Category: Science & Tech

• Krutrim AI is Ola’s in-house AI assistant, created to meet the unique demands and sensitivities of Indian consumers, bridging the gap between traditional AI and specific cultural situations.

Krutrim’s Capabilities

• Krutrim supports multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hinglish, to cater to India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
• Krutrim can be used for a variety of tasks, including email writing, information search, learning new skills, trip planning, recipe discovery, and more.

Technology behind Krutrim AI

• Krutrim uses a powerful AI model that has been trained on large datasets of Indian languages, social settings, and cultural allusions.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Uses NLP to understand human language nuances, such as colloquialisms and cultural contexts, which improves user interactions.
• Krutrim can learn from datasets using machine learning (ML) methods, which help it improve its responses and grasp user intent.
• Deep Learning: Uses Deep Learning to identify patterns and analyse complicated data, which is critical for contextual reactions and performance improvement.

Applications and Benefits for Users

• Krutrim AI improves user experiences across multiple industries by providing culturally sensitive interactions, personalised learning in education, and administrative work automation.
• Support for material Creators: Krutrim can be used for ideation and localization, making material more relatable and engaging.
• Automating Repetitive procedures: Krutrim’s strengths include automating repetitive administrative procedures across sectors, which increases efficiency and production.

Source: https://medium.com/@deeptech8974/unveiling-krutrim-ai-indias-homegrown-artificial-intelligence-marvel-b7412b305b0e

• Karnataka has become the third state in South India to ban the use of particular colouring chemicals in cotton candy and gobi manchurian due to their known negative effects.

Context: 

• The government aims to raise awareness among manufacturers and encourages customers to be mindful of their consumption habits.
• The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 penalises persons who use forbidden chemical substances in food items with a fine of at least ₹10 lakh and a minimum seven-year jail term, up to life imprisonment.

Key findings from the sample testing?

• Presence of harmful chemicals: Laboratory testing indicated the presence of hazardous substances in several samples taken from the state.
• Cotton Candy Samples: Of the 25 cotton candy samples gathered, 15 were found to be harmful because they had additional colours, while the other ten were deemed safe since they were free of added colours.
• Gobi Manchurian Samples: Of the 171 samples of gobi manchurian collected, 107 were pronounced dangerous due to the presence of added colours, whereas 64 were deemed safe because they did not contain added colours. 

What compounds were harmful?

• Hazardous Chemicals: The dangerous samples of cotton candy contained amounts of sunset yellow, tartrazine, and rhodamine-b, while unsafe gobi Manchurian samples had tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carmoisine. Rhodamine-b, a potential carcinogen, has previously been outlawed.
• Restrictions on Tartrazine: Although tartrazine is an acceptable artificial food colour, there are certain restrictions on its use. It can only be used in particular packaged food items and at prescribed amounts. It cannot be used with freshly cooked foods.
• Health Concerns: The Food Safety Commissioner emphasised that long-term consumption of snacks containing artificial colours might result in serious diseases such as cancer, emphasising the need of the prohibition in protecting public health.

What are the penalties?

• Rule 16 of the Food Safety and Standards Act forbids the use of artificial colours in the making of gobi manchurian.
• specified Limits for Food Colours: While certain food colours are permissible within specified limits, non-permitted colours such as rhodamine-b should not be used in cotton candy.
• Penalties for offenders: Violators face harsh penalties, including the cancellation of commercial licences, large fines, and imprisonment. The Food Safety and Standards Act penalises persons who use forbidden chemical substances in food items with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh and a seven-year jail term, which can be extended to life imprisonment.

Way Forward:

• To enforce and monitor compliance with the ban on dangerous chemicals and artificial colours, health safety officers may perform random checks.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The government will continue to educate manufacturers and consumers about the dangers of hazardous chemicals and artificial colours in food goods.
• Regulatory Review: Existing food safety regulations and standards may be reviewed in order to enhance controls and provide complete coverage of potentially harmful foods other than gobi manchurian, such as kebabs, which may contain colouring chemicals.
• Collaboration with players: Effective implementation and enforcement of the prohibition will need collaboration among government agencies, food manufacturers, and other food industry players. This may include conversations, partnerships, and dialogues to address issues and assure regulatory compliance.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/why-has-karnataka-banned-certain-colouring-agents-explained/article67973700.ece#:~:text=A%20ban%20is%20already%20in,are%20restrictions%20on%20its%20usage.

