Dear Aspirants,

Here’s a Prelims Snapshot on Science & Technology specially curated for UPSC CSE
2025. It covers key developments, concepts, and innovations across space, defence, AI,
health, environment, and more — all in a crisp and exam-oriented format.

Stay consistent and keep revising!

All the best!

The Rise of AI Agents

AI agents like GPT-4o & Google’s Project Astra are shifting from simple chatbots to
multimodal interactive AI with real-time text, voice & image processing.

🔹 What are AI Agents?

✅ Advanced AI systems handling text, voice, and images ✅ Adaptable to new situations
& environments ✅ Used in robotics, gaming, virtual assistants, autonomous vehicles

🔹 How AI Agents Differ from LLMs?

✔️ AI agents: Multimodal, interactive, context-aware, perform actions ✔️ LLMs: Only

generate text, lack real-world interaction

🔹 Potential Uses

💡 Assistants – Personalised recommendations, customer service 🎓 Education – AI tutors,

adaptive learning 🏥 Healthcare – Real-time analysis, patient monitoring

Regulatory Sandboxes for AI –

🔹 What are Regulatory Sandboxes?

• Controlled environments for testing AI innovations under regulatory supervision.

• Help in business learning & regulatory learning for developing AI policies.
• OECD AI Principles 2019 recommended their use for responsible AI growth.

🔹 Why are They Needed?

• AI's rapid advancement presents opportunities & risks.

• Sandboxes allow safe testing to assess benefits & challenges.
• Help businesses secure funding & reduce regulatory barriers.

🔹 Key Benefits ✅ Controlled Testing – Identify AI capabilities & risks. ✅ Transparency –

Mandates disclosure of AI model details. ✅ Ethical AI Development – Encourages risk
assessments & safeguards.
🔹 India's Engagement

• RBI Regulatory Sandbox: Tests fintech innovations.

• Karnataka Innovation Authority Act, 2020: Supports AI regulation.
• Telecommunications Act 2023: Encourages AI-driven telecom solutions.
• Draft National Strategy on Robotics: Proposes regulatory sandboxes.

🔹 Global Adoption EU AI Act: Article 53 includes sandbox provisions. UK: First formal
regulatory sandbox by the Financial Conduct Authority. Japan & Norway: Experimenting
with AI, blockchain & IoT regulations.

NISAR Satellite –

🚀 Joint Mission: Developed by NASA & ISRO for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observation.
📏 Size & Weight: SUV-sized, 2,800 kg satellite. 🎯 Objective: Monitors tectonic activity,
water bodies, vegetation, snow cover, and climate changes.

📡 Earth Monitoring: Tracks surface movements, volcanic eruptions, and groundwater

levels. Detects ice sheet melting rates.

⏳ Mission Duration: 3 years.

🌍 Coverage:

• Full Earth scan in 14-15 days.

• Revisits land, ice sheets, and sea ice every 12 days.
• Detects surface movements as small as 0.4 inches.

🔬 Features:

• Dual Frequency: L-band (NASA) & S-band (ISRO) radars.

• Antenna Reflector: Large 39-foot fixed antenna for radar signal focus.
• NASA: L-band radar, GPS, data recorder.
• ISRO: S-band radar, GSLV launch system.

UN Year of Quantum Science (2025)

About Quantum Technology

• Uses Quantum Mechanics principles to study atoms & subatomic particles.

• Exploits Superposition & Entanglement for advanced tech applications.

Key Concepts

• Quantum Superposition: Particles exist in multiple states simultaneously.

• Quantum Entanglement: Linked particles affect each other instantly, even at a
distance.
• Quantum Algorithms: Solve complex problems efficiently.
• Quantum Teleportation: Transfers quantum states over long distances.
 • Quantum Interference: Enhances probability of desired outcomes.

Applications

✅ Quantum Communication – Ultra-secure communication (Quantum Key Distribution -

QKD). ✅ Quantum Computing – Faster problem-solving using qubits. ✅ Quantum
Sensing – High-precision measurements for healthcare, navigation, and defence. ✅
Quantum Materials – Used in solar cells, batteries, and bioimaging.

