Miscellaneous Tech – Digitally learn

ATL App Development Module for School Children | UPSC – IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 10, 2020July 11, 2020

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission launches ATL App Development Module for school students nationwide

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) launched the ‘ATL App Development Module’ for school children all across the country. Aims at transforming school students from App users to innovative App Developers

The vision is to foster creativity and innovation nationwide through its various integrated initiatives including incubators, Startups, community innovation Centers and Atal New India challenges for product and service innovations enabling socio economic growth of the country .

The ATL App Development modules have been launched in collaboration with Indian homegrown startup Plezmo with an aim to hone the skills of school students and transforming them from App users to App makers in the times to come under AIM’s flagship Atal Tinkering Labs initiative.
The ATL App Development module is an online course is completely Free. Through 6 project-based learning modules and online mentoring sessions, young innovators can learn to build mobile Apps in various Indian languages and showcase their talent. Additionally, to build capacities and acumen for App Development within school teachers, periodic Teacher Training sessions will be conducted on the AIM App Development course.
ATLs can be established in schools (minimum Grade VI – X) managed by State/ Central Government, Local body (Municipality / Nagar Nigam), Private trusts/society or Tribal/Social welfare department etc.
The applicant schools would be provided financial support in the form of Grant-in-aid for a maximum period of 5 years.
Till date, more than 5100 ATLs are established in more than 660 districts across the country by Atal Innovation Mission with more than 2 million students having access to the Tinkering Labs.

5G technology in India – Advantages and Challenges | UPSC – IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 24, 2020June 30, 2020

5G technology in India – Advantages and Challenges | UPSC – IAS

Fifth Generation (5G) technology is generally seen as the 5th generation cellular network technology that provides broadband access. The industry association 3GPP defines any system using “5G NR” software as “5G”, a definition that came into general use by late 2018

Fifth Generation (5G) technology is a wireless communication technology using radio waves or radio frequency (RF) energy to transmit and receive data. fifth generation is the next generation mobile networks technology after 4G LTE networks. 5G technologies will enter services gradually, beginning in 2019 and advance to a full range of services by 2024. 5G connections in India are forecasted to reach 88 million by 2025, equivalent to around 7% of the total connections base in the country.

Fifth Generation (5G) technology will underwrite USD 12.3 trillion of worldwide economic output by 2035, with investment within the value chain expected to get an extra USD 3.5 trillion in output and supply support for 22 million jobs by 2035.

Difference between 5G and other Generation | UPSC – IAS

2G and 3G mobile networks relied on microwave wireless backhaul to connect cell sites with the nearest switching centre.
4G LTE introduced IP-based connectivity, replacing copper- or microwave-based cell sites with optical fibre.
5G deployment is based on optical fibre infrastructure.

Generation	2G	3G	3G HSPA+	4G	4G LTE-A	5G
Max speed	0.3Mbps	7.2Mbps	42Mbps	150Mbps	300Mbps-1Gbps	1-10Gbps
Average speed	0.1Mbps	1.5Mbps	5Mbps	10Mbps	15Mbps-50Mbps	50Mbps and up

Advantages of 5G Technology | UPSC – IAS

Faster Data Speed – Currently 4G networks are capable of achieving the peak download speed of one gigabit per second. With Fifth Generation (5G) the speed could be increased upto 10Gbps.
Ultra-low latency – Latency refers to the time it takes for one device to send a packet of data to another device. In 4G the latency rate is around 50 milliseconds but 5G will reduce that to about 1 millisecond.
A more Connected World – 5G will provide the capacity and bandwidth as per the need of the user to accommodate technologies such as Internet of Things. Thus, will help to incorporate Artificial Intelligence in our lives. It can also support Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality services.

As per the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Committee on Digital Economic Policy, 5G technologies rollout will help in increasing GDP, creating employment and digitizing the economy.

