvidia, Intel, and AMD, known globally for their advanced GPU technologies.

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    Significance of India AI Mission:

    • The mission aims to bolster global AI leadership, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical AI deployment.
    • Plans include establishing an AI innovation centre, providing high-quality datasets, and developing apps for socio-economic challenges.
    • Mission targets investments in the AI sector with private companies setting up data centres for AI model development.
    • AI is crucial for transformative growth in businesses and societies.

     

    AI Infrastructure and Readiness Challenges:

    • Infrastructure Needs: Developing countries face challenges in meeting AI infrastructure requirements for growth.
    • Energy Consumption: IEA predicts a doubling of electricity consumption by data centres, AI, and cryptocurrency sectors by 2026.
    • Global AI Preparedness: IMF shows India’s AI preparedness at 0.49, China at 0.64, and the US at 0.77.
    • Future Prospects: India is expected to see 11 new AI unicorns in the next five years.
  • Scientists Measure Top Quark Mass with Highest Precision Yet

    Scientists Measure Top Quark Mass with Highest Precision Yet

    Context: Scientists have achieved the most precise measurement of the heaviest known subatomic particle, the top quark at a major physics experiment. 

    The mass of the top quark, which is closest to the Higgs boson, is unusually heavy compared to similar particles. This discrepancy raises questions about its nature and role in the fundamental structure of matter.

     

    Key Highlights:

    • In 1995, scientists first estimated the top quark’s mass to be between 151 and 197 GeV/c2.
      • This new research, conducted by the CMS and ATLAS Collaborations at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), refines this value to 172.52 ± 0.33 GeV/c2, representing a 31% improvement in precision compared to previous top individual measurements.
    • Significance for the Standard Model: Precise measurements of its mass enhance calculations and deepen understanding of phenomena like quantum corrections affecting the properties of the Higgs boson.
    • Data and Analysis Techniques: Determining the new mass required measurements of both top-antitop quark pairs and rarer single-top quark events.

    The Greek philosopher proposed 2,400 years ago that matter could be divided into four elements: air, earth, fire and water. However, since the early 20th century, physicists have discovered so many subatomic particles that the diversity is akin to a zoo.

    • Among these, the top quark stands out for its mass.

    About Top Quark:

    • There are six known types of quarks. Some quarks join together to form composite particles like protons and neutrons.
      • The top-quark mass is playing a crucial role in the electroweak precision tests and the stability of the Standard Model vacuum.
    • According to mass-energy equivalence, a particle’s mass correlates directly with its energy. Currently, the top quark is the most massive particle discovered.
    • It is 10 times heavier than a water molecule, three times heavier than a copper atom, and 95% as heavy as a caffeine molecule. 
      • Its immense mass causes it to be highly unstable, breaking down into lighter particles in less than 10^{-25} seconds.

    The Top Quark and the Higgs Boson

    • A particle’s mass arises from its interaction with the Higgs field, which pervades all of space.
    • The Higgs boson is an excitation of this field. The stronger a particle interacts with the Higgs field, the more mass it acquires.
      • For instance, when the ‘electron field’ interacts with the Higgs field at energies below 100 GeV, the electron particle gains mass as a result.
      • This mechanism applies equally to other elementary particles. François Englert and Peter Higgs received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2013 for explaining this process.
    • As the most massive particle, the top quark is thought to interact most strongly with the Higgs boson.

    Standard Model: The Standard Model of Particle Physics is scientists’ current best theory to describe the most basic building blocks of the universe. 

    • It explains how particles called quarks (which make up protons and neutrons) and leptons (which include electrons) make up all known matter. 
    • It also explains how force-carrying particles, which belong to a broader group of bosons, influence the quarks and leptons.
    • It explains three fundamental forces: electromagnetism (governed by photons), the strong force (mediated by gluons, binding atomic nuclei), and the weak force (involving W and Z bosons, driving nuclear reactions in stars). Gravity, the fourth fundamental force, remains inadequately addressed by the Standard Model.
  • Project Nexus

    Project Nexus

    Context: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will be interlinked through Nexus.

