Invasive alien species (IAS), also known simply as invasive species, are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause harm to the native ecosystem, economy, or human health. These species often thrive in their new environment due to the absence of natural predators or competitors, leading to rapid population growth and ecological disruption.

The key points about invasive alien species

Invasive species can be introduced intentionally or accidentally by humans. Intentional introductions often occur for agricultural, horticultural, or ornamental purposes, while accidental introductions can happen through global trade, transport, or tourism.

• Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to declines in native populations. They may also alter ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and fire regimes, leading to long-term ecological changes.
• Invasive species can have significant economic impacts by damaging crops, forests, fisheries, and infrastructure. Control and management efforts to mitigate these impacts can be costly and time-consuming.
• Some invasive species can pose direct threats to human health by transmitting diseases or causing allergic reactions. For example, certain invasive plants may produce pollen that triggers allergies in sensitive individuals.
• The rise of global trade and travel has facilitated the spread of invasive species, leading to an increase in their prevalence and distribution worldwide. Climate change may also exacerbate the problem by creating new habitats suitable for invasive species.
• Efforts to manage and control invasive species include prevention, early detection and rapid response, eradication, and long-term control measures. These efforts often require collaboration between government agencies, researchers, conservation organisations, and the public.

Invasive alien species (IAS) can impact native species in various ways, often leading to significant ecological disruption.

The primary ways in which IAS affect native species

•  Invasive species can compete with native species for essential resources such as food, water, space, and sunlight. They may have competitive advantages, such as rapid reproduction rates or lack of natural predators, which allow them to outcompete native species for resources.
•  Invasive species may prey on or consume native species, leading to declines in native populations. For example, invasive predators can decimate native prey populations, while invasive herbivores can overgraze native vegetation, altering habitat structure and reducing food availability for native species.
• Invasive species can modify habitats through activities such as burrowing, nesting, or altering vegetation composition. These habitat alterations can disrupt native species' ability to find suitable nesting sites, forage for food, or carry out other essential behaviours.
• Some invasive species can introduce new diseases or parasites to native populations, which may lack immunity to these pathogens. This can lead to disease outbreaks and population declines in native species. For example, the chytrid fungus, introduced by the global amphibian trade, has caused widespread declines and extinctions among native amphibian species.
• Hybridization between invasive and native species can occur when they come into contact. This can lead to genetic introgression, where genes from the invasive species are incorporated into native populations, potentially altering their genetic diversity and fitness.
• Invasive species can disrupt ecological relationships and food webs by altering species interactions. For example, if an invasive species outcompetes a native species for a shared prey species, it can indirectly impact other species that rely on that prey for food.

4. About the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable use of biological resources, and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from genetic resources. It was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992, and entered into force on December 29, 1993. The CBD has three main objectives:

1. The CBD aims to conserve biological diversity, including ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, through the establishment and management of protected areas, the conservation of threatened species, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
2. The CBD promotes the sustainable use of biological resources to meet current and future human needs while ensuring the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems. This includes activities such as sustainable forestry, fisheries management, and sustainable agriculture practices.
3. The CBD seeks to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilization of genetic resources, including the sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits with countries and communities that are the custodians of those resources.

The CBD operates through meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP), which are held regularly to review progress, negotiate agreements, and make decisions on matters related to the implementation of the convention. The COP has adopted several protocols and agreements to further the objectives of the CBD, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.

5. What are invasive species?

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced, either intentionally or unintentionally, into a new environment where they are not native. These introduced species can cause harm to the environment, economy, or even human health.

Here's a breakdown of what makes a species invasive:

• Non-native: They come from a different region and weren't originally part of the local ecosystem.
• Harmful: They cause ecological or economic damage in their new environment. This can include things like outcompeting native species for resources, preying on them, or introducing diseases.

Not all introduced species become invasive. Some introduced species can even be beneficial, like honeybees which are crucial for pollinating crops. However, invasive species become problematic because they lack the natural controls (predators, diseases) they faced in their original habitat. This allows them to reproduce rapidly and disrupt the balance of the new ecosystem.

