UPSC Science and Technology

HOW DOES THE GAGANYAAN’S LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEM OPERATE?

ISRO's Gaganyaan mission aims to send astronauts into a 400-km low Earth orbit. To guarantee their survival, ISRO is indigenously developing an advanced Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) to recreate Earth-like air, pressure, and temperature in microgravity.

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WHAT IS THE SMILE MISSION? EXPLAINED

Earth's magnetosphere shields us from severe space weather that threatens modern infrastructure. The joint China-Europe SMILE mission provides unprecedented X-ray imaging of these solar interactions, while proposals like artificial mass-loading offer innovative defenses against devastating geomagnetic storms.

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NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY 2026: HISTORY, SIGNIFICANCE, THEME

National Technology Day 2026 celebrates India's 38th rank in the Global Innovation Index. Focused on "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth," it honors the 1998 Pokhran tests.

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DUAL-USE SATELLITES AND THE BLURRING LINES OF MODERN SPACE WARFARE

Dual-use satellites blur the lines between civilian infrastructure and military targets, shifting modern space warfare toward non-kinetic cyberattacks. This trend challenges existing space treaties and International Humanitarian Law, prompting India to develop a dedicated Military Space Doctrine



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WHAT IS ATAL INNOVATION MISSION (AIM)? EXPLAINED

Launched by NITI Aayog, the Atal Innovation Mission promotes entrepreneurship and scientific innovation across India. Upgraded to AIM 2.0, it utilizes Atal Tinkering Labs, incubators, and grants to empower startups, significantly boosting India’s global innovation index ranking and economic development.

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GRAVITY BOMBS TECHNOLOGY

The B61 is the primary United States thermonuclear gravity bomb. Recent modernization efforts, including the B61-12 Life Extension Program and the B61-13 variant, enhance weapon accuracy, safety, and security without requiring underground nuclear explosive testing.

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3D GLASS SEMICONDUCTORS EXPLAINED

India’s ₹1,943 crore Odisha unit advances technological sovereignty. Using 3D glass packaging to bypass silicon limits, it pivots India toward high-value manufacturing. Success requires overcoming supply chain gaps and talent deficits.

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James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Discovers 'Monster Stars'

Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the world's most powerful infrared observatory. It peers through cosmic dust to study the first stars, ancient galaxies, and exoplanet atmospheres, revealing the 13.5-billion-year history of the universe. 

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Strengthening CAR T-Cell Therapy

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed a gentler method to recover lab-grown T-cells, a crucial step in CAR T-cell therapy. Using the mild enzyme Accutase instead of harsher alternatives helps improve cell survival and preserve immune function. The approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of immunotherapy production, supports cost reduction, and strengthens India’s efforts to make advanced cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

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NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY READINESS ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK (NTRAF)

The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework, launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser, standardises innovation evaluation using a 9-level TRL scale. Developed with Confederation of Indian Industry, it bridges the lab-to-market gap, guides evidence-based funding, and supports Anusandhan National Research Foundation in strengthening India’s deeptech ecosystem and self-reliance.

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