• As Women’s Day (8th March) approaches, attention shifts to women scientists throughout history who have broken down glass barriers and left indelible footprints on the scientific landscape.
• Their stories promote inclusion, diversity, and equality in the field of science.

Gender disparities in Indian science

• Underrepresentation in Leadership: Since Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman created the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1934, no woman scientist has led the organisation. According to statistics, women account for only 14% of India’s working scientists, with a mere 15% of faculty members in research institutes across the country.
• Over the past 65 years, just 20 women scientists have received India’s prestigious SSB Prize for Science and Technology, out of a total of 571 recipients. 

Status of Women in STEM: A Global Perspective.

• Global Gender Gap: Women account for only 27% of India’s STEM workforce, compared to 32% in non-STEM sectors, underlining gender inequities.
• Research Participation: Women make up only 33% of researchers worldwide, with substantially lower representation in engineering and technology.
• Educational Disparity: A gender disparity remains in STEM education, with only 18% of girls pursuing advanced STEM degrees compared to 35% of boys.

List of Notable Women Scientists Featured in the News Article  

1. Gagandeep Kang is well-known for her work in microbiology and vaccine development, notably her research on the epidemiology of rotavirus and other infectious diseases in India.
2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: She is a major player in the biotechnology business, having started Biocon, one of India’s leading biotechnology companies, and has made substantial contributions to the creation of low-cost biopharmaceuticals and healthcare solutions.
3. Rohini Godbole is a renowned theoretical physicist who specialises in high-energy physics, namely particle phenomenology and collider physics. She has also worked extensively to promote science education and gender equality in STEM disciplines. 
4. Prajval Shastri Majumdar is a renowned astrophysicist who studies the origin and evolution of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and black holes. Her observational astronomy work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe’s dynamics.
5. Kamala Sohonie was a pioneering biochemist and the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science. Her study centred on enzymology and biochemistry, specifically the metabolism of nitrogen-containing substances in bacteria.
6. Lilavati (as referred to in the anthology “Lilavati’s Daughters: The Women Scientists of India”) is a legendary character in Indian mathematics, best known for her contributions to algebra and arithmetic. Her legacy has influenced subsequent generations of mathematicians and scientists.
7. Archana Sharma is a famous cytogeneticist who has conducted research on chromosomal anomalies and genetic illnesses. She made substantial contributions to the science of genetics and genetic counselling.
8. E.K. Janaki Ammal is a renowned botanist noted for her work on plant breeding, genetics, and taxonomy. She made substantial contributions to understanding plant species variety in India, as well as playing an important role in plant biodiversity conservation.
9. Bibha Chowdhuri is a pioneering physicist noted for her work in cosmic ray physics and particle physics. She contributed significantly to our understanding of cosmic ray characteristics and interactions with matter.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/books/remembering-the-forgotten-women-of-science-in-india/article67920945.ece#:~:text=Gutsy%20Girls%20of%20Science%20by,scientific%20ambitions%20against%20all%20odds.

• MethaneSAT, the latest addition to the space technology arsenal, has the potential to revolutionise worldwide methane emission tracking and measurement.
• This revolutionary satellite, launched on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket, is expected to deliver unprecedented insights into methane emissions, contributing in the fight against climate change. 

Unraveling MethaneSAT

• The Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) launched MethaneSAT in partnership with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.
• MethaneSAT, which uses a high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, can detect methane concentrations as low as three parts per billion.
• MethaneSAT’s wide-camera view of around 200 km by 200 km allows it to identify both small and big emitters, filling vital data gaps.

Key Features:

• Data Accessibility: MethaneSAT will make its data available for free in near real-time, allowing stakeholders and regulators to take timely action to reduce methane emissions.
• Cloud Computing and AI: The large volume of data acquired by MethaneSAT will be analysed using Google’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence technology, ensuring efficient processing and interpretation. 

Significance of Methane Emission Monitoring

• Methane emissions are a significant contributor to global warming, second only to carbon dioxide, highlighting the importance of monitoring them.
• Health concerns: Methane emissions contribute to the production of ground-level ozone, which poses major health concerns and causes premature death.
• Fossil Fuel Operations: The majority of human-caused methane emissions come from fossil fuel operations, making it critical to monitor and minimise them.