In agriculture, Fifth Generation (5G) can enable improvement in the entire value-chain, from precision farming, smart irrigation, improved soil and crop monitoring, to livestock management.
In manufacturing, 5G will enable use of robotics for precision manufacturing, particularly where humans cannot perform these functions safely or accurately.
In the energy sector, ‘smart grids’ and ‘smart metering’ can be efficiently supported. With the rise of renewable and storage technologies, low latency communications will be critical to manage these grids.
In health-care, Fifth Generation (5G) can enable more effective tele-medicine delivery, tele-control of surgical robotics and wireless monitoring of vital statistics.

Challenges of 5G Technology in India | UPSC – IAS

Huge Investment Required: India needs a massive Rs 5 lakh crore ($70 billion) investment to bring in 5G.
Expensive spectrum: Indian spectrum prices are some of the highest in the world and the allocated quantity is well below global best practices, while 40% of the spectrum is lying unsold.
Lack of uniform policy framework: Delays due to complex procedures across states, non-uniformity of levies along with administrative approvals have impacted telecom service providers in rolling-out Optical Fibre Cables (OFC) and telecom towers.
Local Regulatory Issues: Many of the local rules and regulations are prohibiting the rapid and cost effective roll-out of small cells in city centres where Fifth Generation (5G) is initially expected to be most in demand.
Debt scenario in the industry: According to ICRA, the collective debt of telecommunications service providers (TSPs) stands at Rs 4.2 lakh crore.
Low optical fibre penetration: India lacks a strong backhaul to transition to 5G. Backhaul is a network that connects cells sites to central exchange. As of now 80% of cell sites are connected through microwave backhaul, while under 20% sites are connected through fibre.
High Import of Equipments: Imports account for a 90 per cent of India’s telecom equipment market. However due to lack of local manufacturing and R&D, Indian telecom providers have no option other than to procure and deploy 5G technologies from foreign suppliers.
Security: According to the Global Cyber Security Index released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about half of all the countries had a cybersecurity strategy or are in the process of developing one. The index, which was topped by Singapore at 0.925 saw India at 23rd position.
Possibility of increased digital divide: Initial deployment of 5G networks in dense urban areas could left
behind rural areas due to commercial viability, may led to increase the digital divide.
Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields: There has been concern about the said impact of these frequencies on health of human as well as on animals.

A Way Forward | UPSC – IAS

Spectrum Policy: India’s spectrum allocation for public wireless services should be enhanced significantly. Also, the cost of spectrum relative to per capita GDP is high and should come down.
Create a Fifth Generation (5G) Program Office within Department of Telecommunications and an Oversight Committee.
New civil infrastructure like highways, roads, canals and utilities(gas, electricity, water) lines should be mandated to provide Common Telecom Infrastructure resources such as ducting and power junction boxes to support 5G infrastructure.
Security audits, a prerequisite for importing of equipment before deploying in Indian networks, needs to be simplified.
Favorable Taxation Policy: Reducing taxation and regulatory fees on revenues could contribute to further evolution of the tax framework.
Fifth Generation (5G) Pilot: Policy-makers may consider encouraging 5G pilots and test beds to test 5G technologies and use cases and to stimulate market engagement.
Support Fifth Generation (5G) investment: Indian government and regulators should ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry and its ability to fund the significant investment required for 5G network deployments.
Policy-makers may consider the use of licensed, unlicensed and shared spectrum to create a balanced spectrum ecosystem – one that encourages investment, makes efficient use of spectrum and promotes competition.
Where market failure has occurred, governments may consider stimulating investment in fibre networks and passive assets through setting up PPPs, investment funds and offering grant funds, etc.

Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope Project | UPSC – IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 10, 2020May 16, 2019

Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope Project | UPSC – IAS

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a radio telescope project proposed to be built in Australia and South Africa. If built, it would have a total collecting area of approximately one square kilometre. It would operate over a wide range of frequencies and its size would make it 50 times more sensitive than any other radio instrument. It would require very high performance central computing engines and long-haul links with a capacity greater than the global Internet traffic as of 2013. It should be able to survey the sky more than ten thousand times faster than before.

