Science and technology current affairs

About Plastic Ice

Under normal conditions, water exists in three phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (vapour or steam). Unlike ordinary ice, Plastic Ice VII allows water molecules to rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure. 

This phase was first predicted in 2008, but scientists have now provided solid evidence of its existence using advanced neutron-scattering experiments at the Institut Laue-Langevin in France.

The unique structure of Plastic Ice VII forms at pressures exceeding three gigapascals (GPa), about 30,000 times atmospheric pressure on Earth, and temperatures above 450 Kelvin (177°C).

How Was It Discovered?

Researchers used quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and diamond-anvil cells to study tiny high-pressure samples. These techniques allowed them to analyze molecular motion at the atomic scale. 

Their findings confirm that while Plastic Ice VII retains a crystalline structure, its molecules rotate in specific, preferred directions.

Significance of Plastic Ice Discovery

This discovery has profound implications for planetary science. Ice VII, an earlier known phase, exists deep inside the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Callisto, Ganymede, and Titan. 

Now, the confirmation of Plastic Ice VII suggests that water in extreme environments behaves in even more complex ways than previously thought.
Understanding this exotic ice could help scientists explore whether extreme planetary conditions could support life and how water influences the structure of celestial bodies.

Scientists believe this discovery could lead to new insights in materials science, planetary exploration, and even the development of futuristic technologies that use extreme pressure conditions.

About Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope

It is one of the remote sensing payloads on board the Aditya-L1, the first dedicated solar mission of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), that was launched on September 02, 2023.

It was developed by Pune’s Inter-University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in close collaboration with various ISRO Centres.

SUIT is designed to provide near-simultaneous full-disk and region-of-interest images of the Sun at various heights, slicing through the photosphere and chromosphere.

It employs an array of 11 scientifically calibrated filters (3 broad-band & 8 narrow-band) strategically positioned within the wavelength range of 200 to 400 nanometers.

Located at the first Lagrange point, SUIT observes the Sun 24x7, without any interruption.

The primary scientific objective of SUIT is to scrutinize the dynamic interplay within the magnetized solar atmosphere, delving into the intricacies of energetic phenomena such as jets, flares, filament evolution, and eruptions. 

Furthermore, SUIT, for the first time ever, will help scientists to measure and monitor the spatially resolved solar spectral irradiance within the wavelength range crucial to comprehend the intricacies of the sun-climate relationship.

What is a Solar Flare?

A solar flare is a sudden and intense burst of solar energy from the Solar atmosphere. 

Flares are our solar system’s largest explosive events. 

They are seen as bright areas in the sun, and they can last from minutes to hours.

The phenomenon is caused by the Sun's magnetic field. 

The magnetic field of the Sun is very dynamic in nature. 

Sometimes they suddenly snap and release intense bursts of energy – like a powerful, short flash. 

The energy is released in the form of light/radiation and high energy charged particles.

Although solar flares can be visible in white light, they are often more readily noticed via their bright X-ray and ultraviolet emissions.

Effect of Solar Flare on Earth:

The intense radiation emitted during a solar flare can affect satellite communications, disrupt radio signals, and even pose a risk to astronauts in space.

Additionally, the increased solar radiation can lead to geomagnetic storms, which may impact power grids and cause auroras (northern and southern lights) at lower latitudes.

Semi-Cryogenic Engine

ISRO recently successfully conducted the hot test on a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000), coming closer to finalising the crucial cryogenic stage.

About Semi-Cryogenic Engine

A semi-cryogenic engine (SCE) is a liquid rocket engine that uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a semi-cryogenic engine with a thrust of 2000 kN to power the booster stages of future heavy-lift launch vehicles. This engine utilizes a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined kerosene (RP-1) as propellants. 

The semi-cryogenic engine offers several advantages over traditional cryogenic engines, including:

-Higher Density Impulse: The LOX-kerosene combination provides a higher density impulse compared to LOX-liquid hydrogen, resulting in improved performance.

-Cost-Effectiveness: Kerosene is more cost-effective and easier to handle than liquid hydrogen, reducing overall mission costs.

-Operational Efficiency: Kerosene can be stored at ambient temperatures, simplifying storage and handling requirements.

The development of this engine is expected to enhance the payload capacity of ISRO's existing launch vehicles, such as the LVM3, and is also planned for use in future launch vehicles like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

Meteor Missile

A US Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B Lightning II recently flew its first-ever test missions with the Meteor air-to-air missile.