     

     

     

    Project Nexus:

    • It is an initiative conceptualised by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). 
    • It aims to enhance cross-border payments by interlinking multiple domestic instant payment systems (IPS) globally. 
    • It is also looking to standardise the way IPS connects to each other, allowing for a single connection to the Nexus platform to reach all other countries on the network.
    • This initiative is the first of its kind from the BIS Innovation Hub to move towards live implementation in the payments area.
    • Founding members include the FPSs of India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
      • Indonesia is expected to join in the future.
    • To facilitate live implementation, the partner central banks and IPS operators have agreed to work towards establishing a new entity, the Nexus Scheme Organisation (NSO). 
      • It will be responsible for managing the Nexus scheme, and continuing the mission to achieve instant cross-border payments at scale.
    • Benefits:
    • Facilitates cross-border payments within 60 seconds in most cases.
    • Accelerates the growth of instant cross-border payments.
    • Reduces the need for custom connections for every new country, streamlining the process.
    • Advantages for India:
      • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively collaborating bilaterally to link India’s UPI with other countries’ FPSs for cross-border Person to Person (P2P) and Person to Merchant (P2M) payments.
      • Project Nexus provides a multilateral approach, enhancing international reach of Indian payment systems and benefiting from faster, standardised, and more extensive cross-border payment infrastructure

     

     

     

  • Indigenous conventional submarine -Project-76

    Indigenous conventional submarine -Project-76

    Context: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken up a preliminary study on the design and development of an indigenous conventional submarine under Project-76.

     

    About Project – 76 

    • The project is a collaborative effort between DRDO and the warship design bureau of the Indian Navy.
    • The Navy has a 30-year submarine building programme and after the P-75I(India), it intends to design and build conventional submarines indigenously.
    • Under P-76, there will be substantial indigenous content, including weapons, missiles, combat management system, sonars, communications, Electronic Warfare suite, mast and periscope.
    • The Indian Navy wants to build 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines with AIP systems, indigenous Weapon Control systems, & Lithium-ion batteries. under Project 76. 

     

    Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System

    • Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) module designed and developed by DRDO is undergoing refitment on the Scorpene class submarine Kalvari is expected in 2025.
    • AIP module acts as a force multiplier as it enables conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer duration thereby increasing their endurance and reducing chances of detection.
    • DRDO-developed AIP module is phosphoric acid based which is widely available.
    • An AIP module has a stack of  24 fuel cells generating hydrogen.
    • Components: This system operates with two primary components: a fuel and an oxidant. These components generate electricity through either a heat engine (e.g., closed cycle diesel) or an electrochemical cell (e.g., lead acid batteries, fuel cells).
    • Working Principle:
      • Diesel-electric submarines are susceptible to detection while snorkelling. This vulnerability was addressed by employing nuclear power though this solution is costly to implement.
      • To achieve long underwater endurance more economically, fuel cells have been utilised. These cells can be recharged by the diesel engine and serve as an auxiliary energy source during underwater operations, allowing for extended submersion.

     

     

  • Transition from Dirty Fuels to Clean Energy: Challenges and Unexpected Diversions

    Transition from Dirty Fuels to Clean Energy: Challenges and Unexpected Diversions

    About India’s Energy Landscape:

    • Heavy investments in clean energy do not eliminate reliance on older fuels immediately.
    • India is the fastest-growing large economy, but far from being a high-income country. The country’s energy needs are growing rapidly.
    • India is expanding its solar and wind capacities and developing a clean energy storage ecosystem.
    • Despite this, demand for dirty fuels like coal and hydrocarbons will continue to rise.

     

    Oil and Gas Dependency:

    • India is the third-largest importer and consumer of oil globally.
    • The IEA projects India’s demand for hydrocarbons will rise until 2050, though coal demand may decrease by then.
    • India imports over 80% of its oil and 50% of its natural gas, making it vulnerable to market disruptions.
    • Domestic oil production is declining due to ageing wells and may fall further unless new fields are discovered.
    • Plans to reduce vulnerability to shocks are often shelved once crises abate.
    • The United Progressive Alliance-I government initiated underground strategic oil reserves, but development stalled after initial facilities were built.

     

     

    Policy Awareness and Vulnerability:

    • Policymakers are aware of vulnerabilities to external shocks affecting oil and gas prices.
    • India has suffered from global oil shocks, such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
      • Recent Efforts: Policymakers have reiterated the need to reduce hydrocarbon imports and taken some steps towards this goal
    • The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) is expanding facilities to meet current and future needs.
      • ISPRL has invited bids for constructing 2.5 million tonnes of underground storage in Padur, Karnataka. 
    • Exploration and Licensing Policies:
      • In 2015 and 2016, the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) and the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) were introduced to attract private players.
      • Major global oil companies showed limited interest in unproven Indian fields, preferring lower-risk proven reserves elsewher

     


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      Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP):

      • Introduction: Adopted in 2016 to replace the New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
          • Aims to enhance domestic oil and gas production by intensifying exploration activity and investment.
      • Components: Uniform Licence, Open Acreage Policy, Revenue Sharing Model, Marketing and Pricing Freedom.

