Current Affairs – May 04-05, 2025

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education – Issues} Trends in Research institutes in India

• Context (TH): A study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser analysed 244 public-funded R&D institutions in India for the year 2022–23.

Alarming Trends from Recent Data

• Decline in permanent staff: Drop in permanent scientific personnel compared to the previous year.
• Reduced hiring: Fewer institutions recruited permanent staff in 2022-23, indicating hiring stagnation replaced by short-term contractual appointments.
• Rise in contractual staff: Contractual appointments in 2022-23 rose by 14% over 2021–22, reaching 19,625, surpassing permanent staff (12,042).
• Research disruption risk: Over-reliance on short-term contracts weakens research continuity and long-term capacity.
• Scope limitation: The study excluded strategic sectors like defence, space, and atomic energy—areas with major R&D funding—suggesting broader systemic issues.

Contradiction Between Policy Goals and Manpower Crisis Government’s technological plans: Focusing on advanced projects like quantum computing, developing AI models, and doing industry-specific research to push technological growth. Need for full-time scientists: These projects need a solid team of permanent, full-time scientists, but right now, many research institutions rely on short-term, contractual staff, which affects the quality and continuity of research. Past efforts to build capacity: The government set up Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and introduced four-year science programs to encourage young people to pursue long-term scientific careers. However, these programs have not yet resulted in stable, lasting careers for scientists in India.

Core Challenges Undermining Scientific Manpower

• Insecure employment: Reliance on short-term contracts limits research continuity, discourages young scientists, and hampers long-term career growth.
• Recruitment bottlenecks: Slow and inefficient hiring processes result in vacant positions, deterring fresh talent from entering the field.
• Limited incentives: Low salaries, inadequate research infrastructure, and uncertain career progression contribute to brain drain, with scientists seeking opportunities abroad.
• Funding imbalances: Strategic sectors like defence and atomic energy dominate funding, leaving many non-strategic research areas under-resourced and underserved.

Way Forward

• Fast-track permanent recruitment: Prioritize filling critical vacancies through expedited permanent recruitment processes.
• Structured career paths: Create tenure-track models for young researchers to provide clear, long-term career progression within scientific institutions.
• Improve working conditions: Enhance salaries, lab infrastructure, and access to global research networks to foster a conducive research environment.
• Equitable funding allocation: Reallocate funding more fairly to non-strategic institutions that are engaged in foundational and applied research.
• Regular monitoring of staffing trends: Track staffing patterns annually to ensure alignment with policy goals and hold institutions accountable for their staffing needs.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• Context (IE | TH): ICAR has developed two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1, using CRISPR-Cas9.

• These varieties represent India’s first achievement using genome-editing technology; They enhance productivity, climate resilience, and water efficiency.

DRR Dhan 100 Kamala

• Derived from Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204): Developed as an improved variant of the popular rice variety with enhanced traits.
• Higher Yield, Early Maturity, and Quality Retention: Delivers 19% higher yield, matures 15–20 days earlier, and retains Samba Mahsuri’s grain quality.
• Climate Resilient and Region-Specific Suitability: Drought-tolerant, water-efficient and ideal for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other major rice-growing states.

Pusa DST Rice 1

• Derived from MTU1010 with Genome Editing: Developed using SDN1-based targeted editing without foreign DNA, improving traits of the popular MTU1010 variety.
• High Yield and Stress Tolerance: Offers 9.66-30.4% higher yield under saline, alkaline and coastal stress conditions with strong salt and drought tolerance.
• Suitable for Salinity-Prone Regions: Ideal for cultivation in coastal and saline-affected areas across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and similar rice-growing states.

Practical Benefits of Genome-Edited Varieties

• Increased Yields: Potential to produce 4.5 million tons of paddy from 5 million hectares.
• Environmental Benefits:
  • Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 20% decrease (32,000 tons) in emissions.
  • Water Conservation: Kamala’s shorter cultivation period saves a lot of irrigation water.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} Natural Hydrogen **

• Context (TH): Natural Hydrogen is hailed as the future fuel, offering a clean, low-cost energy source that could decarbonize the global economy and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

What is Natural Hydrogen?

• Natural hydrogen, or white or gold hydrogen, is molecular hydrogen (H₂) that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust and is released through geological processes.
• It’s found and extracted directly from nature, unlike green hydrogen, which is produced using electricity from renewable sources, or grey hydrogen, made from fossil fuels.
• It seeps out from rock formations, volcanic vents, and fault zones. Recent discoveries show that natural hydrogen is more widespread than previously believed.

