GS PAPER 1
Science and Technology
SpaDeX is an upcoming mission by ISRO to demonstrate in-space docking technology.
- It involves two satellites that will dock and undock in orbit, crucial for India’s future space station and advanced space operations.
SpaDeX Mission:
- SpaDeX is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) focused on mastering in-space docking technology.
- The mission involves launching two satellites into orbit, where they will demonstrate docking and undocking while in motion.
- This technology is crucial for future space operations, enabling satellites launched separately to link up and perform complex tasks.
- The SpaDeX mission is a key step towards the development of the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station,’ India’s upcoming space station.
- Upon successful completion, India will join the select group of countries capable of performing space docking, becoming the fourth country globally.
- The two spacecraft, each weighing 220 kg, will be launched together on the PSLV C60 mission, scheduled for December 30, 2024.
- They will be placed in a 470-km-wide circular orbit at a 55° inclination.
- The mission’s primary goal is to demonstrate the docking maneuver, with secondary objectives including power transfer between the spacecraft.
PYQ : UPSC Mains : 2023
Ques : “What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.”
GS PAPER 2
Science and Technology
Recent studies have revised the minimum mass of dark matter particles, suggesting a higher threshold than previously thought.
- This finding, based on the analysis of the Leo II dwarf galaxy, challenges earlier assumptions about dark matter’s distribution.
- The study emphasizes the need for heavier particles in certain regions.
Dark Matter Distribution
- Dark matter is distributed throughout the universe, but it is not evenly spread.
- In 1922, astronomer Jacobus Kapteyn suggested a dark matter density of 0.0003 solar masses per cubic light year, which equates to two protons per teaspoon.
- However, this measurement applies only to large-scale volumes (like millions of light-years), not smaller scales like inside a house.
- The distribution could either be uniform or in lumps, with varying spacings between dark matter particles depending on their mass.
Dark Matter and Its Mass Limit
- Dark matter is an invisible substance that makes up five-sixths of the universe’s matter.
- It must have non-zero mass to allow for the formation of the dense structure of matter on cosmic scales.
- For decades, the minimum mass of dark matter particles was thought to be 10-31 times the mass of a proton.
- However, in May 2024, this limit was revised upward to 2.3 × 10-30 proton masses.
The Impact of Particle Mass
- If dark matter particles are heavy (around 100 proton masses), they would be spaced by around 7 cm, possibly existing within your house.
- Heavier particles (up to 10-19 proton masses) would have spacings of 30 km, with dark matter particles occasionally passing through a house.
- For lighter particles (10-31 proton masses), the wavelength is larger, up to 200 light years, which would affect how dark matter interacts with dwarf galaxies.
Findings from New Research
- A May 2024 study used data from the dwarf galaxy Leo II to infer dark matter density and discovered that particles of 10-31 proton masses could not account for the observed mass in the galaxy’s inner regions.
- This suggests the need for heavier particles to explain the dense mass in those areas.
PYQ : UPSC Prelims : 2015
Ques : “In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at the South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1.It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2.It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
3.It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans : d)
GS PAPER 3
Science and Technology
A speed gun measures the speed of moving objects using electromagnetic radiation and the Doppler effect.
- It has applications in law enforcement, sports, and other industries.
- While effective, its limitations in accuracy have led to the use of LIDAR technology.
What is a Speed Gun?
- A speed gun is a device that measures the speed of a moving object without physical contact.
- It uses electromagnetic radiation, typically radio waves, which bounce off the object to calculate its speed using the Doppler effect.
- Speed guns are commonly used by law enforcement, sports coaches, and various industries to track motion accurately.
The Doppler Effect
- The Doppler effect, discovered by Christian Doppler, describes the change in frequency of waves due to the relative motion between the source and the observer.
- As a moving object approaches, the frequency of waves (like sound or light) increases, creating a higher pitch; as it moves away, the frequency decreases, resulting in a lower pitch.
- This effect is used in speed guns to calculate the speed of moving objects based on the shift in frequency of the waves.
How Speed Guns Work
- Speed guns emit radio waves, which are reflected by the moving object.
