Science and Technology: January 2024 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)

The Government of India has accorded its approval for India’s participation in the international mega science project, Square Kilometer Array (SKA), at an estimated cost of 1250 Cr rupees.

About Square Kilometer Array Observatory

• It is a state of the art, mega science international facility to build the world’s biggest and most sensitive radio telescope for addressing a wide variety of cutting-edge science goals.
• The SKAO, collocated in Australia (SKA-Low) and South Africa (SKA-Mid) with operational headquarters in the UK, is expected to revolutionize radio astronomy, while driving the growth of many important new state-of-the-art technologies.
• Other ten countries involved are - Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

India and SKAO

• Subsequent to this approval, India will be signing the SKAO treaty to become a full-fledged member of the SKA Observatory and thus join the growing list of countries participating in the project.
• This approval covers funding support for the construction phase of the international SKA Observatory (SKAO) spread over the next 7 years. 
• The project will be jointly funded by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST), with DAE as the lead agency. 
• The Indian participation in SKA is a truly nationwide, inclusive project led by a consortium of more than 20 academic and research institutes (with NCRA-TIFR as the nodal institute).
• During the design phase of the SKA (2014-2020), India has contributed actively to the project, with a lead role in the successful design of the complex Telescope Manager system.
• In the subsequent early prototyping phase, India was actively engaged in three areas of work namely Telescope Manager package, SKA-Low digital hardware package and Science Data Processor work package.
• Participation in this project will open up possibilities for development of niche skills in Indian industry and research organizations in different areas of next generation technologies, such as modern antenna design, sophisticated cryogenic receiver systems, and high volume optical fibre data transport technology etc.

North Korea Tested Solid-Fuel Missiles

Context

In a recent development, North Korea conducted a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fueled by solid propellant. This marks the third such test this year, aimed at enhancing the country's capability to launch with minimal preparation.

Solid-fuel missiles are rockets or ballistic missiles that utilize solid propellants to generate thrust for propulsion.

Advantages

• Readiness: They can be stored for prolonged periods and launched swiftly, unlike liquid-fueled missiles that necessitate more preparation time.
• Reliability: Solid-fuel missiles generally require fewer maintenance procedures and are less susceptible to leaks or corrosion.
• Mobility: They offer enhanced mobility and flexibility in deployment compared to liquid-fueled missiles.

Types of Solid-Fuel Missiles

• Short-Range Missiles: Examples include the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or the Iskander missile.
• Medium-Range Missiles: Such as the Pukkuksong-2 (KN-15) or the DF-21 ballistic missile.
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): Like the Minuteman III or the DF-31.

Components and Technology

• Composition: Solid propellants comprise fuel, oxidizer, and a binding agent. For instance, metallic powders like aluminum serve as fuel, while ammonium perchlorate acts as the oxidizer.
• Functionality: When ignited, solid propellants generate high energy and temperature, producing thrust to lift the missile off the launch pad.
• Propellant: Solid-fuel missiles utilize a mixture of chemicals (solid propellant) that burn steadily to generate thrust.
• Warhead: Contains the payload, which could consist of conventional explosives, nuclear warheads, or other specialized payloads.
• Guidance Systems: Employ various technologies such as inertial guidance, GPS, or star-tracking for precision.
• Materials and Construction: Solid-fuel missile construction involves precise engineering to ensure stability, reliability, and resilience to various environmental conditions.

Development and Advancements

• Historical Context: Solid-fuel technology traces its origins back to ancient Chinese fireworks but experienced significant advancements during the mid-20th century, primarily by the United States.
• Global Adoption: Various nations, including the Soviet Union, France, China, and South Korea, have developed and deployed solid-fuel missiles for diverse purposes, ranging from short-range to intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Notable Examples of Solid-Fuel Missiles

• USA: Examples include the Minuteman III and Trident II (D5).
• Russia: Notable examples are the Topol-M, Yars, and Bulava.
• China: Includes the DF-31 and DF-41.
• North Korea: Notable examples are the Pukkuksong Series (KN-11, KN-15).