8. What is IPBES?

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established to assess the state of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the contributions they provide to human well-being. IPBES was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

Key functions and objectives of IPBES include

• IPBES conducts regular assessments of the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services at the global, regional, and national levels. These assessments involve synthesizing scientific knowledge from experts around the world and providing policymakers with information to support decision-making.
• IPBES provides policymakers with evidence-based assessments, tools, and policy recommendations to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems. This includes identifying policy options and best practices for addressing the drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
• IPBES supports capacity-building efforts to enhance the ability of countries and stakeholders to assess, manage, and conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services effectively. This includes providing training, technical support, and guidance on assessment methodologies and tools.
• IPBES facilitates knowledge exchange and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, practitioners, indigenous and local communities, and other stakeholders involved in biodiversity and ecosystem management. This includes organizing workshops, conferences, and other events to share information and best practices.
• IPBES promotes policy-relevant research on biodiversity and ecosystem services to address knowledge gaps and support informed decision-making. This includes identifying research priorities and coordinating research efforts across disciplines and sectors.

IPBES operates through a multistakeholder governance structure involving governments, scientists, indigenous and local communities, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders. It conducts its work through a series of plenary sessions, expert groups, and technical support units focused on specific thematic areas and regions.

9. The Way Forward

By taking a proactive and collaborative approach to managing invasive species like chital on Ross Island, it's possible to mitigate their negative impacts on native biodiversity and ecosystems while promoting sustainable conservation practices.

Source: The Indian Express

WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE 

• Wastewater surveillance is a scientific approach used to monitor the health of a population by analyzing the sewage or wastewater that flows through treatment plants, drains, or sewer systems.
• At its core, it is based on the simple idea that whatever people consume or excrete eventually finds its way into wastewater—whether that is viruses, bacteria, chemicals, or traces of substances like pharmaceuticals and even illicit drugs.
• By collecting and examining these samples, scientists can gain insights into what is happening in a community without having to test every individual directly.
• The process begins when samples of wastewater are taken from sewage treatment plants or specific points in the sewer network. These samples are then analyzed in laboratories using advanced techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting genetic material of pathogens like viruses.
• For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance was widely used to track the presence and spread of the coronavirus in communities, often providing early warning signs before clinical testing data caught up.
• Beyond viruses, wastewater can reveal the circulation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, levels of heavy metals and toxins, or the consumption trends of substances like nicotine or opioids.
• One of the main advantages of this method is that it is cost-effective and non-intrusive. Instead of relying only on clinical testing, which depends on people coming forward and being tested, wastewater surveillance captures data from the entire community at once.
• This means it can detect the presence of infections even among people who are asymptomatic or unwilling to be tested.
• In this way, it becomes a powerful tool for public health officials, enabling them to predict outbreaks, plan healthcare responses, and evaluate whether interventions like vaccination campaigns are working.
• Importantly, wastewater surveillance does not track individuals but rather provides aggregated, population-level information. This makes it both a scientifically valuable and ethically acceptable method of monitoring public health.
• Many countries are now expanding its use, not only for infectious diseases but also for broader environmental monitoring—such as tracking pollution, understanding the spread of microplastics, or even studying the impact of climate change on water systems.

 

 

3. Significance of Wastewater Surveillance

 

 

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has observed that, similar to other nations worldwide, India is witnessing a sharp rise in both new and recurring infectious agents, including viral, bacterial, and zoonotic diseases.
• This growing pathogen burden is largely driven by factors such as rapid population expansion, urbanisation, ecological shifts, and closer interactions between humans and animals.
• In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) has gained recognition as a valuable method for the early identification of potential outbreaks.
• Experts highlight that WBE functions as a predictive tool, capable of offering near-real-time insights at the community level. It not only aids in monitoring pathogens but also provides a means to anticipate and reduce the risks of future pandemics, often before clinical cases begin to appear.
• This technique is considered efficient, non-invasive, and cost-effective, allowing wide-scale monitoring of how infectious diseases emerge, spread, and eventually decline.
• By detecting viruses and bacteria present in human excreta, WBE generates crucial information on infection trends, including data from individuals who are asymptomatic or in early stages of infection, thereby supporting timely public health action