India’s Quantum Initiatives

🔹 National Quantum Mission (2023) – Develops 50-1000 qubit quantum computers, secure
satellite-based quantum communication, and quantum networks. 🔹 QuEST Initiative &
QSimToolkit – Promotes quantum research & learning. 🔹 Quantum Labs & T-Hubs –
Established in top academic institutions & defence research.

Multi-Omics

What is Multi-Omics? Integrative biological research combining multiple “omics” fields to

study molecular interactions in health & disease.

Key Components & Applications

🔹 Genomics – Studies DNA & genetic variations for disease association. 🔹 Proteomics –
Analyzes proteins to identify biomarkers & targeted therapies. 🔹 Transcriptomics –
Examines RNA expression patterns in diseases. 🔹 Epigenomics – Studies gene regulation
without altering DNA. 🔹 Metabolomics – Analyzes metabolic pathways & disease
biomarkers.

Significance

1. Revolutionizing disease detection & treatment (e.g., TB, cancer, antimicrobial

resistance).
2. Provides a holistic understanding of biological processes for better healthcare
solutions.

World’s First Brain Implant for Epilepsy

• A UK teenager became the first to receive a deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant for
epilepsy.
• Effectiveness: Reduced seizures by 80%.
• Mechanism: Implant in the skull connected to electrodes in the thalamus, delivering
continuous electrical impulses to disrupt seizure-causing signals.
• Uniqueness: First brain implant (earlier implants were in the chest).

Axiom-4 Mission
 • ISRO-selected Indian astronauts to participate in NASA-Axiom Space’s 4th private
astronaut mission.
• Mission Duration: 14 days at the International Space Station (ISS).
• Launch Provider: SpaceX (Dragon spacecraft).
• Training: NASA, SpaceX, and international partners.

Regenerative Braking

• Definition: Converts kinetic energy into storable and reusable electrical energy.
• Electric Vehicles: Uses the motor as a generator during braking to recharge the
battery.
• Additional Braking Methods:
• Rheostatic Braking: Dissipates excess energy as heat.
• Dual Systems: Vehicles use both regenerative and rheostatic braking for efficiency.
• Other Energy Recovery Methods
• Flywheels: Convert mechanical energy to angular momentum (used in Formula One,
submarines, satellites).
• Compressed Air: Stores kinetic energy for engine startups.

LUCA – The Last Universal Common Ancestor

1. Scientists suggest that LUCA may have formed 300 million years after Earth’s
formation.
2. It is believed to be the common origin of bacteria, archaea, and eukarya.
3. No fossil evidence exists for LUCA, but it predates the earliest fossils by a billion
years.

Xenotransplantation – Pigs as Organ Donors

• Scientists are raising the cleanest pigs for organ transplants in humans.
• Definition: Transplantation of live cells, tissues, or organs from animals to humans.
• Why Pigs?
• Used for 50+ years in heart valve replacements.
• Similar anatomy & physiology to humans.
• Cost-effective & widely available.

Nipah Virus Outbreak – Kerala

• A Nipah virus outbreak has been reported in Malappuram, Kerala.

• Origin: First identified in 1999 (Malaysia); later spread to India, Bangladesh,
Cambodia, Ghana, and Thailand.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, sore throat → Neurological issues, seizures, coma.
• Detection: RT-PCR, ELISA, IHC, SNT tests.
• No Vaccine or Specific Treatment: Supportive care is the only option, with Ribavirin
showing limited effectiveness.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

📌 Context: India plans to collaborate with the private sector to study and test SMRs.
📌 What are SMRs? Small: Smaller than conventional nuclear reactors. Modular: Factory-
assembled for easy transportation and installation. Reactors: Generate energy via nuclear
fission.

📌 Key Features: Power capacity: Up to 300 MW(e) (~⅓ of conventional

reactors). Advantages: Low-carbon energy, faster manufacturing, reduced costs, and can
repurpose old thermal plant sites.

