Category: Science & Tech

• NASA launched the “PREFIRE mission,” deploying twin CubeSats to monitor heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic areas, with the goal of improving climate studies.

About PREFIRE Mission

• NASA and the University of Wisconsin–Madison collaborated in its development.
• It strives to research and grasp the complex dynamics of heat emissions from Earth’s Polar Regions, with a particular emphasis on the Arctic and Antarctica. 

Components:

• PREFIRE uses shoebox-sized CubeSats, measuring around 6U (6 units), with sophisticated instruments for data collecting.
  • When the solar panels that will power the spacecraft are deployed, they measure around 90 cm in height and almost 120 cm in breadth.
  • The two satellites will be put in a near-polar orbit (a form of low Earth orbit) at a height of around 525 kilometres. 
• Thermal Infrared Spectrometers (TIRS): Each CubeSat is equipped with a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, which was precisely designed to monitor far-infrared radiation released by the Polar Regions. 

The mission objective 

1. To investigate the influence of heat radiation from Earth’s Polar Regions on climate.
2. Use thermal infrared spectrometers to detect the far-infrared radiation released by the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
3. Improve knowledge of the greenhouse effect at the poles and its impact on climate change.
4. Improve climate and ice models to forecast changes in sea level, weather, snow, and ice cover in a warming world.

Significance of PREFIRE

• PREFIRE’s data will improve projections of climatic and environmental changes, helping to mitigate the consequences of global warming.
• Data acquired will help us update climate models and improve our knowledge of Earth’s atmospheric processes.

Source: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-launches-small-climate-satellite-to-study-earths-poles/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CNASA's%20PREFIRE%20will%20give%20us,the%20consequences%20of%20climate%20change.%E2%80%9D

• GAIL (India) Ltd has launched its first green hydrogen plant in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, marking a substantial expansion of the country’s largest natural gas transmission and distribution company into new and alternative energy sources.

What is green hydrogen?

• Green hydrogen is created by electrolysis, which involves splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using energy from renewable sources such as solar or wind power.
• Green hydrogen production emits no CO2 or other greenhouse gases directly since it is powered by renewable energy. 

What is Green Hydrogen Standard?

• Definition of Green Hydrogen: Green hydrogen is defined as having a well-to-gate emission of no more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogramme of hydrogen generated, which includes water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying, and hydrogen compression.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, will serve as the nodal body for programmes involving green hydrogen generation. 

Source: https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/gail-inaugurates-10-mw-green-hydrogen-facility-in-madhya-pradesh-28051#:~:text=In%20a%20momentous%20stride%20towards,GAIL%20Vijaipur%20in%20Madhya%20Pradesh.

• Fish oil supplements, which are strong in omega-3 fatty acids, have long been linked to improved heart health.
• A recent study has sparked debate by raising the potential that these supplements are as hazardous as previously believed. 

What are Omega-3 fatty acids?

• Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polyunsaturated fats that play vital roles in the human body.
• There are three primary forms of omega-3 fatty acids:
• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid). EPA is known as “marine omega-3” since it is present in fish.
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). DHA is a marine omega-3 found in fish.
• ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid). Plants contain omega-3 in the form of ALA.
• When we consume ALA, our bodies convert some of it into EPA and then DHA. However, this mechanism only produces a modest quantity of EPA and DHA. Therefore, dietary supplies of EPA and DHA (such as fish) are needed. 

Functions of Omega-s fatty acids:

• They contribute to the structure of cells and facilitate their interactions.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in cells of the human eye and brain.
• They supply energy (calories) to the human body and promote the health of several physiological systems. These include the human cardiovascular and endocrine systems. 

Significance of Omega-3 fatty acids:

• Omega-3 fatty acids help improve cardiovascular health.
• One significant advantage is that they help reduce human triglyceride levels.
  • Too many triglycerides in human blood (hypertriglyceridemia) increases the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. So it’s critical to keep triglyceride levels under control.
• Omega-3s may benefit humans by increasing HDL (good) cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.
  • According to certain research, omega-3s may reduce human risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), decreasing the chance of sudden death caused by an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and blood clots.
• Beyond heart health, omega-3s may help lessen the human risk of acquiring some types of cancer, such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia, as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research is ongoing into these and other potential advantages. 

Source: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/#:~:text=DHA%20levels%20are%20especially%20high,of%20hormone%2Dproducing%20glands). 

• Astronomers have discovered a new Earth-sized exoplanet, Speculoos-3b, circling an ultracool red dwarf star.