On 12 March 2019, the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) was founded in Rome by seven initial member countries, with several other expected to join in the future. This international organisation is tasked with building and operating the facility, with the first construction contracts scheduled to be awarded in late 2020

Location: – South Africa’s Karoo region and Western Australia’s Murchison Shire were chosen as co-hosting locations for this project.; Built Year: – 2024 – 2030.

Square Kilometre Array India UPSC - IAS Countries that participated in the preparatory phase of SKA — **Countries that participated in the preparatory phase of Square Kilometre Array**

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project with eleven member countries that aims to answer fundamental questions about the origin and evolution of the Universe. In the early days of planning, China vied to host the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), proposing to build several large dishes in the natural limestone depressions (karst) that dimple its southwestern provinces; China called their proposal Kilometer-square Area Radio Synthesis Telescope (KARST). In April 2011, Jodrell Bank Observatory of the University of Manchester, in Cheshire, England was announced as the location for the project headquarters.

More About Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project | UPSC – IAS

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over a square kilometre (one million square metres) of collecting area.
It will use 1000s of dishes and up to a million low-frequency antennas that will enable astronomers to monitor the sky in unprecedented detail and survey the entire sky much faster than any system currently in existence.
Karoo will host the core of the high and mid frequency dishes and Murchison will host the low-frequency antennas.
Recent Developments – MeerLITCH is the world’s first optical telescope linked to a radio telescope launched in South Africa.
The device forms part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and will be linked to MeerKAT, a radio telescope located 200km away.
Scientists at Cambridge have finished designing the data processor of SKA’s telescopes.

Natural Gas Hydrates in India | UPSC – IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020February 21, 2019

Natural Gas Hydrates in India | UPSC – IAS | Science and Tech

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have experimentally shown that methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) can exist as gas hydrates.

What are Gas hydrates? | UPSC – IAS | PCS

They are formed when a gas such as methane gets trapped in well-defined cages of water molecules forming crystalline solids. It is a solid ice-like form of water that contains gas molecules in its molecular cavities.
Natural gas hydrates occur on continental margins and shelves worldwide from Polar Regions to the tropics.
Gas hydrate reservoirs are generally associated with biologically rich cold seep ecosystems at the seafloor. Cold seeps are locations where hydrocarbon-rich fluid seeps up from below the seafloor, often as methane or hydrogen sulfide.
It is estimated that total amount of carbon in the form of methane hydrates, far exceeds the carbon content in all the fossil fuel reserves put together and hence these are supposed to be the future potential energy resource.
Combustion of methane, is more CO2 efficient than that of any other hydrocarbon. Hence, using methane from gas hydrate compared to other hydrocarbons is relatively climate friendly.
According to the latest estimates of the US Geological Survey, India has the second largest gas hydrate reserves after America. The Krishna-Godavari (KG), Cauvery and Kerala basins alone have 100-130 trillion cubic feet of estimated reserves.
The carbon dioxide hydrate produced in the lab by the IIT team raises the possibility of sequestering or storing carbon dioxide as hydrates under the sea bed.

Extraction of Gas Hydrates: The natural gas from gas hydrate can be produced via:-

Depressurization: Drilling of hole into the layer of hydrate and reducing the pressure beneath. This technique is implemented for hydrates only in polar regions beneath the permafrost.
Thermal stimulation: via steam injection, hot brine solution etc. that raises the temperature of the local reservoir outside the hydrate region to cause the dissociation of the hydrate, thus releasing free gas which can be collected.

However, no country in the world has so far developed the technology to produce gas hydrates commercially and economically.

Issues with Gas Hydrates Extraction | UPSC – IAS

Gas hydrates are also important for seafloor stability studies, because “melting” gas hydrate may cause seafloor “landslides”. Methane released from gas hydrate may therefore play a significant role in climate change.

Indian Initiative| UPSC – IAS | PCS

The National Gas Hydrate Programme (NGHP) is of national importance considering India’s phenomenal growing energy demand. The programme was initiated in 1997. It first conducted studies in 2006.
India has entered into an agreement with Canada to develop technology in this regard.
IIT Madras, in collaboration with GAIL, is working to recover methane from methane hydrate from the Krishna-Godavari Basin and sequester CO2 simultaneously.