Implications

• Global Impact: The debut of MethaneSAT coincides with the growing global demand for stringent methane management rules.
• Transparency: MethaneSAT’s publicly available data will hold governments and corporations accountable for their efforts to reduce methane emissions.
• Behavioural Change Challenges: While MethaneSAT data can raise awareness, behavioural improvements among polluters are not assured, emphasising the necessity for further regulatory measures. 

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/methanesat-launch-climate-1.7132770

• Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has long piqued psychiatrists’ interest because to its effects on mood and cognition, encouraging study into potential therapeutic applications for illnesses such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. 

What is cannabis?

• Cannabis, popularly known as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family.
• It is most recognised for its euphoric qualities, which stem from the presence of chemicals like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• This THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, producing a variety of effects such as relaxation, euphoria, changed perception of time, and increased appetite.
• The plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, the most well-known and studied of which are THC and cannabidiol (CBD).

Why are we discussing this?

• Researchers at the University of British Columbia launched a clinical research to investigate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating bipolar depression, which shows promise for dealing with depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
• While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the predominant psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, CBD has received interest because to its possible antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties. 

Understanding the Cannabinoid System

• The human cannabinoid system, consisting of CB1 and CB2 receptors, regulates different biological functions such as pain, memory, and appetite. THC has a significant impact on motor control and memory.
• Endo-cannabinoid System (ECS): Endogenous chemicals control neurotransmitter activity, which influences mood and cognitive activities.

Therapeutic Applications

• Medical Applications: THC and synthetic cannabinoids are used to promote hunger, relieve nausea, and control pain associated with illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.
• Addiction and Withdrawal: There is debate about THC’s addictive potential, with animal studies indicating addictive responses and withdrawal symptoms after high use.

Psychiatric Implications

• Mood Effects: Cannabis’ impact on mood is varied, with stories suggesting links to depression and bipolar disorder, while comprehensive scientific testing is absent.
• Individuals with psychotic diseases, such as schizophrenia, are more susceptible to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, with childhood cannabis usage potentially hastening the onset of schizophrenia in genetically sensitive people. 

Policy considerations

• Global Trends: The global trend of legalising medical and recreational cannabis emphasises the importance of educated policymaking to reduce dangers, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and those with mental conditions.
• Decriminalisation Debate: Broader decriminalisation debates require measures to avoid commercialization and maintain protections against misuse, with a focus on protecting vulnerable elements of society.

Conclusion

• Navigating the complexity of cannabis needs a balanced approach that maximises its therapeutic potential while mitigating related hazards through evidence-based policies and clinical interventions. 

Source: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21030320

• National Science Day is observed on February 28 each year to mark Sir CV Raman’s birth anniversary.

R&D Spending in India: The Current Situation

• Low Expenditure: India’s expenditure on research and development (R&D) is 0.64% of GDP, which is problematic for a country seeking to technological improvement.
• Stagnant Growth: Despite pledges to treble R&D spending, India’s allocation for fundamental research has fallen in recent years, emphasising the need for increased investment in scientific efforts.

Comparative Analysis with Developed Nations: 

• Global Benchmarks. Developed countries typically spend 2-4% of their GDPs on R&D, in striking contrast to India’s modest spending.
• Private Sector Contribution: In economically advanced countries, the private sector makes a considerable contribution to R&D investment, unlike in India, where public financing dominates.

Various challenges

• Obstacles to private sector funding include regulatory uncertainty, weak review processes, and worries about intellectual property rights protection.
• Underutilization Concerns: Despite funding allocations, the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Science and Technology have inadequate utilisation rates.
• Systemic issues include bureaucratic red tape, capacity restrictions, and project evaluation delays, which all contribute to underutilization and necessitate systemic adjustments.

Way forward

• Budget Optimisation: Ensuring that allotted funds are used effectively is critical for maximising the impact of R&D investments and achieving targeted scientific achievements.
• Political Commitment: Prioritising R&D investment and encouraging public-private partnerships necessitate coordinated actions at both the ministerial and fiscal levels.
• Private Sector Engagement: Tax breaks and regulatory clarity can encourage private sector investment in R&D, hence enhancing sustainability.
• Capacity Building: Improving bureaucratic capacity for project appraisal and monitoring is critical to achieving India’s goal of becoming a research powerhouse by 2047. 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sustainable-funding-science-power-ambition-india/article67884760.ece#:~:text=Science%20requires%20consistent%2C%20large%2Dscale,on%20R%26D%20annually%20until%202047.