New Drug-Resistant TB Treatment: BPaL Regimen

📌 Context: India to introduce the BPaL regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid) for
drug-resistant TB.

📌 Why Important? Reduces treatment from 18-24 months to just 6 months. Requires only 3
daily tablets (older regimen had 14).

📌 About TB: Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Types: Pulmonary TB (lungs) & Extra-
Pulmonary TB (other organs).Treatment: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide &
Ethambutol. Vaccine: BCG (only licensed TB vaccine).

EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite

📌 Context: ISRO launched EOS-08 under the SSLV-D3 mission.

📌 Key Features:

Tech Upgrades: Integrated avionics, flexible solar panels, advanced antennas.

Payloads: EOIR: Disaster & environmental monitoring. GNSS: Wind, soil moisture, flood,
and waterbody analysis. SiC UV Dosimeter: Astronaut safety in the Gaganyaan mission.

📌 Objectives: Microsatellite development & integration of new space technologies.

🔹 Summary: India is advancing in nuclear energy (SMRs), healthcare (TB treatment), and
space technology (EOS-08). 🚀

DEFENCE

▪️Missiles: Cruise & Ballistic

1️.Cruise Missiles– Guided missiles that remain within the Earth’s atmosphere and travel at a
constant speed. 🔹 Can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarines.

Examples: ✅ BrahMos (India-Russia): Supersonic cruise missile ✅ Nirbhay (India):

Subsonic cruise missile ✅ Tomahawk (USA): Long-range subsonic cruise missile

2️. Ballistic Missiles – Follow a parabolic trajectory and exit the atmosphere before re-
entering.
Examples: ✅ Agni Series (India): Agni-V (ICBM, 5,500+ km range) ✅ Prithvi Series
(India): Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) ✅ DF-41 (China): ICBM ✅ Minuteman III
(USA): ICBM

▪️Air Defence Systems

1️. VSHORADS (Very Short-Range Air Defence System) 🔹 Indigenous man-portable air
defence system (MANPAD) developed by DRDO. 🔹 Designed to neutralize low-flying
threats like helicopters, UAVs, and low-altitude aircraft. 🔹 Equipped with an advanced
infrared homing seeker.

2️. Akashteer System 🔹 An automated air defence control system developed by India. 🔹
Provides real-time surveillance, tracking, and threat assessment. 🔹 Enhances coordination
between ground-based air defence weapons.

3. C-Dome Defense System 🔹 Developed by Israel as a naval adaptation of the Iron Dome.
🔹 Designed to protect warships from airborne threats like missiles, drones, and aircraft. 🔹
Uses Tamir interceptors for missile neutralization.

▪️Direct Energy Weapons (DEWs)

🔹 Meaning and Applications: 🔸 DEWs emit focused energy (lasers, microwaves, particle
beams) to disable or destroy targets. 🔸 Unlike traditional ammunition, DEWs do not require
projectiles.

Applications: ✅ Missile Defense: Can shoot down incoming missiles using laser
technology. ✅ Drone Neutralization: Used to disable enemy drones. ✅ Electronic Warfare:
Can disrupt enemy radars and communication systems. ✅ Naval Warfare: Mounted on
warships to counter aerial and missile threats.

Examples: ✅ DRDO’s DURGA-II (India): Laser-based DEW in development. ✅ HELWS

(USA): High-Energy Laser Weapon System. ✅ Iron Beam (Israel): Laser-based missile
defense system.

▪️Drones

. MQ-98A – Next-generation combat drone used for reconnaissance and strike missions. 🔹
Developed for high-endurance surveillance.

2️. Nagastra-1 – India’s first indigenous loitering munition (suicide drone). 🔹 Capable of
precision strikes and target tracking.

3. Hermes-900 – Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV from Israel. 🔹 Used for
surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition. 🔹 Operates at high altitudes with long
endurance.
4. FWD-200B – A tactical drone with multi-role capabilities. 🔹 Used for border surveillance,
battlefield assessment, and intelligence gathering.