 

4. India's Plan to treat Wastewater

 

• Over the coming six months, India plans to expand wastewater surveillance across the country, allowing authorities to detect any surge in viral presence within communities. At present, monitoring is focused on the COVID-19 and polio viruses
• The system will soon be extended to track a wider range of illnesses linked to pathogens that cause symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, respiratory problems, and acute encephalitis syndrome (a condition involving brain inflammation).
• The ICMR is also working on building environmental surveillance mechanisms for viruses like Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) by examining wastewater and surface water in outbreak-prone regions, creating an early-warning framework.
• India already maintains an extensive surveillance network for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) through the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
• Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES) strengthens this by testing sewage and other water bodies contaminated by human waste.
• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that individuals infected with diseases such as COVID-19 shed fragments of viruses or bacteria through everyday activities like using toilets, washing hands, bathing, or doing laundry—even if they show no symptoms. These traces are carried into sewage systems through drains and pipes.
• Before the wastewater undergoes treatment, operators collect samples, which are then sent to laboratories for analysis. The results, usually available within five to seven days, reveal the pathogens currently spreading in the population.
• Public health authorities rely on this data to track disease trends, design preventive measures, and implement strategies such as increasing diagnostic testing or rolling out vaccination drives

5.What is National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) ?

 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an agency established by the Government of India to coordinate and manage disaster response and preparedness at the national level. The NDMA's primary objectives are to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management and ensure their effective implementation.

 

Key aspects of NDMA include:

• NDMA develops national policies and guidelines for disaster management to strengthen the country's ability to respond to and mitigate the effects of disasters
• It coordinates between various government departments, agencies, and stakeholders involved in disaster management, ensuring a cohesive approach to disaster response and recovery
• NDMA oversees the implementation of disaster management plans and provides technical assistance and guidance to state and district authorities
• It focuses on building the capacity of institutions and individuals through training, simulations, and public awareness programs
• NDMA supports research on disaster management practices and technologies to improve preparedness and response strategies
• During a disaster, NDMA plays a key role in mobilizing resources, providing strategic direction, and coordinating relief efforts

 

6. Way Forward

 

Wastewater surveillance has emerged as an important tool not only for gathering health-related information and controlling the spread of diseases but also for identifying land-based sources of pollution. It further contributes valuable insights for safeguarding freshwater and marine ecosystems while supporting the preservation of ecosystem services. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that while this growing use of wastewater monitoring is a positive sign for strengthening health systems and advancing sustainable environmental management, greater efforts are still required to scale it up, promote best practices, and improve water quality assessment. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) is actively engaged in building capacity for wastewater and environmental surveillance worldwide

 

For Prelims: Flash Floods, Covid - 19, World Health Organisation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)   For Mains: GS III - Waste Water Management

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Select the correct statement about the Sendai framework (MPSC 2019) 1. This framework is passed by United Nations organisations conference at Sendai (Japan) on 18th March 2015 2. This framework is regarding measures for Disaster Risk Reduction 3. This is an onward step of the Hyogo Framework about disaster management 4. The provisions in this framework are binding on member countries Select the correct code A. 1 and 2     B. 2 and 3         C. 1, 2, 3       D. All the above   Answer - C

Source: The Hindu

 

CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICES

 

 

 

1. Context

 

A charge-coupled device (CCD) is a remarkable electronic component used to capture images by converting light into electrical signals. Its invention marked a significant milestone in technology, influencing fields such as photography, astronomy, medicine, and many others.