Sunspot Cycle – Help Understanding Aditya L1 Mission | UPSC IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020January 15, 2019

Sunspot Cycle UPSC IAS PCS the Hindu Gk today

These two images of the Sun show how the number of sunspots varies over the course of a sunspot cycle. The image on the left, with many sunspots, was taken near solar max in March 2001. The right hand image, in which no spots are evident, was taken near solar min in January 2005.
Images courtesy SOHO (NASA/ESA).

Recently, scientists from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research have developed a way of predicting the intensity of activity in the next solar cycle (from 2020 to 2031).

What is Sunspot Cycle?

The amount of magnetic flux that rises up to the Sun’s surface varies with time in a cycle called the solar cycle. This cycle lasts 11 years on average. This cycle is referred to as the sunspot cycle.
They are darker, magnetically strong, cooler areas on the surface of the sun in a region called the photosphere.

What is the Significance of this ?

It will help in understanding of the long-term variations of the Sun and its impact on earth climate which is one of the objectives of India’s first solar probe – ‘Aditya L1 Mission’.
The forecast will be also useful for scientific operational planning of the Aditya mission

How does Sunspot Cycle affect the Earth?

An important reason to understand sunspots is that they affect space weather.
During extreme events, space weather can affect electronics-driven satellite controls, communications systems, air traffic over polar routes and even power grids.
Some believe that they are correlated with climate on earth. For instance, during past periods of low sunspot activity, some parts of Europe and North America experienced lower-than-average temperatures.

BullSequana XH200 – National Supercomputing Mission | UPSC IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020January 15, 2019

National Supercomputing Mission The Hindu PIB Gk today UPPSC SSC

France-based company Atos signed agreement with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) for designing, building and installing Bull Sequana – the supercomputer in India.

About BullSequana

Atos will supply Bull Sequana XH200 supercomputer to India to create a network of over 70 high-performance supercomputing facilities with a cumulative computing power of more than 10 petaflops, for various academic and research institutions across India.
BullSequana will be set up in India under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

Challenges to Supercomputing in India:

Limited funding: Limited investments and delayed release of funds have held India back. Even after launching NSM, only 10 percent of its total budget has been released at the end of three years.
Hardware development: India’s stronghold is in software development, it has to depend on imports to procure the hardware components required for building supercomputers. Cutting edge technology in hardware components is difficult to procure as supercomputing is a niche field. Even a large part of Bull Sequana will only be assembled in India.
Brain Drain: Large Multinational Corporations (like Google) have also entered the supercomputing field. Competing with such MNCs to retain talent for developing and maintaining supercomputers proves difficult for Government.
Actual chip design and manufacturing is difficult to achieve (due to many factors like high initial investment needed, limited availability of rare earth metals).
However, India has software skills and personnel base which can be effectively leveraged to propel innovation on the software components of supercomputer technology. Also, Exascale system, which is now used in supercomputers, may reach its speed barrier soon. Thus, India could focus its research on new approaches like Quantum Computing and Optical Computing.

Some facts about supercomputing in the World

China is global leader in supercomputing with more than 225 out of top 500 supercomputers in world.
Currently India’s fastest and 39th fastest supercomputer in the world, Pratyush is installed in Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. It is used for simulating and predicting ocean and atmospheric systems.
India has become the only country worldwide to have an Ensemble Prediction System (EPS), running weather models at a 12-km resolution due to Pratyush.

What is C-DAC ?

C-DAC was setup in 1988 under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, for indigenous development of Supercomputers.
C-DAC developed India’s first supercomputer – Param 8000.
It was established after denial of import of Cray Supercomputer (dual use technology which could be used for nuclear weapon simulation), due to arms embargo.