How is it Formed?

• Serpentinization: Chemical reaction between water & iron-rich rocks like olivine in ultramafic rocks.
• Radiolysis: The splitting of water molecules due to natural radiation in rocks.
• Volcanic and Tectonic Activity: It releases hydrogen from deep within the Earth.

Sources

• Degassing of deep hydrogen from Earth’s crust and mantle.
• Water in contact with reducing agents in Earth’s mantle.
• Weathering – water in contact with freshly exposed rock surfaces.
• Decomposition of hydroxyl ions in the structure of minerals.
• Decomposition of organic matter.
• Biological activity.

Current Reserves

• Worldwide: Australia (Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island), USA, Spain, France, Albania, Canada etc.
  • Active mountain ranges with tectonic activity, such as the Pyrenees, Alps, and Himalayas, are also considered for geological hydrogen production.
• India: Regions like the Dharwar and Singhbhum cratons, Himalayan and Andaman ophiolites, and hot spring zones indicate favourable geological conditions for natural hydrogen.

Advantages of Natural Hydrogen

• Energy: If just 2% of the potential reserves are commercially viable, they could yield twice the energy of all proven natural gas reserves, enough to meet global hydrogen demand for nearly 200 years.
• Zero Emissions: When burned or used in fuel cells, hydrogen produces only water as a byproduct—no carbon dioxide.
• Abundant & Renewable: Some sources continuously regenerate, making natural hydrogen effectively renewable in specific settings.
• Low Extraction Cost: Early studies suggest natural hydrogen could be significantly cheaper to extract than producing green hydrogen via electrolysis.

Concerns

• It is still unclear how much of that potential can be tapped economically.
• Most natural hydrogen is likely dispersed too widely to be economically recoverable.
• Lack of exploration infrastructure and drilling data.
• Uncertainty around the size and sustainability of reserves.
• Need for regulatory frameworks and market incentives.

Way Forward

• Natural hydrogen may not be a silver bullet, but it has the potential to become a significant part of the global clean energy solution.
• As countries invest in hydrogen strategies and clean technologies, natural hydrogen could offer a low-cost, low-emission energy source that complements solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

{GS3 – IE – Investment} Private Sector CAPEX Trends in India

• Context (PIB): Based on the recommendation by the Parliamentary Standing Committee (2022–23), the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) initiated a formal mechanism to assess private sector capital expenditure (CAPEX).

About the Survey

• The National Statistical Office (NSO) conducted the first Forward-Looking Survey on Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions from November 2024 to January 2025.
• This marked MoSPI’s first digital survey using a web-based, self-administered platform with chatbot support, promoting efficient and user-friendly data collection. Purpose:
  • To support evidence-based policymaking.
  • To track corporate investment sentiment.
  • To align with India’s strategy to boost private investment for sustained economic growth.

Key Finding of the Survey

• Growth in CAPEX (2021–22 to 2024–25): Aggregate CAPEX increased by 66.3% from ₹394,681.5 crore in 2021–22 to ₹656,492.7 crore in 2024–25.
• Investment trends: A dip in 2023–24 (₹107.6 crore per enterprise) followed by a sharp rise in 2024–25 (₹172.2 crore) suggests recovery driven by policy reforms and optimism despite short-term challenges.
• Sectoral focus (2024–25): Manufacturing leads with 43.8% of the total CAPEX (₹287,651.3 crore), promoted by initiatives like Make in India and PLI schemes. .
  • Information & communication accounts for 15.6%, reflecting India’s digital infrastructure.
  • Transportation follows at 14% (₹91,905.0 crore), indicating growth in logistics and supply chains.
• 2025–26 outlook: CAPEX is expected to moderate to ₹4.88 lakh crore, down by 25.5% from ₹6.56 lakh crore in 2024–25, driven by uncertainties such as elections, global risks, and geopolitical tensions.
• Focus on efficiency and differentiation:
  • Value addition: 28.4% of the total CAPEX is directed towards value addition, reflecting businesses’ focus on enhancing product quality and market competitiveness.
  • Upgradation of existing assets: 30.1% is invested in upgrading existing assets, indicating efforts to improve operational efficiency and stay competitive in global markets.

About Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)

• Refers to the money spent by governments or private entities to acquire, upgrade, or maintain long-term physical or intangible assets that are essential for productive capacity, infrastructure, or long-term growth
• Includes money spent on:
  • Acquiring fixed assets: Land, buildings, equipment, and machinery.
  • Acquiring intangible assets: Software, patents, licenses, and other intellectual property.
  • Upgrading existing assets: Modernizing old infrastructure or facilities.
  • Repairing existing assets: Major repairs that extend asset life or improve functionality.
  • Loan repayment (in public finance): Considered CAPEX as it reduces liabilities and is not recurring.