Alternative Energy

1. Nuclear Fusion vs. Fission Nuclear Fusion

• Combines light nuclei (e.g., Deuterium + Tritium).

• Releases higher energy than fission.
• Uses light isotopes (Hydrogen).
• Produces Helium + Neutrons as by-products.
• Requires high temperature & pressure (like in stars).
• Occurs naturally in stars (e.g., Sun).

Nuclear Fission

• Splits a heavy nucleus (e.g., U-235, Pu-239).

• Releases lower energy than fusion.
• Uses heavy isotopes (U-235, Pu-239).
• Produces radioactive waste as by-products.
• Requires a controlled chain reaction in reactors.
• Occurs in nuclear power plants.

[Link] Breeder Reactor (PFBR)

• India's first 500 MWe sodium-cooled PFBR at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

• Commissioned by BHAVINI under the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Uses Uranium-Plutonium MOX fuel and generates more fuel than it consumes.

Part of India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Power Program:

• Stage 1: PHWR (U-2️35 → Pu-239)

• Stage 2: FBR (Pu-2️39 → more Pu-239)
• Stage 3: AHWR (Thorium → U-233)
• Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (Gujarat)
• Unit-4 700 MWe PHWR now fully operational.
• India’s Nuclear Plants: Rawatbhata (Rajasthan), Narora (UP), Tarapur (Maharashtra),
Kaiga (Karnataka), Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu).

3. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• Govt to partner with the private sector for Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs).
• Advantages: Compact, factory-assembled, modular, safer, and requires less frequent
refueling (3-7 years vs. 1-2 years in large reactors).

4. Tokamak & Fusion Research

• KSTAR (Korea) reached 1️00 million°C for 48 sec (7x Sun’s core).
• ITER (France): Largest fusion experiment with India’s contribution.
• India’s Tokamaks: ADITYA, SST-1.
5. Related Developments

• China’s Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (2️02️5): Safer, no water cooling needed.
• Nuclear Energy Summit (Brussels): IAEA-led, promoting nuclear power.

6. Emerging Technologies

• Hydrogen-Fuel Cells: MV Sea Change – first hydrogen-powered ferry.

• Zinc-Air Batteries: Alternative to lithium-ion.

7. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) India’s BESS funding: ₹3.5 lakh crore by
FY2032.

Types of batteries:

• Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
• Sodium-Ion (Na-ion)
• Lead-Acid
• Flow batteries

Government initiatives:

• Viability Gap Funding (VGF)

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for Battery Storage

Sodium-Ion vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries Sodium-Ion Batteries

• Abundance: High (500-1000x more than Lithium).

• Charging speed: Faster.
• Safety: Safer (No fire risk).
• Use case: Grid storage + electronic devices. Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Abundance: Limited supply.
• Charging speed: Slower.
• Safety: Less safe (fire risk).
• Use case: EVs & gadgets.

HEALTH

Diseases and Related Developments

1. Tuberculosis (TB): A major public health issue in India. Advances include shorter
treatment regimens and molecular diagnostics for faster detection.
2. Monkeypox (mpox): A viral disease similar to smallpox; recent outbreaks highlight
the need for surveillance and containment.
3. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Affect impoverished communities; focus on
mass drug administration, sanitation, and vector control.
4. Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): A global threat due to rising antibiotic resistance;
strategies include rational antibiotic use and new drug development.

Other Diseases:
 1. Avian Influenza: Bird flu outbreaks necessitate strict monitoring in poultry.
2. Zika Virus: Mosquito-borne disease linked to birth defects.
3. Chandipura Virus: An emerging encephalitis-causing virus in India.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Developments

1. Fixed Dose Combination Drugs: Medications combining multiple active ingredients

to improve compliance but raise safety concerns.
2. Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-human organ transplants offer potential solutions to
organ shortages but face immune rejection challenges.
3. Trans-fat Elimination: Efforts to reduce industrial trans-fats to prevent cardiovascular
diseases.
4. Glycemic Index: Measures how food affects blood sugar, relevant for diabetes
management.
5. A1 and A2 Milk: Different types of beta-casein proteins; A2 milk is believed to be
easier to digest.
6. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A crucial non-invasive imaging technique for
diagnosis.
7. Radiation Therapy: Advances in precision targeting for cancer treatment.