About National Supercomputing Mission – National Supercomputing Mission was launched in 2015 with following objectives:

To make India one of the world leaders in Supercomputing capability.
To empower our scientists and researchers with state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities.
To minimize redundancies and duplication of efforts, and optimize investments in supercomputing
To attain global competitiveness and ensure self-reliance in supercomputing technology
It is spearheaded by Department of S&T and Department of Electronics and IT.

Under NSM, 70 supercomputers will be installed in India. These machines will be part of the National Supercomputing grid over the National Knowledge Network, aimed at establishing a strong network for secured & reliable connectivity between institutions.

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems | UPSC – IAS

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020January 15, 2019

National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems UPSC - IAS The Hindu science and technology ias s&t

About National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (CSP)

It is a comprehensive mission which would address technology development, application development, human resource development, skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in Cyber-Physical Systems and associated technologies.

Implementation | UPSC – IAS | PIB

It aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs, six numbers of Application Innovation Hubs and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP).
These Hubs & TTRPs will connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic, R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.
They mainly focus on four areas:
- Technology Development,
- HRD & Skill Development,
- Innovation,
- Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem Development and International Collaborations.

Significance of Mission | UPSC – IAS | PIB

It will support other missions of the government, provide industrial and economic competitiveness.
It would act as an engine of growth that would benefit national initiatives in health, education, energy, environment, agriculture, strategic cum security, and industrial sectors, Industry 4.0, SMART Cities, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) etc.
It will bring a paradigm shift in entire skill sets requirement and job opportunities.
It is aimed to give impetus to advanced research in Cyber-Physical Systems , technology development and higher education in science, technology and engineering disciplines, and place India at par with other advanced countries and derive several direct and indirect benefits.

Recently cabinet approved the launching of National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) which is to be implemented by Department of Science &Technology for a period of five years.

What is Cyber-physical system (CPS) ? | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Cyber-Physical Systems is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the deployment of computer-based systems that do things in the physical world. It integrates sensing, computation, control and networking into physical objects and infrastructure, connecting them to the Internet and to each other.
Examples of cyber physical systems are Smart Grid Networks, Smart Transportation System, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Utility Service Infrastructure for Smart Cities, etc.

Cyber-physical system and its associated technologies, like:-

Artificial Intelligence (Al),
Internet of Things (loT),
Machine Learning (ML),
Deep Learning (DP),
Big Data Analytics,
Robotics,
Quantum Computing,
Quantum Communication,
Quantum encryption (Quantum Key Distribution),
Data Science & Predictive analytics,
Cyber Security for physical infrastructure and

**Other infrastructure plays a transformative role in almost every field of human endeavor in all sectors.

Advantages of Cyber-physical system technologies | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Enhanced security capabilities: It can play role in expediting design and delivery of trustworthy, adaptable and affordable systems, operations in cyberspace and autonomous systems to augment security operations.
Disaster Management: Cyber-Physical Systems technologies including next generation public safety communications, sensor networks, and response robotics can dramatically increase the situational awareness of emergency responders and enable optimized response through all phases of disaster events.
Energy: They are essential for the creation of energy infrastructure, optimization and management of resources and facilities and allowing consumers to control and manage their energy consumption patterns like smart meters.
Healthcare: Cyber-Physical Systems correct-by-construction design methodologies are needed to design cost-effective, easy-to-certify, and safe products.
Transportation: They can (potentially) eliminate accidents caused by human error, Congestion control, traffic-based grid jams.
Agriculture: They will play a key role in helping to increase efficiency throughout the value chain, improving environmental footprint and creating opportunities for a skilled and semi-skilled workforce.