      The Open Acreage Licensing Policy  (OALP):

      • Under HELP,  the OALP mechanism was launched to facilitate investors in selecting blocks of their choice through an Expression of Interest (EoI) submission process. 

      Key details include:

      • It aims to enhance exploration and production activities in India’s hydrocarbon sector through streamlined processes and increased investor participation

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    Challenges and Need for Increased Private Investment:

        • Global oil companies often partner with Indian public or private sector companies.
        • Independent bidders frequently exit due to high risks, bureaucratic red tape, and uncertain tax measures like the “windfall tax.”
        • Indian public sector undertakings plan significant investments in oil and gas exploration, but this may not be enough.
        • India needs more private investment, both domestic and global.
  • UN Proposes Multilateral Fund to Share Benefits of Genetic Resources

    UN Proposes Multilateral Fund to Share Benefits of Genetic Resources

    Context: In August 2024, international delegates will gather to discuss a milestone proposal relating to a multilateral fund for sharing the benefits derived from digital sequence information (DSI). 

    • The proposal emerges ahead of the final talks in the (Convention on Biological Diversity) CBD’s DSI negotiating group in Montreal, aiming to set the stage for discussions at the COP16 UN biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia.

     

    Key Highlights:

    • The outcome of the negotiations will influence discussions on comparable multilateral funds within the Food and Agriculture Organization’s International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the World Health Organisation’s Pandemic Treaty.
    • While all companies using DSI would contribute to the fund, the main focus would be on large and transnational producers or companies.
    • UN documents released on July 1, 2024, indicate that the revenue from products such as medicines, cosmetics, and agricultural biotechnology could amount to billions of dollars.
      • For instance, a mere 0.1% of $1 trillion would yield $1 billion for the global fund, while 1% would amount to $10 billion.

    Background:

    • Traditionally, companies obtained genetic material directly from the environment. This system required them to share benefits with the communities that protected those resources. 
    • Companies are turning to DSI from open-source databases instead. 
      • This allows them to avoid sharing benefits, which is a violation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
    • Sharing benefits is a core principle of the CBD, but it lacks guidance in situations where only genetic material DSI is used.

     

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    What is DSI?

    It refers to genetic information obtained from plants, animals, and microbes. 

    It can include things like nucleic acid sequences and protein sequence data. There is currently no agreed-upon definition for the scope of DSI.

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    • A Multilateral Fund for Benefit Sharing: At the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) held in December 2022, CBD parties pledged to establish a new multilateral mechanism. 
    • A global fund supporting nature conservation, sustainable use, and related activities of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. 

     

    Challenges and opportunities: 

    • There are concerns that this contribution could hurt business activity and consumer spending. 
    • The documents emphasise that the contribution should be reasonable and manageable for businesses to ensure they do not face unaffordable costs. 
      • Any additional expenditure should not burden consumers or create inflationary pressures.

     

    Way Forward: While all companies using DSI are expected to contribute, the primary focus will be on large and transnational producers.  The proposals will be discussed in Montreal in August, with the final decision likely to be taken at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 16) between October 21 and November 11.

     

  • Choroid Plexus Role in Stroke Recovery

    Choroid Plexus Role in Stroke Recovery

    Context: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed an innovative animal model to explore the role of the choroid plexus, an organ within the brain’s ventricles, in repairing stroke-induced damage.

     

    About the Research and its Findings:

    • This research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, addresses the process of adult neurogenesis, 
      • where the adult brain generates new neurons to repair damaged tissue.
      • The regulation of this process and the migration of neurons to the lesion site following a stroke are not fully understood.
    • The choroid plexus produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which circulates throughout the brain and carries important signalling molecules.
    • Researchers discovered that removing the choroid plexus and the resultant loss of CSF led to a reduction in newly born immature neurons (neuroblasts).
    • In an ischemic stroke model, the absence of the choroid plexus and CSF resulted in fewer neuroblasts migrating to the lesion site, impairing the repair process.
    • The choroid plexus appears to play a crucial role in retaining neuroblasts in their usual residence, ready to migrate to injury sites when needed.

     

     

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    What is Choroid Plexus?

    • It is a network of blood vessels and cells in the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) of the brain. 
      • The blood vessels are covered by a thin layer of cells that make cerebrospinal fluid. 

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    Implications:

    • New Model Utility: The new animal model allows manipulation of the adult choroid plexus and CSF, facilitating the study of various diseases and biological processes.
    • Choroid plexus may maintain a reservoir of regenerative cells for brain repair.
    • Further studies are needed to confirm if similar mechanisms occur in humans.
    • Ongoing research is examining the effects of choroid plexus and CSF loss on toxic protein clearance in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease models.
    • This pioneering work opens new avenues for understanding and potentially enhancing brain repair mechanisms following neurological injuries such as strokes.