About Speculoos-3b

• Speculoos-3b is a recently found Earth-sized exoplanet circling an ultracool dwarf star.
• It was found by a group of astronomers led by Michael Gillon of the University of Liege in Belgium.
• It is located around 55 light-years from Earth.
• Because of its short orbital period, Speculoos-3b receives about 10 times more energy per second from the Sun than Earth. 

Astrophysical Significance of the Discovery

• The prevalence of ultracool dwarfs: Ultracool dwarf stars, such as the host of Speculoos-3b, account for around 70% of all stars in our galaxy and are noted for their extended life, lasting up to 100 billion years.
• Importance of Life’s Potential: These stars’ long lifespans create a stable environment that may permit the formation of life on orbiting planets. 

Source: https://www.euronews.com/next/2024/05/20/speculoos-3-b-astronomers-find-new-earth-sized-exoplanet-about-55-light-years-away

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced the selected participants for Stage I of the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin with AI-Driven Insights Initiative’. 

About Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative.

• Launched in February 2024, it coincides with the preceding decade’s technical developments in communication, processing, and sensing, as well as the vision for 2047.
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will kick off this campaign by engaging prospective participants, including industry professionals, academics, and other key stakeholders, in order to raise awareness and interest.
• It is a two-stage initiative. It will be dispersed in two stages and held in one of India’s largest cities.
  1. First Stage: An exploratory phase that focuses on defining perspectives and creative inquiry in order to unlock potential.
  2. Second Stage: A practical demonstration of particular use cases, which will serve as a model for future cooperation and expanding successful tactics in infrastructure projects.
• Objectives:
  1. To illustrate the actual use of novel infrastructure planning solutions.
  2. Create a Model Framework to enable faster and more productive cooperation.
  3. To provide a roadmap for expanding and duplicating successful tactics in future infrastructure projects.

It reflects a collective effort to reshape infrastructure planning and design

• It combines 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI native 6G, Digital Twin, and next-generation computational technologies to encourage collaboration among governmental organisations, infrastructure planners, tech giants, startups, and academics.
• Sangam brings together all stakeholders with the goal of transforming creative ideas into actual solutions, bridging the gap between concept and reality, and paving the road for ground-breaking infrastructure improvements. 

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2020674

• During the 2024 General Elections, the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC), notably deepfake films starring celebrities like as Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh, sparked worries about misrepresentation.

What is Deepfake technology?

• It is a sort of artificial intelligence that generates convincing pictures, audio, and video hoaxes. Deepfakes frequently change existing source content by swapping one person for another.
• Such material is created using a technology known as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), which consists of Artificial Neural Networks. 

Significance of Deepfake Technology:

• Deepfake technology promotes the right to expression by amplifying marginalised voices and sharing essential ideas. Recently, a film was prepared to relay the dying message of a journalist assassinated by the Saudi government, urging justice.
• Can help the education system: Online educators employ deepfakes to bring historical personalities to life in interesting courses. For example, a video of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address.
• Deepfakes give people control over their digital identities and allow them to experiment with new ways of expressing themselves. For example, consider the Reface app.
• Provides a realistic experience: Artists employ deepfakes for creative expression and cooperation, as demonstrated in Salvador Dali’s interactive museum advertising. Deepfake technology offers accurate lip-syncing for performers speaking several languages, increasing worldwide accessibility and immersion in films.
• Deepfakes help to restore outdated images, improve low-quality film, and create realistic training materials for public safety. 

What are the limitations of deepfake technology?

• Spreading False Information: Deepfakes might actively distribute disinformation in order to influence public opinion or elections, much as films of politicians or celebrities can sway viewers and cause misunderstanding about key matters.
• Fraud: Deepfake technology facilitates financial fraud by impersonating people and deceiving them into disclosing critical information. They can also promote harassment, particularly against women, and cause psychological suffering.
• Accuracy: While no AI detector promises 100% accuracy, technologies like Originality.ai have a 99% true positive rate. Detection models provide probability ratings, allowing for more sophisticated evaluations despite underlying uncertainty. 

Future Scope: 

• Adversarial AI: Keeping up with increasing generative AI models is a key problem for content detectors.
• Accessibility and Cost: As detection tools become more widely used and advanced, they are likely to become more accessible and affordable. 

Source: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/How-to-detect-deepfakes-manually-and-using-AI#:~:text=But%20AI%20can%20also%20be,deepfake%20images%2C%20video%20and%20audio.