Significance of CAPEX

• Economic growth drive: Enhances productive capacity, leading to higher output & GDP growth.
• Job creation: Investments generate both direct & indirect employment opportunities.
• Boosts private sector confidence: Rising CAPEX indicates improved business sentiment, readiness for expansion, and faith in economic stability.
• Investor assurance: Reflects a firm’s long-term vision and financial strength, increasing investor trust and market valuation.
• Supports public infrastructure: Government CAPEX on roads, railways, health, education, etc., improves delivery of public services and regional development.
• Multiplier effect: Capital investments stimulate ancillary industries (e.g., cement, steel) and induce further demand across the economy.
• Technology and innovation: Investments in R&D and modern machinery promote technological advancement and global competitiveness.

Challenges to CAPEX Growth

• Financing constraints: Limited access to affordable credit, especially for long-gestation projects.
• Regulatory and administrative hurdles: Delays in clearances, environmental approvals, and land acquisition slow project execution.
• Project-level risks: Poor risk assessment, structuring inefficiencies, and cost overruns impact viability.
• Policy and macroeconomic uncertainty: Election cycles, global geopolitical tensions, inflation, and supply chain disruptions affect investor confidence.
• Private sector reluctance: Despite policy support, weak balance sheets and demand-side constraints hinder private investment.

Key government initiatives driving private sector CAPEX

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Encourages manufacturing investment in sectors like electronics and automobiles, boosting CAPEX in manufacturing.
• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): Focuses on developing infrastructure, contributing to higher investment in transportation.
• Make in India: Promotes domestic manufacturing, leading to increased CAPEX in manufacturing.
• Digital India: Drives investments in information & communication by expanding digital infrastructure.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosts self-reliance, encouraging local manufacturing investments.
• PM Gati Shakti: Enhances transportation infrastructure, driving CAPEX in logistics and supply chains.

Also refer > Market Borrowing by States, Types of Deficit, Fiscal Deficit and FRBM Act.

{GS3 – Infra – Ports} Vizhinjam Deepwater Transshipment Port *

• Context (HT): PM inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) in Kerala, marking India’s entry into the deep-water transshipment infrastructure space.

  

• India is also developing a deepwater port at Vadhvan in Maharashtra and another mega transshipment port is proposed on Great Nicobar Island.

Deepwater Transshipment Port is a port where containers are transferred between ships en route to final destinations; critical for handling international cargo efficiently.

• India’s First Deep-Water Transshipment for direct handling of container transfers between vessels without routing through foreign ports.
• PPP Mode: Developed under Landlord Model with DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model, it is India’s first greenfield port initiated by a state government.

Landlord Model of PPP: In this model, the government or port authority retains ownership of the port and basic infrastructure, while private players lease terminals and handle cargo operations. It allows public control over strategic assets and private efficiency in operations and investment. DBFOT: A public-private partnership model where the private entity designs, builds & operates the infrastructure for a set period, finances the project, and then transfers it back to the government after the contract ends. It reduces upfront public spending & brings in private sector efficiency & investment.

Significance of Vizhinjam Port

• Handles Ultra-Large Vessels: Natural depth of 18-20 meters supports large ships.
• Low Sand Drift: Its curvilinear coastline minimizes siltation, reducing costs of maintenance and dredging.
• Geostrategic Location thus reducing dependency on foreign ports.
  • Previously, 75% of India’s transshipment cargo was routed through Colombo, Singapore or Jebel Ali.
  • Just 10 nautical miles from key international shipping lanes linking Europe, Gulf and Far East.
• Indigenous Tech Integration: Features India’s first semi-automated port system, AI-driven control room and Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
• Efficient Turnaround: Real-time traffic updates and optimized ship handling improve turnaround time and operational efficiency.
• Complements Sagarmala Programme: Strengthens India’s port-led development and integration into global maritime value chains.
• Readiness for Global Cargo Demand: Ability to serve Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) directly enhances India’s integration into global supply chains.

{GS3 – IS – Initiatives} Operation Kagar *

• Context (TH): Operation Kagar was at the center of debate to target Maoists in central India.