     

     

    Overview of the Brain:

      • The brain, weighing about 3 pounds in adults, is composed of approximately 60% fat, with the rest being water, protein, carbohydrates, and salts.
      • It controls various bodily functions through a complex network of neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS), including the spinal cord.
    • Brain Units and Function:
        • Hindbrain: Includes the upper part of the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebellum.
          • Controls vital functions like respiration and heart rate.
        • Midbrain: Situated above the hindbrain.
          • Controls reflex actions and contributes to eye and voluntary movement control.
        • Forebrain: Largest and most developed part of the brain.
          • Comprises the cerebrum and underlying structures.
    • Responsible for memory, planning, imagination, reasoning, and sensory perception.
  • Petrodollar

    Petrodollar

    Context: With the The 50-year-old petrodollar agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia expired commentators predicted the end of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency, suggesting the Chinese yuan could take its place.

     

    Historical Context 

    • In 1973, amid significant economic and political uncertainty like the oil crisis, the US forged the petrodollar agreement with Saudi Arabia. 
    • This pact involved Saudi Arabia selling oil exclusively for dollars and reinvesting those dollars into US Treasury bonds to support American fiscal deficits.
    • In exchange, Washington committed to supplying military equipment to Saudi Arabia and ensuring its national security, creating a notable “oil-for-security” relationship.

     

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    What is petrodollar and what does its withdrawal mean 

    • Petrodollars are oil export revenues denominated in U.S. dollars. Petrodollars are not a distinct currency; they are simply U.S. dollars accepted as payment by an oil exporter.

    Impact of withdrawal of petrodollar:

    • In the foreseeable future, the dollar’s dominance will remain.
    • But a gradual democratisation of the global reserve currency may be underway, giving way to a world in which more local currencies like Chinese renminbi, the euro, and the Japanese yen can be used for international transactions.

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    Argument in support of end of petrodollar 

      • Waning influence of the U.S. on the world stage, both economically and politically.The US debt has reached $31 trillion, with a budget deficit exceeding 16%, which many experts deem unsustainable.
      • Since the American shale oil revolution and the pursuit of energy independence, traditional oil-producing allies like Saudi Arabia have sought alliances with countries such as China. This shift aims to lessen their reliance on US demand for their oil.
        • Saudi Arabia’s Yuan Oil Sales: Saudi Arabia’s decision to sell oil to China in yuan represents a significant blow to the petrodollar system.

     

     

      • China has sought to increase its geopolitical influence by forging economic and political alliances with numerous allies and investing in developing countries through the Belt and Road initiative. Eg 400 billion USD deal with IRAN.
      • Russia’s Ruble Mandate: Russia has mandated the use of rubles for selling oil and gas to Europe, reducing the demand for dollars. 
      • Even India and Russia have entered into an oil deal where transactions are conducted in Indian rupees.
      • Over 90% of trade between China and Russia is now conducted outside the US dollar.

     

     

    Argument against end of petrodollar

      • The U.S. dollar  continues to enjoy greater preference for investment than any other country.
        • The year 2022-23 is an example of how investment funds rushed to U.S. shores after the Federal Reserve raised rates at short intervals, signalling high investor confidence in U.S. treasuries and the U.S. dollar.
        • The Saudi Arabian government and wealth funds favour investments in the U.S. Treasury bills and imports of advanced American technologies, including Artificial Intelligence.

     

     

      • China’s Yuan hype  : 
        • The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has  plagued partner countries like Sri Lanka, which have struggled to repay loans to China. This practice, known as “Debt-trap diplomacy,” has caused many countries to feel pressured. 
        • Chinese demand suffered due to the implementation of the zero-COVID policy, which imposed significant strain on the economy alongside a collapse in the real estate sector.
        • China, with its heavily restricted markets and low-quality exports, does not possess a better investment prospect and trade partner than the U.S.

     

    Way forward

    • The discussion surrounding the decline of the petrodollar and the emergence of the petroyuan is complex  and multifaceted.
    • Although China has made notable progress in expanding its global influence, the U.S. dollar remains dominant due to the strong economic and political foundations of the United States. If a transition to a new global reserve currency occurs, it will be a gradual process fraught with challenges. 
    • For now, the U.S. dollar continues to be the leading force in global finance.
    • In order that a currency could replace dollar It must be freely tradable with a stable economy backing it, ensuring users can rely on its value and stability without concern about the issuing country.