About Meteor Missile

It is an advanced radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

METEOR has been developed by a group of European partners led by MBDA to meet the needs of six European nations: the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Sweden.

Meteor Missile Features

It has a length of 3.65 m and a diameter of 0.178 m. 

Unlike most similar solid-fuel missiles, the Meteor is equipped with a ramjet engine, which allows for controlled flight speed, complex maneuvers, and a range of more than 100 kilometers.

Designed for a speed greater than Mach 4, the missile has a large no-escape zone.

Guided by an advanced active radar seeker, Meteor provides all-weather capability to engage a wide variety of targets from agile fast jets to small UAVs and cruise missiles. 

It is equipped with a two-way datalink, which allows the launch platform to provide updates on targets or re-targeting when the missile is in flight. 

The datalink is capable of transmitting information such as kinematic status. It also notifies target acquisition by the seeker.

The missile is equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead.

Anti-Retroviral Therapy

The Supreme Court recently directed all States to respond to concerns relating to periodic stockouts, transparency in tendering and procurement, and drug quality and certification processes of the of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).


About Anti-Retroviral Therapy 

ART is a combination of medicationsthat treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

HIV is a virus that destroys CD4 cells (also called helper T-cells), an important part of your immune system. 

Without the protection of CD4 cells, you’re more likely to get life-threatening infections.

While ART can’t cure HIV, it can reduce the levels of HIV in your body. 
Low levels of the virus mean your body can produce more CD4 cells. 
This keeps your immune system healthy and makes you less likely to get serious infections.

ART medications use a variety of ways to stop HIV from getting into your cells and reproducing. 

You usually take a combination of two to four medications that work in different ways to reduce the levels of virus (also called viral load) in your body. 

Taking a combination of medications, rather than just one, makes the treatment more effective and reduces the risk that it’ll stop working. 
If your viral load is low enough, tests won’t be able to detect HIV in your blood (undetectable levels).

HIV treatment is called “antiretroviral” because HIV is a retrovirus.
This means it uses its genetic instructions (RNA) as a template to make DNA (most of the time, in human cells, DNA is used to make RNA). 

Black Plastic

Black Plastic made headlines as a recent study claimed that the material contained toxic flame retardants which could be leaching into food at hazardous levels.

About Black Plastic

It is a type of plastic used to make everyday items like food trays, containers, and utensils.

It is often made from recycled electronic waste such as computers, TVs, and appliances.

These are more likely to contain unregulated amounts of toxic chemicals including heavy metals and flame retardants.

The issue is that these electronics typically contain substances such as the flame retardant bromine; antimony; and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury.

These electronics comprise flame retardants in a bid to prevent fire hazards.

Impact of Black Plastic on Human Health

The aforementioned substances and heavy metals are known to be toxic to humans at high levels of exposure.

Children are particularly vulnerable as they often come into prolonged contact with toys that could expose them to harmful chemicals through direct handling or ingestion.

Toxic chemicals in black plastic kitchen utensils could leach into food during heating, compounding the risk of exposure for households using these products regularly.

Studies have shown that chemicals in black plastic, such as BPA and phthalates, disrupt the endocrine system, leading to potential reproductive health issues, obesity, and diabetes.

It is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills or incinerators, releasing toxic substances like dioxins and furans into the air.

About Microplastics

Microplastics are small pieces of plastics, usually smaller than 5 mm.
They are persistent, very mobile and hard to remove from nature. 

There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.

Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets. 

They enter the environment directly through any of various channels—for example, product use, unintentional loss from spills during manufacturing or transport, or abrasion during washing.

Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. 

This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.

Microplastics Impacts

Once in the environment, microplastics do not biodegrade and tend to accumulate and persist.

They can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to potential harm to aquatic life and bioaccumulation along the food chain.

They can also carry toxic chemicals and pollutants, posing additional risks to organisms and ecosystems.

Ultra-Processed Foods

UPFs refer to food products that have been significantly altered from their original form through various industrial processes.
These foods typically contain numerous ingredients that are not commonly used in home cooking, such as artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sweeteners, emulsifiers, and other additives designed to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life.

Consuming high amounts of UPF has been linked to chronic health conditions—cardiovascular disease, obesity, colorectal cancer, among others. 

Characteristics of Ultra-Processed Foods

High levels of added sugar, fat, and salt: These ingredients are often added to enhance taste and appeal, but they can contribute to various health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Low nutritional value: Despite being calorie-dense, UPFs generally lack essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Extensive use of additives: These foods often contain synthetic ingredients that are not typically found in traditional or minimally processed foods.