 

 

2. What is a Charge-Coupled Device?

 

• A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) is a type of electronic sensor that plays a crucial role in capturing images. It is widely used in cameras, telescopes, scanners, and various scientific instruments.
• The CCD works on the principle of converting light into electrical signals. When light falls on its surface, it strikes tiny photosensitive cells called pixels, each of which generates an electrical charge proportional to the amount of light it receives.
• These charges are then transferred across the chip in a systematic way—almost like passing a bucket of water down a line—until they reach the edge of the device, where they are converted into a voltage signal. This signal is then processed into digital data to form an image.
• What makes CCDs particularly important is their high sensitivity and accuracy in capturing light, which allows them to produce very clear and detailed images, even in low-light conditions.
• Because of this, CCDs have been widely used in astronomy, medical imaging, and scientific research, where precision and clarity are vital.
• Although newer technologies like CMOS sensors have become more common in consumer electronics due to their lower power consumption and cost, CCDs remain highly valued in areas requiring top-quality image resolution and minimal noise

• When it was first developed in 1969, the Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) marked a breakthrough in technology by enabling the conversion of light into electrical signals through a sequence of capacitors that transferred electric charges step by step.
• Over time, this innovation revolutionised the way images are captured, processed, and shared, making it one of the most significant scientific achievements of the 20th century.
• A CCD is essentially an integrated circuit composed of a matrix of tiny picture elements, known as pixels. Each pixel functions as a miniature light detector, gathering incoming photons and transforming them into corresponding electrical charges. These charges are then systematically shifted across the chip—pixel by pixel—until they reach the output, where they are read, processed, and turned into a digital image.
• To visualise this, think of a grid in which each square records the amount of light it receives and converts it into a measurable electric signal. When all these signals are combined, they create a complete, accurate picture. This is the fundamental principle behind how a CCD works

3. Invention of CCD

 

• The first Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) was created in 1969 by Willard Boyle and George Smith at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New Jersey, USA (Smith passed away on May 28, 2025).
• Their original project focused on exploring semiconductor technology for innovative memory storage systems. During a brainstorming discussion, they recognised that electrical charges could be both stored and moved across a series of closely positioned capacitors.
• From this insight, Boyle and Smith designed a system in which capacitors were linked in such a way that charges could be shifted step by step along the device—a process they described as “charge coupling.” This controlled movement of charges later became the basis for using CCDs to capture images, as it allowed light to be converted into precise electrical signals.
• Their pioneering invention earned them the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics, underlining the transformative influence CCDs had on science and technology. Following their breakthrough, companies such as Fairchild Semiconductor and Sony advanced the technology further, adapting it for large-scale production and making CCDs widely available for cameras and other imaging applications

 

 

4. How does CCD work?

 

• A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) works on the principle of the photoelectric effect, in which incoming light generates pairs of electrons and holes within a semiconductor material.
• When photons strike the semiconductor beneath each pixel, they release electrons, forming a packet of charge that is directly proportional to the intensity of the light falling on that pixel. Each pixel acts like a tiny capacitor, storing these electrons, and the amount of charge accumulated reflects the brightness of the light received.
• To read this information, a sequence of voltages is applied to electrodes above the pixels, which transfers the stored charges step by step from one pixel to the next—similar to passing buckets of water along a chain.
• This method of moving charge gives the CCD its name. Eventually, the charges reach a readout register, where they are converted into voltage signals. These signals are then amplified, digitised, and processed into a complete image.
• Because of this systematic transfer and conversion process, CCDs are able to generate highly accurate and detailed digital representations of the scene being recorded

 

5. Applications of CCD

 

 

• Since their invention in 1969, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) have transformed multiple fields by enhancing the way light can be recorded as digital data. In everyday life, they replaced traditional photographic film with electronic sensors, paving the way for the rise of digital cameras.
• This shift allowed people to instantly preview, edit, and store images on digital media, reshaping both personal photography and modern communication.
• CCDs also became central to CCTV systems, delivering clear video feeds that support security in banks, shopping centres, hospitals, and other public spaces.
• In the field of medicine, CCDs play a crucial role in diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy.
• Their high sensitivity and resolution make it possible to generate sharper images, enabling doctors to detect problems more precisely and design better treatments.
• Similarly, in scientific research, CCDs are essential in instruments like microscopes, spectrometers, and particle detectors, where their precision allows researchers to examine cells, materials, and fundamental physical processes in fine detail.
• Perhaps one of their most important contributions is in astronomy, where CCDs have become the preferred technology for telescopic imaging. Unlike older photographic plates, CCDs can detect extremely faint light sources with much greater sensitivity.
• This advancement has revolutionised space observation, helping astronomers explore distant galaxies, identify exoplanets, and investigate a wide range of cosmic phenomena, thereby deepening humanity’s understanding of the universe