Vaccines in News

1. mRNA Vaccine: A breakthrough in immunization, revolutionized COVID-19 vaccine

development.
2. New Dengue Vaccine (TAK-003): Promising protection against multiple dengue
serotypes.
3. R21/Matrix-M: High-efficacy malaria vaccine in trials.
4. Hepatitis A Vaccine: Important in areas with high incidence.
5. Codon De-optimisation Technology (CDT): Used to develop attenuated virus
vaccines.

Key Organizations in News

1. World Health Organization (WHO): Leads global health responses and policy-
making.
2. Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): Sets international food safety standards.

Other Scientific Developments

1. Ferroptosis: A regulated cell death process with implications for cancer therapy.
2. Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria improving gut health.
3. Xylitol: A sugar substitute with dental health benefits.
4. Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS): A condition causing low platelet counts.
5. Weight Loss Drugs: New developments focus on effectiveness and safety.
6. Ultrasound Technology: Used for medical imaging and therapy.
7. Methanol: Industrially significant but toxic if consumed.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

1. ISRO and Related Developments:

 • Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX): ISRO is progressing with SPADEX, aiming
to demonstrate autonomous docking between two spacecraft in orbit. This capability
is crucial for future missions involving spacecraft assembly and refueling.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): Plans are underway for India's own space station,
the BAS, which will facilitate long-duration missions and research in microgravity,
marking a significant milestone in India's space endeavors.
• Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM): ISRO's upcoming mission to study Venus aims to
explore its atmosphere and surface, enhancing our understanding of Earth's twin
planet.
• Aditya-L1: This pioneering mission is designed to study the Sun's corona, providing
valuable insights into solar activities and their effects on space weather.
• Chandrayaan-3: Following previous lunar missions, Chandrayaan-3 focuses on
landing a rover on the Moon's surface to conduct in-depth scientific analysis.
• Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology: ISRO is developing RLV technology to
reduce the cost of access to space, aiming for aircraft-like takeoff and landing
capabilities.
• Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08: This satellite enhances India's capabilities in
resource monitoring and disaster management through advanced imaging.
• Air Breathing Propulsion System: Innovations in this area aim to develop more
efficient propulsion systems for future space missions.
• TRISHNA: Indo-French Thermal Imaging Mission: A collaborative mission focusing
on high-resolution thermal imaging to monitor Earth's climate and environment.
• National Information System for Climate and Environment Studies (NICES)
Programme: An initiative to develop a comprehensive information system for climate
and environmental studies, aiding in policy formulation and research.

2. Space-related Phenomena:

• Expansion of Universe: Recent observations continue to shed light on the universe's

accelerated expansion, prompting discussions on dark energy and cosmological
models.
• Solar Storms (Geomagnetic Storms): Studies on solar storms emphasize their
potential impact on Earth's technology and the importance of space weather
forecasting.
• Space Debris: The growing concern of space debris highlights the need for
sustainable practices and debris mitigation strategies in orbit.
• Planetary Defense: Efforts are intensifying to develop strategies and technologies to
protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

3. Key Space Missions in News:

• Astrosat: India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory continues to

contribute valuable data to the global scientific community.
• RHUMI-1: A recent mission focusing on space-based surveillance, enhancing
capabilities in monitoring and security.

4. Telescopes in News:
 • Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE): This telescope aims to study
cosmic gamma-ray sources, contributing to our understanding of high-energy
astrophysical phenomena.
• Square Kilometer Array (SKA): An international effort to build the world's largest
radio telescope, enabling unprecedented insights into the universe.
• University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) Project: A project aiming to
establish a high-altitude observatory for infrared astronomy, facilitating observations
of the distant universe.