Solid vs. Liquid Propellants

• Comparison: While liquid propellants offer greater thrust and power, they require more intricate technology and maintenance.
• Advantages of Solid Fuel: Solid propellants burn rapidly, have stable storage properties, and entail less technological complexity, rendering them advantageous in specific scenarios.

Conclusion

Solid-fuel missiles serve as a vital component of modern military arsenals, providing nations with offensive and defensive capabilities. Their technological advancements and strategic implications continue to shape global security dynamics, underscoring the necessity for ongoing international dialogue and regulation to ensure stability and safety.

Mosquitofish

Context

In Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, various government and non-governmental organizations have released mosquitofish into water bodies to handle mosquito menace. 

Mosquito Menace: Accelerating Disease Spread Amid Climate Change

• Mosquitoes are spreading diseases faster than ever due to climate change. 
• The climate is getting warmer and wetter, creating perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive. 
• Over 500 million people worldwide get sick from mosquito bites each year.
• In India alone, 40 million people fall ill every year. 

What is Mosquitofish?

• Mosquitofish is a freshwater fish. It is named mosquitofish as it eats mosquito larvae.
• The Mosquito fish species originally from the U.S., have become global inhabitants. 
• It is small in comparison to many other freshwater fish.
• MosquitofishThere are two species of mosquitofish,  Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki.

Mosquitofish in India

• Mosquitofish were first brought to India by the British in 1928. Later, various government and private organizations started using this method as a malaria control measure.
• Gambusia, a species of mosquitofish, is well known in India. 
• The strategy of using mosquitofish was well-intentioned but backfired and caused severe ecological and environmental problems.

Effects of Mosquitofish on Ecosystem

• Harmful Invasive Species: Mosquitofish are considered a highly harmful invasive species. 
• It is because of their aggressive feeding habits. 
• Their feeding disrupts local food webs, causing native fish, amphibians, and communities to disappear.
• For example, In Australia, the use of mosquitofish caused the extinction of the red-finned blue eye and endemic fish species. 
• A study in New Zealand shows mosquitofish pose a serious threat to local aquatic life.
• In India, reports suggest populations of native Microhyla tadpoles have declined after mosquitofish introduction.
• In 1982, the WHO stopped recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent.
• Harmful to Human Health: If these species accumulate toxins in their tissue, it can impact human health too.

Way Forward to Control of  Mosquitofish

• Stronger measures must be introduced to ban further introductions of mosquitofish into freshwater ecosystems.
• NCVBDC should remove the recommendation to use Gambusia and Poecilia (guppy) fishes to manage mosquitoes. 
• There is a need to find alternatives to Gambusia to control mosquitoes. 
• Fostering collaboration is also necessary among mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists to focus on specific river basins to Identify native predators in each basin.

Distress Alert Transmitter For Fishermen

Context

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed the second-generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG), an indigenous technological solution for Fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from fishing boats. Fishermen, when faced with distress situations, can use the DAT to send emergency messages. These messages typically contain information about their identity, location, and the nature of the emergency.

What is a Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT)?

• About:
• The first version of DAT has been operational since 2010, using which messages were sent through a communication satellite and received at a central control station (INMCC: Indian Mission Control Centre), where the alert signals are decoded for the identity and location of the fishing boat.
• The extracted information is then forwarded to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) under the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• Using this information, the MRCC coordinates to undertake search and rescue operations to save the fishermen in distress.
• Till now, more than 20,000 DATs are being used.

What is the Second Generation Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT-SG)?