• OpenAI has introduced GPT-4o, a variant of the GPT-4 model that drives ChatGPT.
• It improves speed, intelligence, and efficiency in text, vision, and audio, revolutionising human-machine interaction and creating new opportunities for users globally.

About GPT-4o:

• GPT-4o improves the speed and efficiency of GPT-4 level intelligence, facilitating natural and seamless human-machine interactions.(focuses on the emotional elements)
• It smoothly blends transcription, intelligence, and text-to-speech operations, reducing latency and improving voice mode capabilities.

GPT-4o provides 

• Free access for anyone. Previously only available to premium customers, GPT-4o now offers sophisticated tools to all users, unlocking over a million GPTs from the GPT shop and extending developer options. 
• Multilingual and Vision features: GPT-4o supports over 50 languages and has vision features that allow users to upload photographs, documents, and get real-time information during discussions.
• Real-time Conversations: It understands user emotions and offers emotive discussion styles in real time.
• Vision and code Support: GPT-4o can answer hard math problems, help with code requests, understand complex charts, and analyse facial expressions live.
• GPT-4o has live real-time translation capabilities, is two times quicker, 50% cheaper, and has five times larger rate limitations than GPT-4 Turbo. 

Source: https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/2024/05/14/gpt-4o-human-like-ai-interaction-text-audio-vision-integration/#:~:text=OpenAI%20has%20launched%20its%20new,of%20input%20and%20output%20modalities.

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a prominent programme of the previous NDA-1 administration, has gotten less attention in this year’s list of election promises and successes. 

How does the government define “smart cities”?

• Since 2009, following the massive financial collapse, the phrase ‘Smart City’ has become widely used.
• Smart cities, as defined by urban practitioners, are innovative urban hubs akin to new Silicon Valleys, characterised by robust integration of transportation networks such as airports, highways, and various communication infrastructures, fostering intellectual environments enhanced by advanced information and communication technologies (ICT).
• The Smart Cities Mission is a crucial urban revitalization and retrofitting programme announced by the Indian government in 2015 to transform 100 cities throughout the country into citizen-friendly and sustainable communities.

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) comprises two primary components:

1. Area-Based Development:

This aspect focuses on three components:

• Redevelopment (city renewal) is the revitalization of existing urban districts with the goal of improving infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life.
• Retrofitting (city improvement) is the process of upgrading existing infrastructure and services to match current urban demands and standards.
• Greenfield developments (city extensions): Creating new urban areas or extending existing ones with sustainable and modern infrastructure. 

2. Pan-City Solutions based on ICT:

This aspect entails creating integrated solutions across several industries utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These solutions often fall into six categories: 

• E-governance is the use of digital platforms to make governance procedures more efficient and transparent.
• garbage management entails putting in place mechanisms to collect, segregate, and dispose of garbage effectively.
• Water management involves improving water supply infrastructure and encouraging conservation methods.
• Energy management entails using energy-efficient technology and developing renewable energy sources.
• Urban mobility: Improving transport networks to increase connectivity and alleviate congestion.
• Skill development: Promoting programmes that improve the skills and employability of the urban workforce. 

Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) perceived as exclusive by many?

• Limited Geographical Scope: Only a small section of a city’s size, generally less than 1%, was chosen for development under the SCM. For example, in Chandigarh, money were concentrated in sector 43, which prioritised initiatives such as smart water metres and Wi-Fi zones while leaving other regions unaffected. 
• Mismatch with Urban Realities: The competitive selection procedure failed to account for India’s diversified and rapid urbanisation. The technique was more suited to static metropolitan environments in the West, rather than the dynamic urban landscapes of Indian cities.
• relocation and Disruption: The implementation of smart city initiatives has resulted in the relocation of individuals living in impoverished neighbourhoods and street sellers.
• Inadequate cash: The overall cash allotted for the SCM was much less than the anticipated amount needed to make Indian cities habitable. According to reports, $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures are required by 2030, while the SCM’s budget is less than $20 billion over nine years.

Did the SCM overturn the 74th constitutional amendment?

• Reduced Role of Elected Councils: The SCM’s governance system restricted the role of elected municipal councils.This was interpreted as going against the decentralised, participatory government style envisioned by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which sought to strengthen local municipal organisations.
• Top-Down method: Critics said that the SCM’s design was excessively top-down, contrary to the bottom-up method encouraged by the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

Way forward:

• Contextual Planning: Rather than using a one-size-fits-all paradigm, create flexible and adaptive plans that take into account India’s unique and dynamic urbanisation.
• Community Involvement: Include local communities in the planning process to ensure that projects meet the requirements and reality of various metropolitan regions.