Aditya-L1, India’s pioneering solar mission, has reached a key milestone as improved sensors onboard successfully detected the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), signalling a huge advance in space exploration.

About Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA)

• PAPA is a masses and energy analyzer designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions at low energy levels.
• Sensor Composition: PAPA consists of two sensors—the Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe (SWEEP) and the Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser (SWICAR), which allow for thorough observations of solar events.
• Sensors measure the energy of electrons and ions as well as the direction of arrival, allowing for a more complete understanding of solar wind dynamics. 

CME Detection and Analysis

• PAPA identified CME events, including on December 15, 2023 and February 10-11, 2024.
• December 15, 2023: A single CME event characterised by a sharp increase in electron and ion counts, which corresponds to solar wind characteristics and magnetic field observations.
• February 10-11, 2024: Multiple minor CME events were recorded, revealing subtle differences in electron and ion counts across time. 

Performance Evaluation and Continuous Observations

• PAPA sensors are currently operating in default mode, proving compliance with design criteria across all operational modes.
• Continuous observations demonstrate PAPA’s effectiveness in monitoring space weather conditions, as well as its ability to detect and analyse solar occurrences.

Source: https://www.isro.gov.in/papa_health_status.html

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a big step forward in its quest for human spaceflight with the successful human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine.
• Ground qualification tests were successfully completed at the ISRO Propulsion Complex’s High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, validating the CE20 engine for the Gaganyaan programme.

About the CE20 cryogenic engine

• It was created and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), an ISRO division.
• It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to use a gas-generator cycle.
• It is among the most powerful upper-stage cryogenic engines in the world.
• This engine produces a nominal thrust of 186.36 kN in vacuum.

Key Highlights of Ground Qualification Tests

• The CE20 engine was thoroughly tested, including nominal and off-nominal situations for thrust, mixture ratio, and propellant tank pressure.
• Hot Firing Tests: Four engines underwent 39 hot firing tests, totaling 8,810 seconds, exceeding the minimum human rating certification criteria of 6,350 seconds.

Update on the First Unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) Mission

• Mission Objectives: The Gaganyaan project seeks to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by launching a three-person crew into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth via a landing in Indian sea waters.
• Acceptance testing: ISRO has completed acceptance testing on the flight engine for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission, which is tentatively slated for the second quarter of 2024.
• Engine Specification: The flight engine, which will power the upper stage of the human-rated LVM3 vehicle, has a thrust capability of 19 to 22 tonnes and a specific impulse of 442.5 seconds.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/isro-accomplishes-key-test-ce20-cryogenic-engine-is-now-human-rated-for-gaganyaan-missions/article67869973.ece

• A recent study undertaken by Columbia University experts sheds light on the prevalence of micro- and nano-plastics in bottled water, with nano-plastics accounting for an astonishing 90% of the discovered particles.

What are nanoplastics?

• Nanoplastics are tiny particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye, making identification and measurement difficult.
• Comparative analysis: Nanoplastics are 70 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, making them both inconspicuous and widespread.

Key Findings

• Bottled water includes around 2.4 lakh micro- and nano-plastic particles per litre, indicating that the plastic concentration has been significantly underestimated in comparison to prior evaluations.
• Dominance of Nanoplastics: Nano-sized particles, which were previously undetected by traditional imaging techniques, now account for 90% of the overall plastic population.
• Complex Particle Dynamics: Analysis reveals a wide range of plastic compositions, forms, and sizes, shedding light on the intricate interactions between various plastic kinds in the aquatic environment.

How were they evaluated?

• Nanoplastics provide analytical issues due to their small size and the limits of current diagnostic procedures.
• To address these issues, researchers use a proprietary hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) imaging equipment, which allows for precise molecular study at the single-particle level.
• Raman Scattering Principle: SRS microscopy uses the Raman Effect to identify plastic particles based on their unique spectral fingerprints.

Implications

• Environmental Importance: The study emphasises the pervasiveness of plastic contamination, with microplastics penetrating ecosystems globally, even bottled water supplies.
• Biological Impact: Because sub-micrometre plastic particles can cross biological barriers and collect within living beings, they pose a risk to human health.
• Technological advancements: The use of modern imaging technology improves our understanding of nanoplastic dynamics, allowing for more accurate evaluations of plastic pollution levels.

Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/researchers-uncover-nanoplastics-water-bottles-2024a10001kx