- The frequency difference between the emitted and reflected waves is used to determine the speed of the object.
- The speed is calculated using the formula: (frequency difference * speed of light) / (2 * emitted frequency).
- The speed of light in a medium is constant, allowing for accurate speed measurement over long distances.
Limitations of Speed Guns
- Radio waves emitted by the gun diverge as they travel, potentially causing inaccurate readings if multiple objects are within the radar’s beam.
- Continuous-wave radar can result in errors due to reflections from multiple vehicles.
- LIDAR speed guns, which use laser light instead of radio waves, offer improved accuracy with minimal beam divergence, overcoming these limitations.
GS PAPER 4
Prelims Fact
India faces a significant broadband penetration gap, hindering its digital growth.
- The ongoing debate over spectrum allocation for satellite-based communication (satcom) has sparked concerns among legacy telecom operators and new satellite players.
- While satcom is seen as a potential solution for remote areas, challenges related to cost and competition persist.
Current State of Broadband Penetration in India
- India is currently facing a broadband penetration gap of 48%, despite 25 years of terrestrial mobile services.
- The lack of progress in expanding broadband services could persist for another 25 years if the regulatory environment remains unchanged.
Debate on Spectrum Allocation for Satcom
- The allocation of spectrum for satellite broadband services has sparked heated debates.
- Legacy telecom operators are opposing new players, like satellite broadband companies, receiving preferential treatment regarding spectrum access.
- Some industry players argue for the auctioning of spectrum to ensure fair competition, given the substantial investments made by existing telecom companies over the years.
- Others suggest that spectrum should be allocated administratively, as is the common practice globally.
Satcom as a Solution to the Digital Divide
- Satellite communication (satcom) is seen as a potential solution to bridge the digital divide, especially in remote areas where the cost of laying fibre is prohibitive.
- Satcom can complement urban services by providing additional capacity for backhaul services.
- Satellites offer connectivity in areas that terrestrial networks cannot reach, making them particularly valuable for remote locations in India.
Global Perspective on Satcom
- Internationally, companies like AT&T view satellites as a complementary service to existing terrestrial services rather than a replacement.
- A significant number of satellites and a robust infrastructure are necessary to deliver consistent satellite service.
- The cost per bit for satellite-based services remains high, making them less viable for standalone use.
- AT&T plans to integrate satellite services with fiber and wireless services to offer customers a comprehensive connectivity solution.
Satcom in India
- Challenges for Satcom in India
- Despite optimism for satcom in India, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption.
- A research firm predicts that satcom could struggle in India due to pricing issues and competition with existing services like 5G.
- Satcom’s potential use cases in India are likely to be limited to aviation, shipping, remote locations, and emergency services.
- For example, when Starlink launched in Kenya, it struggled to attract customers due to high pricing, a trend that could be repeated in India.
- Potential for Satcom in India
- Despite challenges, there is potential for satcom to play a role in India’s digital ecosystem.
- Satcom could offer substantial improvements in availability and network utilization, especially in rural and remote areas.
- It will likely coexist with other technologies, such as fibre and wireless, providing more options for customers.
- However, the success of satcom depends on spectrum allocation rules and the ability to address the cost challenges.
Conclusion
- The future of satcom in India remains uncertain but promising.
- Regulatory decisions on spectrum allocation will determine whether satellite broadband can contribute to expanding India’s digital infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions.
- While challenges remain, satcom is expected to complement existing services rather than replace them, contributing to a more connected India in the long term.
PYQ : UPSC Prelims : 2021
Ques : Discuss the importance of digital infrastructure in bridging the socio-economic disparities in India. How can broadband penetration play a pivotal role in this regard?
In News : Panama Canal
US President Donald Trump accused Panama of unfairly charging the US for using the Panama Canal.
- In a post on Truth Social, he threatened a potential US takeover of the canal if Panama did not comply, labeling the situation a “rip-off.”
- Trump also criticized former President Jimmy Carter for “giving away” the canal in 1977 and expressed concerns about China’s involvement in Panama’s infrastructure, linking it to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Analysis of News:
About Panama Canal:
- It is a constructed waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.