• ‘Kagar’ means ‘Final Mission’, signaling a decisive and terminal effort against LWE.
• It was a large-scale, integrated counterinsurgency initiative using both force & technology, launched in January 2024 to dismantle Maoist insurgency across key Red Corridor zones by March 2026.
• Focus Areas: Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), West Singhbhum (Jharkhand) and bordering regions of Telangana.
• Strategic Aim: Restore state control, ensure tribal safety, and eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Involves Infrastructure Expansion: Establishing forward operating bases and fortified police stations in reclaimed Maoist areas.

Root Causes of Naxalism

• Ideological Motivation: Based on communist ideology aiming for a classless society by overthrowing capitalist control.
• Grievances: Alienation of tribals, land dispossession, corporate exploitation, perceived systemic injustice.
• Methodology: Armed struggle viewed as the only effective tool; peaceful democratic methods are seen as inaccessible or ineffective.

Also refer to SAMADHAN Framework.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Single-Injection Immunotherapy for Cancer Patients

• Context (IE): UK has launched a groundbreaking method of administering the immunotherapy drug nivolumab. This method allows cancer patients to receive treatment through a single injection instead of traditional intravenous (IV) drips.

• Nivolumab is one of the important immunotherapy drugs for cancer treatment, particularly for renal cell cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer etc.
• Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 protein, a checkpoint that can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. By blocking PD-1, nivolumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
• The new under-the-skin injection takes just 5–15 minutes and is approved for 15 types of cancer. It reduces hospital visits, cuts treatment costs, and offers safety like traditional IV therapy.

What is Immunotherapy?

• Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.
• Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which directly attack cancer cells, immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural defences to identify and destroy these cells more effectively.

Types of Immunotherapies

• Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block proteins that stop immune cells from attacking cancer (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 blockers like nivolumab).
• Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made antibodies that mark cancer cells for destruction.
• CAR-T Cell Therapy: Personalized approach where a patient’s T-cells are modified to target cancer.
• Cancer Vaccines: Stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells.
• Cytokines: Cytokines are small proteins that regulate immune and blood cell activity. They boost anti-cancer effects by signalling abnormal cells to die and supporting healthy cell survival.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence – Missile} Abdali Weapon System

• Context (IE): Recently, Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile called the Abdali Weapon System.

• The test was conducted as part of part of Ex INDUS.
• The Abdali is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 kilometres.
• Named after Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler who invaded India multiple times in the 18^th century.

Credit: Republic world

{GS3 – S&T – IPR} USTR Special 301 Report

• Context (TH): The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has once again placed India on its “Priority Watch List” in the Special 301 Report (2025) along with China, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Understanding Special 301 Report

• It is an annual review by the USTR that assesses how well America’s trading partners protect and enforce Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), including copyrights, patents, and trademarks.
• Countries are placed in two categories based on their IPR protection:
  • Watch List: Countries with serious IPR issues but making efforts to address them.
  • Priority Watch List: Countries with ongoing, significant IPR problems, often affecting U.S. businesses negatively.

Key Concerns Raised Against India by Report

Patent-Related Issues

• Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act: Considered overly restrictive by the U.S., particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Prevents patents on incremental innovations (aimed at curbing “evergreening”), which the U.S. sees as stifling innovation.

Section 3(d) says that new forms of known substances are not patentable unless they show significantly enhanced efficacy. This includes salts, esters, polymorphs, metabolites, pure forms, isomers, and similar derivatives. If these forms demonstrate improved therapeutic effect, they are not eligible for a new patent.

• Unpredictable patent revocations and lengthy approval processes: Unpredictable patent revocations and lengthy approval processes, leading to uncertainty, especially in pharma and technology sectors.

IP Enforcement Gaps

• Weak enforcement mechanisms: Inconsistent enforcement and judicial interpretation of IPR laws make it difficult to safeguard intellectual property.
• Piracy and counterfeiting: The U.S. continues to highlight issues of counterfeit goods and piracy, particularly in trademarks and digital content, which affect U.S. businesses.

Trade Barriers on IP-Intensive Products

• High import duties: Tariffs on medical devices, information and communication technology (ICT) goods, and solar equipment are viewed as barriers to market access for U.S. firms

India’s Response to U.S. IPR Concerns

• TRIPS-compliant framework: India asserts that its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws fully comply with the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, balancing innovation and public interest.
• Opposition to unilateral pressure: India views the Special 301 Report as a unilateral tool that pressures sovereign nations to adopt standards beyond international agreements.
  • India emphasizes that its IPR regime is designed with public health in mind, particularly in ensuring access to affordable medicines.
• Public Health Safeguards: India defends provisions like Section 3(d), which is intended to prevent evergreening of pharmaceutical patents, ensuring that drugs remain affordable and accessible to the public.
• Ongoing reforms:
  • India is working to enhance its IPR system, including:
    • Faster patent and trademark registration.
    • Digital filing systems for greater transparency and efficiency.
    • Increased public awareness on IPR-related issues.