5. Key Concepts/Terms in News:

• Brown Dwarf: Substellar objects that are not massive enough to sustain hydrogen
fusion, occupying the mass range between the heaviest gas giants and the lightest
stars.
• White Dwarf Star: The remnants of low to medium mass stars that have exhausted
their nuclear fuel, representing one of the final stages of stellar evolution.
• Trojan Asteroid: Asteroids that share an orbit with a larger planet, positioned at stable
Lagrange points.
• Super Blue Moon: A rare astronomical event where a second full moon occurs in a
calendar month and is closer to Earth, appearing larger and brighter.

6. Other Important News:

• Space-based Surveillance: Advancements in satellite technology are enhancing

capabilities in Earth observation, security, and reconnaissance.
• Van Allen Radiation Belt: Studies of these radiation belts are crucial for
understanding space weather and protecting satellites and astronauts from radiation
hazards.
• Space Tourism: The emerging industry of space tourism is gaining momentum, with
private companies developing capabilities to offer commercial space travel
experiences.

DEVELOPMENTS RELATED TO PHYSICS

Higgs Boson

• The Higgs Boson, often referred to as the "God Particle," is a fundamental particle
associated with the Higgs field, which imparts mass to other particles.
• Its discovery at CERN's Large Hadron Collider in 2012 confirmed a crucial aspect of
the Standard Model of particle physics.
• Recent developments have focused on studying its properties to better understand the
fundamental structure of matter.

Neutrinos

• Neutrinos are nearly massless, chargeless subatomic particles that interact very
weakly with matter, making them challenging to detect. They are produced in various
nuclear reactions, such as those in the sun, nuclear reactors, and during supernovae.
India is contributing to neutrino research through projects like the India-based
 Neutrino Observatory (INO), aiming to study atmospheric neutrinos and gain insights
into their mass and oscillation properties.

Gravitational Waves (GW)

• Gravitational Waves are ripples in spacetime caused by accelerating massive objects,

such as merging black holes or neutron stars.
• Their detection has opened a new window into observing cosmic events.
• India is participating in this field through the LIGO-India project, which will house a
gravitational wave detector, enhancing the global network's ability to pinpoint sources
and study the universe's gravitational wave background.

Other Important Developments

Antimatter

• Antimatter consists of particles that are counterparts to the standard particles of

matter, with opposite charges.
• When matter and antimatter meet, they annihilate each other, releasing energy.
• Research into antimatter aims to understand the asymmetry between matter and
antimatter in the universe and has potential applications in medical imaging and fuel
for space exploration.

High Energy Photon Source (HEPS)

• The High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) is a synchrotron radiation facility designed
to produce high-energy X-rays.
• These X-rays are utilized in various scientific fields, including materials science,
biology, and chemistry, allowing researchers to investigate the structure and
properties of materials at the atomic level.

Giant Radio Sources

• Giant Radio Sources are astronomical objects, such as galaxies or quasars, that emit
large amounts of radio waves, often extending over millions of light-years.
• Studying these sources helps astronomers understand the mechanisms of radio
emission and the evolution of galaxies.

Daksha Project

• The Daksha Project is an Indian initiative aimed at building a network of

observatories to detect and study transient astronomical events, such as gamma-ray
bursts and gravitational wave counterparts.
• This project will enhance India's capability in time-domain astronomy and contribute
to global efforts in understanding high-energy astrophysical phenomena.

Hydrogen Line

• The Hydrogen Line, or the 21 cm line, refers to the specific radio wavelength emitted
by neutral hydrogen atoms.
 • Observing this line allows astronomers to map the distribution of hydrogen in the
galaxy, providing insights into the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way and other
galaxies.

IT and Computer Science

1️. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) 🤖

🏆 Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 – Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs)

• This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics has recognized groundbreaking work in Artificial
Neural Networks (ANNs), which mimic human brain functions to advance AI-driven
applications like ChatGPT, self-driving cars, and medical diagnostics.
• This marks a significant step in merging quantum mechanics, AI, and computing.