- It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal.
- It is approximately 80 kilometers long.
- The canal was built by the United States between 1904 and 1914, and it was officially opened on August 15, 1914.
- It is owned and administered by the Republic of Panama since the oversight of the Canal was transferred from the United States to Panama in 1999.
- The Panama Canal consists of a series of locks that raise and lower the water level to facilitate the passage of ships through the continental divide.
Significance of the Panama Canal
- The Panama Canal, completed in 1914 after a decade of US-led construction, is a vital artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- It significantly reduces shipping costs and travel time by bypassing the southern tip of South America.
- Handling about 6% of global trade annually, the canal remains crucial for international commerce, particularly for US shipping and defense.
US Role in Canal Construction
- The US was instrumental in constructing the canal after France abandoned earlier efforts.
- President Theodore Roosevelt prioritized the project, navigating engineering challenges with innovative “lock” systems to facilitate ship passage.
- However, construction came at a high cost, including over $300 million and thousands of workers’ lives.
- The canal’s creation involved controversial treaties with Panama, following its US-backed independence from Colombia in 1903.
Transfer of the Canal to Panama
- Tensions over US control of the canal led to the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977.
- These agreements established Panamanian sovereignty over the canal by 1999 while preserving its neutrality under US defense oversight.
- The decision to relinquish control stemmed from rising operational costs, inefficiencies, and diminishing strategic value for the US.
GS PAPER 5
Editorial Analysis
Context :
- The COP29 conference highlighted the challenges of global climate negotiations amidst political shifts and increasing environmental urgency.
- Developed nations and the EU are enforcing strict timelines for emissions reduction, while India faces dual pressures of economic growth and energy transition.
- Equity in carbon space allocation remains critical for India’s development.
Disappointment at COP29 and Climate Challenges
- The COP29 conference in Azerbaijan failed to achieve significant progress.
- The meeting coincided with a transition in U.S. politics, adding uncertainty to climate agreements.
- Global warming continues to worsen, necessitating emissions reductions.
- Developed countries aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, China by 2060, and India by 2070.
Factors Reducing Transition Time
- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): Effective from 2026, penalizes imports unless exporting countries align carbon taxes with EU standards.
- Pressure to Peak Emissions: G-7 summits in Hiroshima and Apulia urged major economies, including India and China, to accept emission peaking by 2025.
Challenges for India
- India’s electricity consumption is one-third of the global average, requiring significant growth to replace fossil fuels.
- Transitioning to clean energy poses higher costs and a compressed timeline compared to developed countries.
- India must establish a feasible peaking year, following China’s target of 2030.
Ramp-Up in Electricity Generation
- Targets may be voluntary but will be enforced through tariffs and financing conditions.
- India needs to rapidly scale electricity generation before being constrained by emission caps.
- A Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) study projected India’s minimum electricity demand at 21,000 TWh by 2070, while the International Energy Agency estimated 3,400 TWh by 2040.
Renewables vs. Nuclear Power
- Renewables and nuclear are the only emission-free energy sources, but nuclear is more cost-effective and requires less land.
- Renewables cost ₹4.95–₹7.5 per unit (with six hours of storage), compared to nuclear at ₹3.80 per unit.
- The renewable approach could cost $15.5 trillion and require 4,12,033 sq.km of land, double the available surplus land in India.
- The nuclear approach would cost $11.2 trillion and require 1,83,565 sq.km.
Global Nuclear Initiatives
- Over 20 countries, including the U.S., France, and Japan, pledged to triple nuclear power by 2050.
- India’s nuclear power share in electricity generation is just 3%, necessitating significant growth.
Financial and Policy Challenges
- Developed countries pledged $300 billion annually by 2035, far below the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations.
- Green finance depends on tariff hikes and reforms in power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- A political consensus is needed to sensitise the public about increased tariffs.
Carbon Trading and Equity
- Carbon trading rules allow richer countries to buy entitlements from poorer nations, potentially disadvantaging developing economies.
- India must establish high-generation capacity to claim a fair share of the limited global carbon space.
- Developed nations and China have already set their peaking levels, asserting claims over the remaining carbon budget.