Civil Services Simplified: Decoding the Enigma of UPSC by Dr. CP. Kaushik

Target Prelims 2025: Day 5 1. Deep Fakes and Deep Nudes: • Cybercrime officials in India are tracking apps and websites that produce nude photographs of innocent persons using Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. • Deepfake is a portmanteau of “deep learning” and “fake”. It is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software that superimposes a digital composite on to an existing video (or audio). Deepfakes are created by machine learning models, which use neural networks to manipulate images and videos. • Deep nudes are computer-generated nude images and videos of innocent persons using Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. Essentially, using AI algorithms a person’s words, head movements and expressions are transferred onto another person in a seamless fashion that makes it difficult to tell that it is a deep fake, unless one closely observes the media file. • Another problem is to deceive people. Catfishing refers to practice of setting up fictitious online profiles, most often for purpose of luring another into a fraudulent romantic relationship. 2. MAAREECH: • The Indian Navy's advanced anti-torpedo decoy system called ‘Maareech’ that is capable of being fired from all frontline ships. • ‘Maareech’ has been designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and it is capable of detecting, locating and neutralizing incoming torpedo. • Bharat Electronics Limited, a Defence PSU, would undertake the production of this decoy system. 3. Types of Influenza Viruses: There are 4 types • Influenza Type A– It infects humans and animals and causes seasonal epidemics of disease. The emergence of a new and very different influenza A virus to infect people can cause an influenza pandemic. • Influenza Type B - It is found only in humans. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but occasionally, type B flu can still be extremely harmful. Influenza type B viruses are not classified by subtype and do not cause pandemics. • Influenza Type C – They are also found in humans. These infections generally cause a mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics. • Influenza Type D – These viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people. 4. SpiNNaker: World’s Largest Brain – Like Supercomputer: • Spiking Neural Network Architecture (SpiNNaker) machine, the world’s largest supercomputer designed to work in the same way as the human brain, has been switched on for the first time. • Designed and built in the United Kingdom, it can model more biological neurons in real time than any other machine. • SpiNNaker is unique because it mimics the massively parallel communication architecture of the brain, sending billions of small amounts of information simultaneously to thousands of different destinations. • Biological neurons are basic brain cells present in nervous system that communicate by emitting ‘spikes’ of pure electro-chemical energy. • It has also simulated a region of the brain called the Basal Ganglia – an area affected in Parkinson’s disease, thus, it has massive potential for neurological breakthroughs in science such as pharmaceutical testing.

Target Prelims 2025: Day 4 1. Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): • India joined GPAI or Gee-Pay as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. • GPAI is an international and multi-stakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI, grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. • India joined the league of leading economies including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore to launch the GPAI. • GPAI will be supported by a Secretariat, to be hosted by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, as well as by two Centers of Expertise- one each in Montreal and Paris. 2. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): • Government has announced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, part of reforms to increase private participation in the space sector. • IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. This centre will also hand-hold, promote and guide the private industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment. • IN-SPACe is supposed to be a facilitator, and also a regulator. It will act as an interface between ISRO and private parties, and assess how best to utilise India’s space resources and increase space-based activities. 3. Hepatitis: • Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver tissue. Hepatitis is most commonly caused by viruses hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Other causes include heavy alcohol use, certain medications, toxins, other infections etc. • Hepatitis A and E are mainly spread by contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B is mainly sexually transmitted, but may also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth and spread through infected blood. Hepatitis D can only infect people already infected with hepatitis B. • Hepatitis C is commonly spread through infected blood such as may occur during needle sharing by intravenous drug users. A vaccine for the disease has still not been developed but it can be treated with the help of antiviral drugs. Hepatitis A, B, and D are preventable with immunization. 4. Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART): • India successfully flight-tested its indigenously developed Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha. • SMART is a missile assisted release of lightweight Anti-Submarine Torpedo System for Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations far beyond Torpedo range. It takes off like a regular supersonic missile when launched from a warship or a truck-based coastal battery. When it approaches close to a submerged submarine, the missile would eject the torpedo system into the water and the torpedo will start moving towards its target to hit the submarine. • It has a maximum range of 650 km, a first for such a class of weapon in the world giving the Indian Navy a significant leap in engagement capabilities. • It also provides the exact location of the hostile submarine to correct its flight path midway. One of the most potent threats to surface ships is an undetected submarine and now with the SMART, it is possible to remove the surface ship from the weapon danger zone of a submarine. 5. Indian Initiative On Earth Biogenome Sequencing (IIEBS): • The Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) has been selected as one of the Biological Knowledge and Resource Centres of the IIEBS. • IIEBS is a nationwide project to decode the genetic information of all known species of plants and animals in the country. It will enable collection and preservation of endangered and economically important species. The decoded genetic information will also be a useful tool to prevent biopiracy. • The National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi is the coordinating centre for the nationwide project.

For UPSC 2026/27.