• DAT-SG:
  • The DAT-SG builds upon the original Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT) and incorporates advanced capabilities and features to enhance maritime safety and communication.
  • The DAT-SG has the facility to send back an acknowledgement to the fishermen who activate the distress alert from sea.
  • ISRO has developed the DAT-SG which is a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) transmitter based on the NavIC (Navigation in Indian Constellation) receiver module.
  • This NavIC receiver module supports position determination as well as broadcast messages reception called NavIC messaging service.
• Features:
  • Bluetooth Interface: The DAT-SG can be connected to mobile phones using a Bluetooth interface. This allows fishermen to receive messages on their mobile devices. Additionally, an app on the mobile phone can be used to read messages in the native language, enhancing accessibility.
  • Integration with Mobile Phones: DAT-SG can be integrated with mobile phones, providing a convenient and widely-used platform for communication.
  • Web-Based Network Management System (SAGARMITRA): The central control center (INMCC) utilises a web-based network management system called "SAGARMITRA."
  • This system maintains a database of registered DAT-SGs and assists Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) in accessing real-time information about boats in distress. This feature helps the Indian Coast Guard in undertaking Search & Rescue operations promptly.
  • Two-way Communication: DAT-SG is equipped with the capability to receive messages from the control centre. This enables the central control station to send advance alert messages to fishermen in the case of events such as bad weather, cyclones, tsunamis, or other emergencies.
  • Information about Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs): DAT-SG can transmit information about Potential Fishing Zones to fishermen at sea at regular intervals. This feature assists fishermen in locating areas with a higher probability of a good catch, leading to increased efficiency in fishing operations and savings in terms of time and fuel.
  • Operational 24/7: The services of DAT-SG are declared operational on a 24x7 basis, ensuring continuous support for fishermen in distress

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Cerebellum

Context

A recent study found that individuals with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience significant decreases in both gray and white matter volume in their cerebellum. This could affect their cognitive functions and emotional responses, among other aspects.

What are the Findings of the Study?

• The study showed that PTSD is linked with considerable reductions in both gray and white matter volumes in the cerebellum.
• This reduction was particularly notable in specific subregions, including the posterior lobe, vermis, flocculonodular lobe and corpus medullare.
• The study also showed that cerebellar volume changes correlate with the intensity of the PTSD experience, offering a potential biomarker for assessing the condition’s severity.
• It challenges the traditional understanding of PTSD as solely a disorder of the brain’s emotion-processing centers.
• The cerebellum’s involvement suggests a more complex brain network disruption in PTSD, one that includes regions responsible for integrating cognitive and emotional responses.
• Study helps in understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD by pinpointing specific cerebellar regions affected by the disorder.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a mental health condition that occurs after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as war, violence, abuse, or natural disaster.
• People with PTSD may have intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance and negative mood etc.
• These symptoms can interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life.
• PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
• PTSD is incredibly burdensome at both the individual and societal level, causing profound distress, functional impairment, and staggering treatment costs.

What is Cerebellum and Other Parts of the Brain?

• The brain comprises three primary components: the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
• Cerebellum: The brain region traditionally associated with motor control, but now increasingly recognised for its role in higher cognitive and emotional functions.
• It is located at the back of the head, just below the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. Also called a “little brain” due to its similar but smaller structure than the cerebrum.
• Cerebrum: The largest part, consists of right and left hemispheres, playing a key role in higher functions like interpreting sensory information, speech, reasoning, emotions, learning, and precise movement control.
• Brainstem: Functioning as a relay centre connecting the cerebrum, cerebellum, and spinal cord. It oversees automatic processes such as breathing, heart rate, sleep-wake cycles, digestion, and various reflex actions like sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and swallowing.
• Hypothalamus: Situated below the thalamus and regulates functions including body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms. It is also involved in the release of hormones by the pituitary gland.

ISRO Tests Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is a type of electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy from the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen or another oxidising agent into electrical energy. The key component of a PEM fuel cell is the polymer electrolyte membrane, which serves as the electrolyte.

Key feature of PEM fuel cells

• Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM): The PEM is a solid polymer electrolyte typically made of a perfluorosulfonic acid material, such as Nafion. 
• Use of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane: This membrane allows protons to pass through while blocking the passage of electrons. It plays a crucial role in separating the anode and cathode reactions.

Components and Working of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell

Anode and Cathode: At the anode, hydrogen gas is typically supplied, and it undergoes electrochemical oxidation to produce protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻). The electrons flow through an external circuit, creating an electric current.

• Catalysts: Platinum or other platinum-group metals are commonly used as catalysts on the anode and cathode to facilitate the electrochemical reactions.
• Electrochemical Reactions:
• At the anode: 2H₂→4H⁺ + 4e^–
• At the cathode: O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e^– →2H₂O
• Proton Exchange: Protons generated at the anode move through the PEM to the cathode, while electrons flow through an external circuit, creating an electrical current.

Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Cell (PEMC) 

• Operating Temperature: PEM fuel cells operate at relatively low temperatures (typically between 60 to 80 degrees Celsius), allowing for quick start-up times (less warm up time) and increased efficiency in certain applications.
• Catalyst Requirement: To facilitate the separation of electrons and protons in hydrogen, PEM fuel cells use a noble-metal catalyst, typically platinum leading to high cost.
• Carbon Monoxide Sensitivity: The platinum catalyst in PEM fuel cells is highly sensitive to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. If the hydrogen used in the fuel cell is derived from a hydrocarbon fuel, it may contain trace amounts of carbon monoxide. The presence of CO can significantly degrade the performance of the platinum catalyst, leading to a decrease in fuel cell efficiency.
• Carbon Monoxide Reduction Reactor: To address the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning, an additional reactor is often employed to reduce the levels of carbon monoxide in the fuel gas before it reaches the fuel cell. This reactor adds complexity and cost to the overall system.
• Water Management: PEM fuel cells require effective water management to maintain the hydration level of the polymer electrolyte membrane. Water produced during the electrochemical reactions needs to be removed from the membrane to prevent flooding.

Applications of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell

• PEM fuel cells are commonly used in various applications, including transportation (such as fuel cell vehicles), stationary power generation (backup power systems, distributed generation), and portable electronic devices. 
• These fuel cells are known for their high efficiency, fast start-up times, and ability to operate under varying loads. 
• However, challenges such as cost, durability, and sensitivity to contaminants in the hydrogen fuel remain areas of ongoing research and development.

Counter-Drone Technology and UAV Development

Context

The counter drone system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) now ready to go into production.

About Parliamentary Panel Report “A Review of the Working of DRDO”

• The Defence Ministry, in a Parliamentary Panel report “A review of the working of DRDO”, informed the House of the functioning of Defence Research and Development Organisation and future endeavors.

Key Points from the Parlimentary Report

• Development of Counter Drone System:  DRDO has developed an indigenous counter drone technology that can counter attacks (soft and hard kill) of all types of drones, including micro drones.
• Significance of Counter Drone System: It uses a laser-based kill system to  detect and destroy drones in the air. 
• The Counter drone system can detect and jam micro drones up to 3 kilometers and fires laser signals to bring down a target up to 1-2.5 kilometres.
• Transfer of Technology: It has been handed over to private industries, including BEL, Adani, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Icom.
• Development of Drone Systems: 
  • Tapas Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV developed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) application is in an advanced stage of developmental trials. 
  • Short-range armed UAV Archer is being developed for reconnaissance, surveillance and low-intensity conflict is under progress.
• Scarcity of Drone Batteries: 
  • Lithium Ion-based battery with an indigenous battery management system has been developed by the DRDO which  is being used on Tapas UAV, but the cells are still imported. 
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation and the ISRO are working on Lithium Ion cell development.

 What are Drones?

• Definition: They are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in their embedded systems that work with GPS. It may carry lethal or nonlethal cargo.
• Classification: As per the Drone Rules 2021
• Nano drone: Less than or equal to 250 grams.
• Micro drone: Greater than 250 grams and less than or equal to 2 kilograms.
• Small drone: Greater than 2 kilograms and less than or equal to 25 kilograms.
• Medium drone: Greater than 25 kilograms and less than or equal to 150 kilograms
• Large drone: Greater than 150 kilograms. 
• Certification: The Quality Council of India issues  airworthiness certificates to manufacturers on the Digital Sky platform if the drone meets all the specified certification standards. 
• Application of Drones in Defence: 
• Drones can be used in various areas of operation like:
  • Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  • Border security
  • Search and Rescue missions and delivery of essential supplies
  • Battlefield monitoring, and mine detection and clearance.
  • Target acquisition and targeted attacks.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Context

Recently, a survey conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) highlighted several key findings regarding the prescription and use of antibiotics in hospitals amidst growing concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

What are the Key Findings of the Survey?