 

For Prelims: Pixels, Cubits, Electrons, Neurons, microscopes, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs)   For Mains:  GS III - Science and technology

 

Source: The Hindu

 

NATIONAL SPACE LAW

 

 

 

1. Context

 

India is set to celebrate its second National Space Day on August 23. Following Chandrayaan-3’s soft-landing near the lunar south pole to the upcoming Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan missions, as well as the Bharat Antariksh Station, the Indian space programme is set to make history many times over. Yet an essential component remains grounded — the legal architecture. In the race to explore, innovate, and commercialise outer space, a strong space law is necessary

 

2. Global Space Legislation

 

• The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 declares outer space as the common heritage of humanity, thereby prohibiting any claim of sovereignty over it.
• It also makes states accountable for all space activities carried out under their jurisdiction, whether by government agencies or private operators.
• Supplementary agreements to the treaty establish binding norms relating to rights, duties, and liability.
• However, these international agreements do not automatically apply within domestic legal systems. As highlighted by Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the UN space treaties lay down the essential guiding principles—from ensuring the peaceful use of outer space to defining the liability of states.
• To implement these norms effectively, countries need to pass national space laws, which ensure that their space industries grow responsibly, sustainably, and in harmony with global obligations.
• India is a party to the major UN space treaties but is still in the process of adopting a comprehensive national space law. Unlike policy, which expresses intent, legislation provides an enforceable legal framework.
• According to Rossana Deim-Hoffmann, who leads UNOOSA’s Global Space Law Project, domestic space laws bring clarity, predictability, and regulatory stability for both state and private players.
• Several nations—including the United States, Japan, and Luxembourg—have already introduced such laws, creating systems for licensing, liability management, and recognition of commercial space rights

 

3. India's Space Legislation

 

 

• India has adopted a gradual and carefully sequenced approach towards framing space legislation. Space law expert Ranjana Kaul explains that national space law must address two interconnected dimensions.
• The first involves technical rules governing the conduct of commercial space activities in orbit, which corresponds to the “authorisation” requirement under Article VI of the Outer Space Treaty (OST). The Department of Space has been advancing systematically in this area.
• This cautious strategy has already produced tangible outcomes, such as the Catalogue of Indian Standards for Space Industry, aimed at ensuring the safety of space missions; the Indian Space Policy, which specifies the types of activities open to private participation; and the IN-SPACe Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NPG) 2023, which operationalise the policy in terms of authorising space-related activities.
• Yet, the second key element remains incomplete. Dr. Kaul points out that this pertains to the comprehensive legislative framework—or “space activities law”—which would incorporate provisions of the OST in a precise and well-drafted manner

 

 

4. Outer Space Treaty of 1967

 

• The Outer Space Treaty of 1967—formally known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies—is considered the foundation of international space law.
• It was adopted during the Cold War era, when both the United States and the Soviet Union were competing in space exploration, to ensure that outer space would not become another arena of conflict.
• The treaty establishes the principle that outer space is the “province of all mankind”, meaning it cannot be claimed by any one country. This rules out national appropriation of celestial bodies such as the Moon or planets, either through sovereignty, occupation, or any other means.
• Instead, space is to be used for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all humanity, regardless of a nation’s level of scientific or technological development.
• Another crucial aspect of the treaty is the responsibility it places on states. Governments are not only accountable for their own activities in space but also for those carried out by private or commercial entities under their jurisdiction.
• This ensures that states must authorise and continually supervise private ventures in space. The treaty also lays down liability rules, making states internationally responsible for any damage caused by their space objects to other states or their citizens.
• Additionally, the treaty explicitly prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit, on celestial bodies, or in outer space in general. The Moon and other celestial bodies must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes, barring any military bases, installations, or weapons testing there.
• While the Outer Space Treaty provides broad guiding principles, it does not go into the fine details of how space activities should be regulated domestically. For that reason, countries are expected to enact national space legislation to implement its obligations within their own jurisdictions.
• In essence, the Outer Space Treaty created a global legal framework that has helped keep outer space free from territorial disputes and militarisation, while at the same time promoting international cooperation in the exploration and use of space