Why This Matters

• India-U.S. trade talks: India and the U.S. are negotiating a significant trade deal aimed at achieving $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. IPR remains a critical issue in these discussions.
• Rising U.S. trade deficit: The U.S. trade deficit with India continues to grow, with IPR concerns playing a central role in negotiations, as the U.S. seeks to bridge the trade gap.
• Impact on India’s pharma sector: U.S. pressure over IPR could threaten India’s generic drug industry, which plays a vital role in providing affordable medicines worldwide, particularly for developing cou

Larger Issues at Stake

• Balancing innovation and access: India must protect innovation without sacrificing the affordability of essential medicines. This balancing act is crucial for both public health and economic growth.
• Investor confidence: Predictable and robust IPR system could enhance investor confidence, attracting foreign investment in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and information technology.
• India’s global role: India plays a significant role in advocating for the interests of developing countries in global IPR debates.
  • India calls for a more equitable and accessible global IPR system, rather than one that disproportionately benefits developed nations.

Also Read > Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), National IPR Policy.

{GS3 – S&T – Nuclear Energy} ITER Fusion Project *

• Context (IT): The ITER fusion project has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the central magnet system, and India has played a critical role in its progress.

• International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), located in Southern France, is a collaborative effort involving >30 countries to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale, carbon-free energy source.
• Sun-like Process: Replicates the nuclear reaction that powers the Sun and stars on Earth.
  • Fusion Principle: Fuses light atomic nuclei (e.g., deuterium and tritium) to form a heavier nucleus, releasing enormous energy.

Source: EarthSky

• Under development since 2005, it is expected to begin deuterium-tritium fusion reactions by 2039, providing a pathway for future electricity generation through fusion.

• Established in 1985, it involves seven core members, China, India, EU, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the US.

• Funding Structure: EU (host) contributes 45%, each of the others contributes 9%.

Key Features of ITER’s Fusion Technology

• World’s Largest Tokamak: ITER’s reactor will be the largest ever built, double the size of Japan’s JT-60SA and with six times the plasma volume.
• Tokamak Reactor Design: ITER uses a toroidal (donut-shaped) chamber with strong magnetic fields, considered the most effective design for magnetic fusion since the 1960s.
• Fusion Fuel Used: Deuterium and Tritium are heated to 150 million °C to enable fusion reactions hotter than the sun’s core. The fusion of these isotopes produces high-energy neutrons that carry usable energy.
• Magnetic Containment System: Superconducting magnets create a magnetic cage that prevents plasma from touching the reactor walls.
• Temperature Management: Magnetic containment ensures plasma remains superheated by avoiding energy loss through wall contact.

Major Milestone: Completion of Central Solenoid Magnet

• World’s Most Powerful Magnet: The US-built central solenoid (a cylindrical coil of wire that generates a magnetic field when electric current passes through it), vital for initiating and stabilizing fusion reactions, can generate force strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier.
  • It forms the central component of ITER’s magnetic confinement, enabling precise plasma control.
• Progress Despite Delays: Initially planned for 2021, its completion marks a major step as ITER now accelerates toward plasma operations by 2033.

India’s Key Contributions

• India joined the ITER project in 2005.
• Strategic Contributions:
  • Built massive cryostat cooling systems and critical heating technologies.
  • Supplies in-kind components, scientific expertise, and financial support.

Also refer to China’s Artificial Sun.

{GS3 – S&T – Physics} Room-Temperature 2D Altermagnets *

• Context (Phys.org): Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in magnetism by experimentally observing a two-dimensional (2D) layered altermagnet that operates at room temperature.

Altermagnets

• Altermagnets are a novel class of magnetic materials characterized by momentum-dependent spin splitting without relying on spin-orbit coupling or net magnetization.
  • Magnetization refers to the degree to which a material becomes magnetic when exposed to a magnetic field.
• This unique property combines the stability of antiferromagnets with the potential for long spin lifetimes, making them promising candidates for next-generation spintronic devices.
  • Antiferromagnets are materials in which the magnetic moments of atoms or ions align in opposite directions, effectively cancelling each other out and resulting in no net magnetization.