• Preventative Use of Antibiotics: Over half of the surveyed patients (55%) were prescribed antibiotics for prophylactic indications, meant to prevent infections, rather than for therapeutic purposes (45%) to treat infections.
• Antibiotic Prescription Patterns: Only a small fraction (6%) of patients were prescribed antibiotics after a confirmed diagnosis of the specific bacteria causing their illness (definitive therapy), while the majority (94%) were on empirical therapy, based on the doctor’s clinical assessment of the likely cause of the illness.
• Lack of Specific Diagnosis: 94% of patients received antibiotics before a definitive medical diagnosis was confirmed, highlighting the prevalent use of antibiotics without precise knowledge of the infection's cause.
• Variation Among Hospitals: There were wide variations in antibiotic prescription rates among the hospitals, ranging from 37% to 100% of patients being prescribed antibiotics.
• A significant proportion (86.5%) of the prescribed antibiotics were administered through the parenteral route (not orally).
• Drivers of AMR: The NCDC survey notes, that one of the main drivers for the development of antibiotic resistance is the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

• About:
  • Antimicrobial resistance is the resistance acquired by any microorganism (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.) against antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials, and anthelmintics) that are used to treat infections.
  • As a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist, and may spread to others.
  • It is a natural phenomenon as bacteria evolve, making drugs used to treat infections less effective.
  • Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to global health.

What are the Reasons for the Spread of AMR?

• High Prevalence of Communicable Diseases: High burden of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, diarrhoea, respiratory infections, etc. that require antimicrobial treatment.
• Overburdened Public Health System: This limits the laboratory capacity for etiology-based diagnosis and appropriately targeted treatment.
• Poor infection Control Practices: Hygiene lapses in hospitals and clinics facilitate the spread of resistant bacteria.
• Injudicious use: Overprescribing by doctors under pressure from patients (often self-medication), incomplete antibiotic courses, and broad-spectrum antibiotics used unnecessarily create selective pressure for resistant bacteria.
• Easy Access: Unregulated over-the-counter availability and affordability of antibiotics fuel self-medication and inappropriate use.
• Lack of Awareness: Low public understanding of AMR and proper antibiotic use encourages misuse.
• Limited Surveillance: Lack of adequate monitoring systems makes it difficult to track and understand the scope of AMR.

What are the Implications of the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance?

• Healthcare Impact: AMR can render previously effective antibiotics ineffective against bacterial infections. This complicates the treatment of common illnesses like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections, leading to prolonged illnesses, more severe symptoms, and increased mortality rates.
• Increased Healthcare Costs: Treating resistant infections often requires more expensive and prolonged therapies, increased hospital stays, and sometimes more invasive procedures. This leads to higher healthcare costs for individuals, healthcare systems, and governments.
• Challenges in Medical Procedures: AMR makes certain medical procedures riskier. Surgeries, cancer chemotherapy, and organ transplants become more hazardous due to the increased risk of infections that are resistant to standard antibiotics.
• Limitations in Treatment Options: As resistance grows, the available arsenal of effective antibiotics diminishes. This limitation in treatment options may lead to a scenario where previously manageable infections become untreatable, reverting medicine to a pre-antibiotic era where common infections could be fatal.

What are the Measures Taken to Address AMR?

• Indian:
  • National Programme on AMR containment: Launched in 2012. Under this programme, AMR Surveillance Network has been strengthened by establishing labs in State Medical College.
  • National Action Plan on AMR: It focuses on One Health approach and was launched in April 2017 with the aim of involving various stakeholder ministries/departments.
  • AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN): It was launched in 2013, to generate evidence and capture trends and patterns of drug resistant infections in the country.
  • AMR Research & International Collaboration: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has taken initiatives to develop new drugs /medicines through international collaborations in order to strengthen medical research in AMR.
  • ICMR along with Research Council of Norway (RCN) initiated a joint call for research in antimicrobial resistance in 2017.
  • ICMR along with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany has a joint Indo-German collaboration for research on AMR.
  • Antibiotic Stewardship Program: ICMR has initiated antibiotic stewardship program (AMSP) on a pilot project across India to control misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
  • DCGI has banned 40 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) which were found inappropriate.
• Global Measures:
  • World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): Held annually since 2015, WAAW is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of AMR worldwide and encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policymakers to slow the development and spread of drug-resistant infections.
  • The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): WHO launched the GLASS in 2015 to continue filling knowledge gaps and to inform strategies at all levels.
  • GLASS has been conceived to progressively incorporate data from surveillance of AMR in humans, surveillance of the use of antimicrobial medicines, AMR in the food chain, and the environment.
  • Global Point Prevalence Survey Methodology: To deal with the challenge of limited information on how antibiotics are prescribed and used at the patient level, WHO has introduced the global point prevalence survey methodology to understand the prescribing patterns in hospitals, with repeated surveys showing the changes in antibiotic use over time.
  • Few studies have been conducted in India using this methodology.