5. New CO2 to CO Conversion Technique: A new energy-efficient carbon dioxide capture technology that converts carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide has been developed. It is done under electro catalytic conditions under ambient temperatures in the presence of water. It has been developed with potential for application in the steel sector. • DST-supported National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay is actively working towards developing novel, scalable and affordable pathways on capturing CO2 from various emission sources, and converting it into usable chemicals or permanent storage, representing a crucial pathway for greenhouse gas mitigation. ** CO2 to CO Conversion Technology: • It operates through an electrocatalytic process. • Traditional processes require high temperatures (400-750 °C), and the presence of the equivalent amount of hydrogen, But recent process can operate at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water, eliminating the need for high-temperature conditions. • The energy for this electrocatalysis reaction can be sourced directly from renewable energy, such as solar panels or windmills, ensuring a carbon-neutral operation.

Target Prelims 2025: Day 3 1. DANGER (Deleterious and ANticipatable Guides Evaluated by RNA-sequencing): ** Researchers developed a software tool called DANGER (Deleterious and ANticipatable Guides Evaluated by RNA sequencing) An analysis that provides a way for the safer design of genome editing in all organisms. About DANGER: • It is a new software tool that makes genome editing safer by overcoming limitations in current CRISPR technology. Unlike traditional methods that rely on a reference genome, it works by conducting risk-averse on- and off-target assessments using RNA-sequencing data. • DANGER refers to a strategy or approach that uses RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) technology to evaluate the effectiveness and potential off-target effects of guide RNAs (gRNAs) used in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. ➢ Guide RNAs are short RNA sequences that guide the Cas9 nuclease to a specific target DNA sequence 2. Genome Editing: • It is also called gene editing is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism's DNA. It allows genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular • It could potentially decrease, or even eliminate, the incidence of many serious genetic diseases, reducing human suffering worldwide. Most Prominent And Commonly Used Genome Editing Techniques: • CRISPR-Cas9: This is a revolutionary genome editing tool that uses a guide RNA (gRNA) to target specific DNA sequences for modification. CRISPR-Cas9 is highly versatile and widely adopted in research and biotechnology. • TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases): TALENs are another genome editing technology that uses engineered proteins to target and modify specific DNA sequences. • ZFNs (Zinc Finger Nucleases): These are designed proteins that can be used to target and edit specific DNA sequences. • HDR (Homology-Directed Repair): HDR is a genome editing technique used to introduce precise changes into the genome by providing a DNA template that the cell uses for repair. • Prime Editing: Prime editing is a newer genome editing method that allows for precise and versatile DNA editing without creating double-strand breaks. 3. Carbon Nanoflorets: They are a unique nanostructure composed of carbon atoms that show structural (morphology) similarity to plant flowers. They stand out as promising materials for application in electrochemistry, gas adsorption and absorption, batteries and supercapacitors. * Nanoflorets can absorb light at multiple frequencies, including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV), making them highly efficient at converting sunlight into thermal energy. ➢ Contrast to traditional solar-thermal materials that typically absorb only visible and UV light. **The unique surface area and morphology of these structures can impart specific properties that make them valuable for various technological advancements. 4. White Hydrogen: ** White hydrogen is a naturally occurring, geological hydrogen found in underground deposits (Earth's crust) and created through fracking. • It's also known as "natural," "gold," or "geologic" hydrogen. • White hydrogen is created through fracking and found in underground deposits. There are no strategies to exploit this hydrogen at present.

Target Prelims 2025: Day 2 1. R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine: World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended 2nd new vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, for the prevention of malaria in children. ➢ 1st vaccine was RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021. R21/Matrix-M vaccine has already been approved for use in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Nigeria. * Malaria is a mosquito-borne blood disease caused by plasmodium protozoa. • The parasites spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. • In the human body, parasites initially multiply in liver cells and then attack the Red Blood Cells (RBCs). ** E-2025 Initiative – 25 countries has been identified to eradicate malaria by 2025 under this Initiative. ** High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) - Initiated in 11 high malaria burden countries, including India, to reignite the pace of progress in the global malaria fight. 2. Attosecond Pulses: These are incredibly short bursts of light, lasting for just a billionth of a billionth of a second. • These have allowed scientists to capture the fastest events ever recorded, with a time resolution on the order of attoseconds. ➢ It is a unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), which is equal to 1×10-18 of a second (one quintillionth of a second). • These pulses are generated by a process called high harmonic generation, where intense laser pulses interact with a gas target to produce a broad spectrum of harmonics, including attosecond pulses. These can have potential applications in , Ultrafast Electron Dynamics, Probing Materials, Controlling Electron Behavior etc. * 2023 Nobel Prize foe physics as given for attosecond pulses. 3. Winter Diesel: • India’s armed forces may soon be using winter diesel for operations in high altitude areas such as Ladakh. • Winter diesel is a specialised fuel that was introduced by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) last year specifically for high altitude regions and low-temperature regions such as Ladakh, where ordinary diesel can become unusable. • It contains additives to maintain lower viscosity can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C and that besides a low pour point, it had higher cetane rating — an indicator is the combustion speed of diesel and compression needed for ignition— and lower sulphur content, which would lead to lower deposits in engines and better performance. 4. Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): • India joined GPAI or Gee-Pay as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. • GPAI is an international and multi-stakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI, grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. • India joined the league of leading economies including USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore to launch the GPAI. • GPAI will be supported by a Secretariat, to be hosted by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, as well as by two Centers of Expertise- one each in Montreal and Paris. 5. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): • Government has announced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, part of reforms to increase private participation in the space sector. • IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure. This centre will also hand-hold, promote and guide the private industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment. • IN-SPACe is supposed to be a facilitator, and also a regulator. It will act as an interface between ISRO and private parties, and assess how best to utilise India’s space resources and increase space-based activities.