 

5. Industry Perspectives

 

 

• IN-SPACe, which at present functions without a formal legal mandate, needs explicit statutory authority to effectively serve as the primary regulatory body for India’s space sector.
• A comprehensive national space law must outline in detail the licensing framework—covering eligibility criteria, application procedures, timelines, fee structures, and grounds for approval or rejection. Such clarity would help prevent unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles that often arise from the involvement of multiple ministries.
• The dual-use nature of space technology adds further complexity, as companies frequently encounter prolonged approval processes even after receiving provisional clearances.
• To address this, clear policies on foreign direct investment (FDI)—such as permitting 100% FDI in satellite component manufacturing through the automatic route—would be vital for attracting capital, particularly for startups seeking to expand their operations.
• In addition, the sector requires the establishment of affordable insurance mechanisms to protect emerging companies handling expensive space assets. Protecting intellectual property (IP) rights is equally essential.
• Legislation should safeguard innovation without excessive state interference, encourage collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and government, and build confidence among potential investors

 

For Prelims: Foreign direct investment (FDI), Outer Space Treaty (OST), IN-SPACe   For Mains: GS II - Governance on Space

 

Previous Year Questions     1. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (UPSC 2008) A.  To study the possibility of life on Mars B.  To study the satellites of Saturn C.  To study the colorful display of high-latitude skies D. To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions     2. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014)                Spacecraft                                                         Purpose 1. Cassini-Huygens:                                 Orbiting Venus and transmitting data to theEarth    2. Messenger:                                            Mapping and investigating the Mercury 3. Voyager 1 and 2:                                   Exploring the outer solar system Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only           B. 2 and 3 only           C. 1 and 3 only                     D. 1, 2 and 3   3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019)  A. Maharashtra           B.  Rajasthan             C.  Kerala             D.  Andhra Pradesh   4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true?  (CTET  2022)   A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon. E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth  A. A, B          B.  B, C          C. C, D          D. A, E   5. ISRO is related to:  (SSC JE EE  2020)  A. space research          B. agricultural research           C. seed research        D. marine research 6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020)  A. Voyager-2          B. New Horizons          C. LISA Pathfinder          D. Evolved LISA   7. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) 1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only       B. 2 and 3           C. 1 and 2            D. 3 only     8. ‘Black hole’ is a (NDA  2019) (UPPSC 2019) A. huge black star which has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface B. star which has moderate acceleration due to gravity on its surface C. star which has collapsed into itself and has large acceleration due to gravity on its surface D. star which has collapsed into itself and has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface    9. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014) Spacecraft                                 Purpose Cassini-Huygens              Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth Messenger                        Mapping and investigating the Mercury Voyager 1 and 2               Exploring the outer solar system Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only       (b) 2 and 3 only            (c) 1 and 3 only           (d) 1, 2 and 3   10. Aditya L1 is a ______. (ISRO IPRC Technical Assistant Mechanical 2016)  A. Long-range missile B. Rocket to moon C. Spacecraft project D. Light combat aircraft     11. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016) 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 only           B.  2 only          C. Both 1 and 2         D. Neither 1 nor 2     12. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC 2022) 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3. Power grids could be damaged. 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only    B. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only    C.  1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only    D.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7     13. A spinning neutron star emits radio-wave and is called (Maha TAIT 2017) A. Supernova        B. Pulsar            C. White dwarf          D. Protostar     14. Consider the following pairs:  (UPSC 2023) Objects in space   Description (1) Cepheids          Giant clouds of dust and gas in space (2) Nebulae            Stars which brighten and dim periodically (3) Pulsars            Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? A. Only one             B. Only two          C. All three          D. None   Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-C, 11-D, 12-C, 13-B, 14-A   Mains 1. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically (UPSC 2017) 2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC 2016)

 

 Source: The Hindu