🇮🇳 BharatGen Programme 🧬

• BharatGen, launched by the Indian government, is a genomic AI initiative to map

India's genetic diversity.
• AI-powered gene sequencing will enhance precision medicine, drug discovery, and
disease prediction for India's diverse population.

👁 Facial Recognition Technology 🏛️

• The Indian government has been expanding facial recognition systems (FRS) in law
enforcement, airports, and digital security.
• The move raises debates over privacy and surveillance risks, prompting discussions
on data protection laws.

🔥 Other AI Developments

• Deepfakes 🤯: AI-generated videos/images used in misinformation, fraud, and

cybercrimes. India is working on regulations to tackle deepfake threats.
• S.A.R.A.H. 🧠: A Self-Adaptive AI system, improving decision-making in
autonomous robots, defense tech, and space exploration.

2️. EXTENDED REALITY (XR) 🕶

🎭 Digital Twins

• Digital twins create real-time virtual models of factories, cities, and even the human
body.
• India’s smart cities and defense projects are leveraging this for real-time simulations
and infrastructure planning.

3️. BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY 🔗

🏛 Vishvasya: National Blockchain Technology Stack

 • India’s Vishvasya Blockchain Project aims to secure digital transactions in
governance, finance, and supply chains.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies
(CBDC) based on blockchain. 🔥 Other Blockchain Updates
• Web3 🌐: India’s first Web3 regulatory framework is in development to regulate
crypto, NFTs, and decentralized apps.
• Bitcoin Halving ⛏️: The next Bitcoin halving event in 2024 will reduce mining
rewards, impacting global crypto markets.

4️. 3D & 4D Printing 🖨️

• 4D Printing 🛠️: Smart materials that change shape over time are being used in
defense, aerospace, and healthcare innovations.

5️. BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES (BCIs) 🧠💻

• Elon Musk’s Neuralink successfully implanted BCIs in a human patient, marking a

major milestone for mind-controlled computing.
• India is exploring BCIs in rehabilitation, prosthetics, and communication for
paralyzed individuals.

6️. SUPERCOMPUTERS ⚡

• India’s PARAM Shivay and Pratyush are among the fastest supercomputers,
advancing weather forecasting, AI, and nuclear research.

7️. LI-FI TECHNOLOGY 💡📡

• Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) offers 100x faster data transfer than Wi-Fi using LED light
waves instead of radio signals.
• India is testing Li-Fi in defense and secure communication networks.

8️. OTHER TECH NEWS 🚀

• Semiconductor Boom 🏭: India is investing in chip manufacturing, with projects like

Vedanta-Foxconn and Micron’s Gujarat plant.
• Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) 🌍: A new cloud-based 5G infrastructure model for
businesses.
• Neuromorphic Computing 🧠: AI chips inspired by human brain neurons, enabling
energy-efficient AI processing.

1️. NANOTECHNOLOGY 🧬

🌱 Nano Fertilizers

• ICAR & IFFCO have developed nano urea & nano DAP, reducing reliance on
conventional chemical fertilizers.
• Benefits: Improves soil health, crop yield, and environmental sustainability.
 • Government Push: Promoted under the Atmanirbhar Krishi initiative for agricultural
self-sufficiency.

✨ Other Nano Innovations

• Goldene 🏅: A gold-based nanomaterial with potential applications in catalysis,

electronics, and medicine.
• Fluorescent Nanodiamonds (FND) 💎: Ultra-small diamonds used in quantum
computing, bio-imaging, and disease diagnosis.
• Piezoelectric Polymer ⚡: A flexible material that generates electricity from
movement, useful for wearable tech and self-powered devices.

MISCELLANEOUS

2️. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2024 🏆🧪

• Awarded for protein engineering that enables enzyme-based drug design, synthetic
biology, and industrial applications.
• Revolutionizing medicine with protein-based vaccines, diagnostics, and green energy
solutions.

3️. GRAPHENE

• Graphene-based batteries are faster-charging and more efficient than lithium-ion

batteries.
• India is investing in graphene R&D for defense, space tech, and energy storage.

4. ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs) 🚗⚡ PM E-DRIVE Scheme 🔋

• India’s National EV Mission promotes battery swapping, fast-charging infra, and

indigenous EV manufacturing. Subsidies for EV adoption under FAME India
continue.

5️. CRITICAL MINERALS ⛏️

• Lithium: India has discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in J&K, reducing
dependence on China for EV batteries & electronics.
• Government pushing for a National Critical Minerals Strategy to secure rare-earth
resources.

6️. ELECTRONIC TOLL COLLECTION (ETC) 🚦

• FASTag integration with AI-based tolling aims to reduce congestion and improve toll
efficiency.

7️. ATOMS4FOOD ☢️🥗

 • IAEA’s initiative to enhance global food security using nuclear techniques in
agriculture, food preservation, and pest control.
• India exploring radiation-based food safety measures.

8️. OTHER SCI-TECH DEVELOPMENTS 🔬

• KAVACH 🚉 : India’s AI-based railway safety system to prevent train collisions.

• 3D Hologram Tech 📡: Used in telemedicine, education, and defense simulations.
• Liquid Nitrogen ❄️: Applications in cryogenic cooling, medical treatments, and food
preservation.
• Thermite 🔥: Used in military applications, welding, and aerospace tech.

💡 MISCELLANEOUS SCIENCE & TECH UPDATES

🔬ANTIMATTER & ANTIPARTICLES

• Scientists are advancing research on antimatter, which could revolutionize energy

production and space travel.
• Antiparticles play a crucial role in high-energy physics and understanding the
universe's origins.

⚡ WASTE HEAT TO ELECTRICITY

• New technologies are being developed to convert industrial waste heat into electricity,
improving energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Thermoelectric materials are key in harnessing this wasted energy.

🌕 COORDINATED LUNAR TIME (LTC)

• NASA & ESA are working on establishing a standardized time system for the Moon
to improve navigation and space operations.
• Essential for future lunar missions and Moon-based research stations.

🪐 PHOSPHINE & AMMONIA ON VENUS

• Scientists detected traces of phosphine & ammonia, potential indicators of microbial

life, in Venus' atmosphere.
• Further studies needed to confirm possible biological activity.

🧑‍🚀 HEALTH RISKS OF PROLONGED SPACE STAY

• Astronauts face muscle loss, radiation exposure, and psychological stress in long-
duration space missions.
• Research on space medicine and artificial gravity solutions is ongoing.

🌾 INDIGENOUS CLIMATE FORECASTING SYSTEM

 • India is developing a climate prediction model based on traditional knowledge and
modern meteorology.
• Aims to aid farmers and disaster management efforts.

🚀 I N-SPACe & INDIA’S SPACE POLICY

• IN-SPACe launched the New Guidelines Programme (NGP) for private sector
participation in India’s space sector.
• Boosts startups and private investments in satellite & launch vehicle technology.

🌑 LIFE-SUPPORTING EVIDENCE ON ENCELADUS

• NASA’s Cassini data suggests the presence of essential elements for life in Enceladus'
subsurface ocean.
• Possibilities of microbial life beneath its icy crust.

🔥 VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON VENUS

• New satellite data confirms ongoing volcanic activity, reshaping our understanding of
Venus’ geology.
• Impacts future space missions to explore the planet.

🛰️ SPACE POLLUTION & FDI IN SPACE SECTOR

• India revises FDI policy to attract investments in satellite manufacturing & launch
services.
• Space debris management is now a key focus area, with new technologies for tracking
and removal.

🔭 TELESCOPES ON THE MOON

• NASA & ISRO exploring the feasibility of setting up telescopes on the Moon for
deep-space observations.
• Could revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.

🚢 MADRAS OBSERVATORY: INDIA'S HISTORIC SCIENCE LEGACY

• One of India’s first modern scientific institutions, contributing to early astronomical

research.

🧪 LAB-GROWN FISH

• Scientists develop lab-grown fish meat to address food security & environmental
concerns.
• Sustainable alternative to overfishing and marine ecosystem degradation.