Target Prelims 2025: Day 1 1. DIRECT METHANOL FUEL CELLS (DMFCS): ** DMFC is an electrochemical energy conversion device that directly converts liquid methanol's chemical energy into electrical energy. • An alloy of Cobalt and Platinum doped with Manganese has been found to be an effective catalyst in DMFCs. o DMFCs have a high energy density, high efficiency and low operating temperature and are safer to operate as they deal with liquid fuel (methanol). o It generates cleaner energy and can utilize all by-products (except the CO2) of the reaction. o Application: An alternate power source for small vehicles, such as battery chargers for mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and other small electronic gadgets etc. 2. MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES (MABS): • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are artificial antibodies which mimic the activity of our immune systems. o They are produced through a process that involves extracting specific antibodies from human blood and then they cloned. They are clones of just one antibody, and they bind to one antigen only. They are made by homogeneous hybrid cells (B cells) derived from the same parent cell. Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs), on the other hand, are a mixture of antibodies that are secreted by different B cell lineages. * They have been used in the treatment of cancers, Ebola, HIV etc. Hybridoma technology is used most common method to produce mAbs. 3. PHAGE THERAPY: • Recently, study found that the public accepts use of bacteria-killing viruses (Phage Therapy) as an alternative to antibiotics. • Phage Therapy involves using Bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections. o Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate only in bacterial cells. • Significance: Unlikely to damage human cells due to significant differences in bacterial cells and human cells. ** Inherently non-toxic in nature. 4. Xenotransplantation: • Procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion of non-human tissues or organs into human recipients. • It includes: Live cells, tissues, or organs from a non-human animal source Body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live nonhuman animal cells, tissues or organs. Generally pigs are preferred for xenotransplantation due to large litters and grow quickly. Also, they are comparatively easy to genetically modify, and are less likely to transmit infections. 5. FOOD FORTIFICATION: Deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients in food or condiments (supplemental food). Regulated under Food Safety Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulation, 2018. • About Rice Fortification: It refers to adding FRK-containing FSSAI-prescribed micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12) to normal Rice (Custom Milled Rice) in the ratio of 1:100. Coating, extrusion and dusting are key technologies. In India, extrusion technology is employed, where milled rice is pulverized and mixed with a premix. Biofortification is process of breeding nutrients into food crops. • It can be achieved through agronomic practices (involves direct fertilisation of soil), conventional breeding or biotechnology-based approaches like genetic engineering and genome editing.

Hello everyone. Gud noon. After a long time. By this evening and tomorrow, we are starting with our updates on Prelims 2025.. 1. We will cover maximum possible updates from January 24 till April first half 25. 2. These will be 5/6 updates for a post. 3. In total, there will be around 500 updates till Prelims. 4. We will try to cover some static concepts also. 5. Very soon, there will be video on Drishti YouTube channel for PYQs discussion for the Sci Tech section, for which I will share the link over here. Regards.

*Classes Cancelled for Next Three Days* Dear Student, You must be knowing about the recent tragic incident in a coaching institute. Although we follow strict SOPs (including monthly audits of fire & safety for each building) to ensure the safety of students, yet we have decided to get all safety provisions reviewed once more. For the same reason, all the classes at Karol Bagh Centre will remain suspended for the next three days, i.e., 29th, 30th and 31st July _(Monday - Wednesday)_. Further information about class schedule will be shared with you by the evening of July 31 _(Wednesday)_. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. We hope you will understand our concern. *Regards,* *Team Drishti*

Again Terrible News coming from ORN Basement Library!! No details about no of casualties.. Don't go to basements at all!! Stay Safe!!

I am sorry for sharing this.. Please don't touch any gates or poles in Monsoons and waterlogging.. Stay safe.

Important A UPSC aspirant due to write the Mains this year died due to electrocution today near Patel Nagar. There was no Police or Electricity Dept support for over 30 mins. Please be very careful while travelling especially during monsoon time.. Avoid waterlogged conditions.. Even if the admin fails us, we can’t fail our loved ones.

Hello everyone.. Today is the first session/Orientation for Anthropology Answer Writing Program at Drishti IAS for 24/25 Mains (3PM). It's open to all.. Anyone can come and learn.. We will understand the answer writing approach, linking Paper 1 and 2 and incorporation of example, schemes, case works etc. Non Anthro students Pls ignore.