Source: http://The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a prominent programme of the previous NDA-1 administration, has gotten less attention in this year's list of election promises and successes.    How does the government define "smart cities"? Since 2009, following the massive financial collapse, the phrase 'Smart City' has become widely used. Smart cities, as defined by urban practitioners, are innovative urban hubs akin to new Silicon Valleys, characterised by robust integration of transportation networks such as airports, highways, and various communication infrastructures, fostering intellectual environments enhanced by advanced information and communication technologies (ICT). The Smart Cities Mission is a crucial urban revitalization and retrofitting programme announced by the Indian government in 2015 to transform 100 cities throughout the country into citizen-friendly and sustainable communities. The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) comprises two primary components: Area-Based Development: This aspect focuses on three components: Redevelopment (city renewal) is the revitalization of existing urban districts with the goal of improving infrastructure, amenities, and quality of life. Retrofitting (city improvement) is the process of upgrading existing infrastructure and services to match current urban demands and standards. Greenfield developments (city extensions): Creating new urban areas or extending existing ones with sustainable and modern infrastructure.    Pan-City Solutions based on ICT: This aspect entails creating integrated solutions across several industries utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These solutions often fall into six categories:  E-governance is the use of digital platforms to make governance procedures more efficient and transparent. garbage management entails putting in place mechanisms to collect, segregate, and dispose of garbage effectively. Water management involves improving water supply infrastructure and encouraging conservation methods. Energy management entails using energy-efficient technology and developing renewable energy sources. Urban mobility: Improving transport networks to increase connectivity and alleviate congestion. Skill development: Promoting programmes that improve the skills and employability of the urban workforce.    Why is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) perceived as exclusive by many? Limited Geographical Scope: Only a small section of a city's size, generally less than 1%, was chosen for development under the SCM. For example, in Chandigarh, money were concentrated in sector 43, which prioritised initiatives such as smart water metres and Wi-Fi zones while leaving other regions unaffected.  Mismatch with Urban Realities: The competitive selection procedure failed to account for India's diversified and rapid urbanisation. The technique was more suited to static metropolitan environments in the West, rather than the dynamic urban landscapes of Indian cities. relocation and Disruption: The implementation of smart city initiatives has resulted in the relocation of individuals living in impoverished neighbourhoods and street sellers. Inadequate cash: The overall cash allotted for the SCM was much less than the anticipated amount needed to make Indian cities habitable. According to reports, $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures are required by 2030, while the SCM's budget is less than $20 billion over nine years.   Did the SCM overturn the 74th constitutional amendment? Reduced Role of Elected Councils: The SCM's governance system restricted the role of elected municipal councils.This was interpreted as going against the decentralised, participatory government style envisioned by the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which sought to strengthen local municipal organisations. Top-Down method: Critics said that the SCM's design was excessively top-down, contrary to the bottom-up method encouraged by the 74th Constitutional Amendment.   Way forward: Contextual Planning: Rather than using a one-size-fits-all paradigm, create flexible and adaptive plans that take into account India's unique and dynamic urbanisation. Community Involvement: Include local communities in the planning process to ensure that projects meet the requirements and reality of various metropolitan regions.

• The advent of novel variations KP.2 and KP1.1, dubbed the FLiRT variants, has sparked global worry.
• Despite immunisation efforts, these variations provide problems, raising worries about a possible increase in COVID-19 infections.

What are the FLiRT Variants of COVID-19?

• KP.2 and KP1.1, sometimes known as ‘FLiRT’ variations, are progeny of the Omicron JN.1, which expanded extensively over the winter of last year.

Features and Differences with Other Variants

• New Spike Mutations: The FLiRT group has two unique mutations thought to improve the virus’s capacity to infect human cells.
• Transmission and Evasion: Preliminary research suggests that KP.2, the more common of the two, may have greater ability to avoid immune responses triggered by vaccinations and past infections.

Are FLiRT Variants Riskier Than JN.1?

• Increased Immune Evasion: According to research, KP.2 has a substantial ability to evade immunity from both the most recent immunisations and earlier infections.
• Reproduction Number: KP.2 may have a larger reproduction number than JN.1, indicating a possibility for wider spread.
• While there is no conclusive evidence that FLiRT mutations cause more severe disease, their capacity to overcome immune defences can lead to more infections and, as a result, perhaps higher hospitalisations. 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/all-about-flirt-the-new-covid-19-variants-explained/article68144878.ece