Challenges in Cyber-physical system (CPS) | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Privacy issues: Cyber-Physical Systems technologies that enhance privacy and enable the appropriate use of sensitive and personal information while protecting personal privacy are needed.
Computational Abstractions: Physical properties such as laws of physics and chemistry, safety, resources, real time power constrained etc. must be captured by programming abstractions.
Collaborations, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Addressing the R&D gaps will require close collaborations between industry, R&D systems/Academics/ University and Government.
Data related challenges: It allows flexible control and resource use; provides conduits for information leakage; prone to mis-configurations and deliberate attacks by outsiders and insiders.
Infrastructural bottlenecks: This system requires a Sensor and mobile networks hence essential requirement to increase system autonomy in practice requires self-organization of mobile and Adhoc Cyber-Physical Systems networks.
Human Interaction: Human interaction with Cyber-Physical Systems often encounter a critical challenge when interpreting the human-machine behavior and designing appropriate models that consider the current situational measurements and environmental changes which are crucial in the decision-making processes, particularly in systems such as air traffic systems and military systems.
Technical barrier: One of the biggest problems that such integrations face is the lack of consistent language and terminology that need to exist to describe cyber-physical interactions.
Consistency: There are challenges in maintaining the same required level of accuracy, reliability, and performance of all system parts.

Cyber physical system (CPS) vs Internet of things (IoT)

Cyber Physical system (CPS)

They are physical and engineered systems whose operations are monitored, coordinated, controlled and integrated by a computing and communication core.
CPS engineering has a strong emphasis on the relationship between computation and the physical world.
They are not necessarily connected with internet.
Ex: It may be individual system which integrates the physical and cyber technology like
smart electricity meters.

Internet of things (IoT)

It is the network of devices such as vehicles, and home appliances that contain electronics, software, actuators, and connectivity which allows these things to connect, interact and exchange data.
IoT has a strong emphasis on uniquely identifiable and internet-connected
devices and embedded systems.
They are connected to internet.
The Internet of Things (IoT) forms a foundation for this cyber- physical systems revolution.
Ex: Smart Home in which all appliances are connected to each other through internet like TV is connected to mobile, lights are connected to mobile etc.

Indian Human Microbiome Initiative | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020January 6, 2019

Indian Human Microbiome Initiative | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Indian Human Microbiome Initiative Project, led by The National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR) – National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) has been put up for approval.

What is Microbiome? | UPSC – IAS | PIB

The collective genome of all micro-organisms contained within the human body, residing inside tissues & bio-fluids is called Human Microbiome. It includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and viruses.
Most of them have either commensal (co-exist without harming humans) or mutualistic (each benefit from the other).
Different parts of human body including the skin, mammary glands, placenta, uterus, ovarian follicles, lungs, saliva, oral mucosa, conjunctiva, biliary and gastrointestinal tracts, are occupied by characteristic microbial populations.
The composition of microbiome is shaped by factors such as genetics, dietary habits, age, geographic location and ethnicity. Human microbiome makes up around 2% of the body mass of the adult.

Importance of the Human Microbiome | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Microbial communities play a key role in many aspects of host physiology:

Metabolism of otherwise complex indigestible carbohydrates and fats
Production of essential vitamins
Maintaining immune systems
Acting as a first line of defense against pathogens
Influence the susceptibility to certain infectious diseases, as well as contribute to disorders such as obesity and diabetes
Determines how one responds to a particular drug treatment

The diversity of microbes that make up human microbiome could lead to novel therapies e.g. an infection caused by a ‘bad’ bacterial species can be treated by promoting the growth of ‘good’ bacteria.

About Human Microbiome Project (HMP) | UPSC – IAS | PIB

Human Microbiome Project is a research initiative of US’s National Institute of Health with the mission to generate the resources and expertise needed to characterize the human microbiome and analyze its role in health and disease.
Launched in 2007, it is focused on identifying and characterizing human microbial fauna and elucidating their roles in health and diseases.
Some methodologies used in HMP are:
- o Metagenomics as a culture-independent method of broad microbial community characterization
- o Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to provide a “deep” genetic perspective on aspects of a given microbial community, i.e. individual bacterial species

Human Microbiome Research in India | UPSC – IAS | PIB

India doesn’t have a dedicated national human microbiome project. But, the proposed Indian Human Microbiome Initiative holds a lot of potential.
The project will include collection of saliva, stool and skin swabs of 20,000 Indians across various ethnic groups from
different geographical regions. India provides for a wide range of research with more than 4,500 ethnic groups and presence of two global biodiversity hotspots (Himalayan range and Western Ghats).
Scientists have found that Indian population, particularly tribals, have distinct gut microbiota than individuals from other parts of the world. Such tribal populations largely unaffected by “modern” diet and have lower prevalence of lifestyle diseases and their study would shed some light on mutualism between gut microbiota and the host.