Way Forward

• Public Education Campaigns: Inform the public about AMR, its dangers, and how to prevent it. This can be done through mass media, community outreach programs, and educational materials in local languages.
• Antibiotic Stewardship Programs: Implement programs in hospitals and clinics to track and optimize antibiotic use, ensuring they are prescribed only when necessary and for the shortest effective duration.
• Regulation of Antibiotic Sales: Implement stricter regulations on the sale of antibiotics over the counter, requiring prescriptions for all antibiotics.
• Expand AMR Surveillance: Establish a nationwide AMR surveillance system to track the prevalence and spread of resistant bacteria in humans, animals, and the environment.
• Develop New Technologies: Explore the potential of new technologies, such as phage therapy, to address AMR challenges.

Zombie Virus

Context

Scientists have warned that the melting Arctic 'permafrost'  may start a new disease outbreak due to the release of ancient viruses.

About

•  These viruses have been preserved in the ground for thousands of years in permafrost, live viruses demonstrating their ability to infect single-celled organisms.
• One virus sample was found to be 48,500 years old  
• The risk is heightened due to the escalating temperatures caused by global warming, leading to the thawing of previously frozen ice.

 DO YOU KNOW?

•  The permafrost, covering a fifth of the Northern Hemisphere, has acted as a time capsule, preserving extinct creatures' remains, along the with ancient viruses.
• Concerns: The isolated viruses posed no threat to humans but pointed out the presence of genomic traces of poxviruses and herpesviruses, which are well-known human pathogens.

NISAR Satellite

Context 

Indo-US satellite- NISAR is to study Earth’s cryospheric changes which will help in natural resource, hazard management 

About the NISAR

• NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between NASA and ISRO for an Earth-observing mission. 
• The radar satellite is set to launch in 2024 surface changes using advanced radar imaging. 
• Collaboration: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will lead the US component and provide the mission’s L-band SAR. ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre and Space Applications Centre will contribute the spacecraft bus, launch vehicle and S-band SAR electronics. 
• It will employ two radar systems, an L-band and an S-band, to penetrate clouds and darkness, offering comprehensive data even during polar winter nights. 
• NISAR will cover nearly all of the planet’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days. 

Applications of NISAR

• Snow studies: The L-band radar is particularly adept at penetrating snow, offering insights into the movement of ice beneath, while the S-band radar focuses on snow moisture, indicating areas of melting. 
• Glaciers: Beyond polar ice, NISAR will track changes in mountain glaciers, which have significantly contributed to sea level rise since the 1960s. 
• Wetlands: This mission is distinguished by its ability to track a variety of Earth’s vital signs, ranging from the health of wetlands to the impacts of deforestation and natural hazards. 
• Geophysical dynamics: The measurements will also enable scientists to closely study what happens where ice and ocean meet. For example, when parts of an ice sheet sit on ground that is below sea level, saltwater can seep under the ice and increase melting and instability. 
• Southern ocean: The mission’s extensive coverage of the Southern Ocean is unprecedented and will offer new insights into these crucial areas. 

Significance

• This initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent satellite imagery from East Antarctica has shown significant glacial collapse, highlighting the urgent need for detailed monitoring. 
• The mission will also provide a ‘time-lapse movie’ of ice sheets, offering a consistent view of their motion, thus aiding in predictions of future changes. This is important to understand and predict the dynamics of ice sheets. 
• The satellite’s all-weather capability is particularly beneficial for monitoring regions like the Himalayas, where cloud cover can hinder data collection.