Highly palatable and convenient: They are designed to be easy to consume and highly appealing, which can lead to overconsumption.

List of Foods Classified as Ultra-Processed Foods

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), UPFs include commercially produced bread, breakfast cereals, cakes, chips, biscuits, fries, jams, sauces, mayonnaise, commercially produced ice cream, protein packs powders, peanut butter, soy chunks, tofu, frozen foods with additives, commercially produced cheese, butter, paneer with additives, meats, plant-based meats, refined flours of cereals, millets and legumes, energy drinks, health drinks added to milk, beverages, and fruit juices. 

The group also includes many culinary ingredients such as cooking oils, refined sugars, salt and spices, since cosmetic food additives such as artificial colours and emulsifiers are often used in their processing. 

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile

India and the US recently announced plans to pursue new procurements and co-production arrangements for Javelin anti-tank guided missiles, to meet the defense requirements of India.

About Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile

-It is a man-portable, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile. 

-It is developed and produced jointly by American defence majorsRaytheon and Lockheed Martin.

-It was designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles such as main battle tanks and lighter-skinned military vehicles.

-The weapon also has capability against other target types like fortifications, bunkers, and helicopters.

Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile Features

-It has an effective range of 2.5 km.

-It is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. 

-It uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch.

-The Javelin's HEAT warhead is capable of defeating modern tanks by attacking them from above where their armor is thinnest (see top-attack), and is also useful against fortifications in a direct attack flight. 

Small Modular Reactor (SMR)

India is advancing its entry into the global Small Modular Reactors(SMR) manufacturing value chain, receiving institutional support through three key policy enablers announced in the Union Budget. 
These measures aim to catalyse development and strengthen India's position in nuclear energy innovation.

Legislative Reforms to Boost Private Participation in Nuclear Energy

New Vertical for Private Participation
The government plans to establish a separate division within the Department of Atomic Energy to facilitate private sector involvement in India's nuclear industry. 
This mirrors the successful space sector reforms and aims to leverage private expertise for SMR design, fabrication, and technology transfer negotiations with global players.

Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962
The proposed amendment seeks to expand private sector participation beyond equipment supply, allowing private firms to operate nuclear power plants, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 
Currently, only NPCIL and its joint ventures with NTPC and NALCO have this authority.

Revisions to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
Changes are being considered to address foreign investment concerns regarding liability. 
The current law assigns operator liability to equipment suppliers, discouraging global firms like GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse, and Areva from investing in India's nuclear sector. 
Revisions aim to make investment conditions more favorable.

Triggers for India’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Push
Need for Reliable Base-Load Power
As India reduces coal-fired power generation and increases renewable energy capacity, nuclear power is emerging as a stable and clean alternative.
Renewable sources like solar and wind face challenges due to intermittent power generation and lack of viable storage solutions.
Nuclear energy provides a round-the-clock power source to balance grid demands and support energy transition.

India’s Strategic Entry into SMR Manufacturing
India aims to position itself as a competitive player in SMR design and manufacturing, leveraging its decades of experience with small reactors and cost-effective production capabilities.
The move comes as China aggressively expands its SMR program, using it as a diplomatic tool for the Global South.
India seeks to counter China’s dominance in this emerging sector and establish itself as a credible alternative in the global SMR market.

SMRs: The Future of Nuclear Energy
SMRs (30MWe to 300MWe per unit) are seen as a cost-effective and flexible nuclear energy solution.
India is focusing on SMRs for clean energy transition and as a strategic foreign policy tool to expand its global influence.

India’s Collaboration Efforts
The Department of Atomic Energy is in exploratory talks with Holtec International (USA), a leading exporter of nuclear components, for possible partnerships.

Gravehawk System

It is a short-range surface-to-air missile system developed by the United Kingdom.

It is designed to address short-range threats, particularly those posed by fast-moving airborne objects.

It is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle chassis, allowing for rapid deployment and mobility on the ground. 

It is equipped with infrared-guided missiles, including the AIM-132 ASRAAM and the Wympel R-73. 

The missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5 and engage targets at a range of approximately 12 miles, making them effective against drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.

One of the system's key advantages is its passive infrared guidance, which eliminates the need for radar emissions that could expose its location to enemy forces.

The containerized launch system also incorporates electro-optical and infrared targeting cameras, allowing remote operation so that operators can fire missiles from a safe distance.