Key terms Explanation

What is Metagenomics ? | UPSC – IAS | PIB

It is a sequence-based approach that allows the genetic material from the complete collection of microbes to be analyzed in their natural environment without needing to cultivate the microorganisms.
Currently, only a small percentage of the bacteria that comprise the human microbiome have been identified and studied. Majority (>95%) of them are difficult to isolate and culture, because the required growth conditions cannot be reproduced in the laboratory.
However, recent technological advances in DNA sequencing and the development of meta-genomics have now made it feasible to analyze the entire human microbiome.

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite | UPSC – IAS | Pib and ISRO

Shikher GoyalSeptember 11, 2020January 6, 2019

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite UPSC IAS Pib and ISRO

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite | UPSC – IAS | ISRO

ISRO’s PSLV C43 launched India’s first Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS) along with 30 foreign satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite (Hysis) is an earth observation satellite built around ISRO’s Mini Satellite-2 (IMS-2) bus.

About the Hyperspectral Imaging Technology | UPSC – IAS

It combines the power of digital imaging and spectroscopy to attain both spatial and spectral information from an object.
This result can be then used to identify, measure and locate different materials and their chemical and physical properties. Every pixel in the image contains a continuous spectrum (in radiance or reflectance) and can be used to characterize the objects in the scene with great precision and detail.
Hyperspectral images provide much more detailed information about the scene by dividing the spectrum into many more bands than a normal color camera, which only acquires three different spectral channels corresponding to the visual primary colors red, green and blue.
It was first tried by ISRO in an experimental satellite in May 2008 and later on Chandrayaan-1 mission for mapping lunar mineral resources, this is the first time a full-fledged hyperspectral imaging satellite (Hysis) has been launched.

Application of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Isro | UPSC – IAS

Hyperspectral remote sensing is used for a range of applications like agriculture, forestry, soil survey, geology, coastal zones, inland water studies, environmental studies, detection of pollution from industries and the military for surveillance or anti-terror operations.
Other utilities include online industrial monitoring/sorting/classification to laboratory measurements, clinical instruments for medical diagnostic and airborne and satellite based remote sensing tools.

Challenges: This technology is accompanied with high cost and complexity. There is a need for fast processing of data (fast computers), sensitive detectors and large data storage capacities for hyperspectral imaging data.

Key – Terms | related to Hyperspectral imaging satellite (Hysis) (UPSC – IAS)

Polar Sun-Synchronous orbit

It is a nearly polar orbit around a planet, in which the satellite passes over any given point of the planet’s surface at the same local mean solar time.

Geosynchronous orbit

It is an orbit around Earth of a satellite with an orbital period that matches Earth’s rotation on its axis, which takes one sidereal day.

Geostationary orbit

It is a circular geosynchronous orbit 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above Earth’s equator and following the direction of Earth’s rotation.

What is Spectral Imaging ? (Isro)

It is imaging that uses multiple bands across the electromagnetic spectrum like using infrared, the visible spectrum, the ultraviolet, x-rays, or some combination of the above.
hyperspectral imaging vs multi spectral imaging
The main difference between multispectral and hyperspectral is the number of bands and how narrow the bands are.
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) uses continuous and contiguous ranges of wavelengths (e.g. 400 – 1100 nm in steps of 0.1 nm) whilst multispectral imaging (MSI) uses a subset of targeted wavelengths at chosen locations (e.g. 400 – 1100 nm in steps of 20 nm).
Hyperspectral imagery consists of much narrower bands (10-20 nm). A hyperspectral image could have hundreds or thousands of bands. In general, it comes from an imaging spectrometer.

Keywords – Isro, The Hindu, Pib, UPSC – IAS, hysis isro