Significance of Recent Breakthrough

• The 2D nature of the observed altermagnet facilitates integration with other materials, enabling the development of high-density, high-speed, and energy-efficient electronic components.
• This advancement addresses previous limitations in materials like α-MnTe and RuO₂, which lacked symmetry and conductivity for practical applications.
• The successful realization of a room-temperature 2D altermagnet paves the way for innovative data storage and quantum computing technologies.
• This discovery confirms theoretical predictions made in 2021 and opens new avenues for advancements in spintronics and valleytronics.

What are Spintronics and Valleytronics?

Spintronics

Valleytronics

Spintronics is an emerging field of electronics that exploits the charge of electrons and their spin — a quantum property that gives rise to magnetism. Applications of Spintronics: Magnetic RAM: Retains data even when power is off. Hard Drives: Spintronics powers read heads in modern hard drives. Quantum Computing: Spin states are considered potential qubits. Low-power Electronics: Ideal for reducing energy consumption in devices.

Valleytronics is a cutting-edge field of electronics that uses the valley degree of freedom of electrons to store and process information — like how spintronics uses electron spin. Significance: Enables ultrafast, low-power electronics. Potential for valley-based quantum computing. Complements fields like spintronics, quantum electronics, and 2D materials research.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Project Kuiper *

• Context (LM): Amazon launched the first batch of 27 satellites under its ambitious Project Kuiper, marking its official entry into the satellite internet domain.
  • This is part of a $10 billion plan to deploy 3,232 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites aimed at providing global high-speed internet, especially in underserved and remote areas.

About Project Kuiper

• It is Amazon’s broadband satellite constellation initiative, named after the Kuiper Belt—symbolizing a new frontier in space and connectivity.
• It seeks to provide low-latency (50 ms), high-speed internet across the globe by deploying a large fleet of satellites in LEO (590–630 km).

Kuiper Belt is a distant region of our solar system beyond Neptune, filled with icy bodies, dwarf planets (like Pluto), and comets. Name is taken as a symbol of exploring new frontiers.

Satellite-internet constellation Satellite-internet constellations are networks of satellites in LEO that work together to provide seamless broadband coverage worldwide. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites that orbit at ~36,000 km, these satellites orbit at much lower altitudes (500–2,000 km), allowing for faster data transfer and lower latency. They form a mesh network, relaying signals between satellites, user terminals, and ground stations—ensuring dynamic routing, redundancy, and scalability. Key Features and Importance Low earth orbit (LEO): Reduces latency to below 50 milliseconds, making it suitable for real-time services like telemedicine, education, and emergency response. High satellite density: Thousands of satellites ensure global, uninterrupted coverage. Resilience: Effective in disaster-prone, remote, or conflict-affected zones. Strategic Dimensions: Dual-use in nature—beneficial for civilians but also capable of military and surveillance operations, raising concerns about space weaponization and orbital congestion. Global Competition: SpaceX’s Starlink already has over 7,000 active satellites and offers commercial services in many countries.

{Prelims – In News} Stampede at Lairai Devi temple

• Context (LM): Stampede during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at Shree Lairai Devi temple.

About Shree Lairai Devi temple

• It is dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Durga or Parvati.
• It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Goa, especially among the Konkani-speaking Hindus.
• Architectural Style: It displays blend of the northern and southern styles of art and temple design.
• Lairai/Shirgao Jatra: The Jatra takes place in the early part of May. It is famous among devotees and tourists alike for the celebrated walk on hot coals raked from an enormous bonfire.
  • Every year, thousands of devotees attend the annual feast of the deity to witness devotees (dhond) walking through sacred fire called Homakund.

{Prelims – In News} Total Allowable Catch (TAC) *

• Context (TH): The term ‘Total Allowable Catch (TAC)’ was recently in the news.

• The TAC is a limit on the total quantity of fish that fishers can catch in a particular area.
• Governments and regulatory bodies impose TACs in oceans, seas, and inland water bodies to prevent overfishing and allow fish populations to maintain a minimum viable size for self-replenishment.
• Reason for TAC: TACs are essential so that the fish population in a water body can maintain a minimum size every year that allows it to sustain itself.
  • Without a TAC, overfishing can remove too many fish, leaving behind too few for the population to sustain itself.
• TAC in India: India imposes a monsoon fishing ban, equivalent to a TAC of zero for 61 days every year in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), from April 15 to June 14 on the east coast and June 1 to July 31 on the west coast.
  • An EEZ is a sea zone prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), extending up to 200 nautical miles from a country’s coastline.