Every news story that matters for the Science & Technology part of UPSC Civil Services GS3 (Economy · S&T · Environment · Security), written for the exam: why in news, background, prelims facts, a practice MCQ and a mains question. 1,426 notes so far, updated daily.
Syllabus topics covered: IT, AI, semiconductors & computing (517) · Space technology (ISRO, missions) (348) · Biotechnology & health research (242) · Nuclear & new energy technology (197) · Defence technology (118) · Intellectual property rights (4)
Why in news: NASA and Canadian Space Agency astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission captured the first-ever human-eye view of the Orientale basin on the Moon's far side.
The Artemis II mission utilizes the Orion spacecraft to carry a crew of four (three NASA, one Canadian Space Agency) around the far side of the Moon. As of April 2026, the spacecraft was recorded at a distance of over 180,000 miles (289,681 km) from Earth.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TOrion spacecraft: The vehicle used for the Artemis II mission to transport crew around the Moon.
PlaceOrientale basin: A major impact basin located on the far side of the Moon.
FactArtemis II mission distance: Recorded at over 180,000 miles (289,681 km) from Earth during the mission.
PostCrew members: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency).
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of human space exploration in the lunar vicinity and the technological challenges associated with deep-space missions.
Technological hurdle: Maintaining life support and communication links during lunar far-side transit
Geopolitical dimension: International cooperation between NASA and Canadian Space Agency in lunar exploration
Why in news: Researchers at BITS Pilani-Hyderabad developed a novel experimental multiepitope vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae to provide broader protection against pneumonia.
The vaccine was designed using computational tools to target multiple bacterial strains. It was successfully synthesized in Escherichia coli and showed a robust immune response in mice.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TStreptococcus pneumoniae: The bacterium responsible for pneumonia and other deadly illnesses.
S&TMultiepitope vaccine: A vaccine designed to target multiple epitopes (antigenic sites) of a pathogen.
FactEscherichia coli: The bacterium used for the successful synthesis of the experimental vaccine.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the role of computational biology and biotechnology in developing multi-strain vaccines to combat prevalent respiratory infections in India.
R&D bottleneck: High cost of transitioning from murine models to human clinical trials
Pathogen evolution: Addressing the challenge of bacterial strain mutation and vaccine resistance
Public health equity: Ensuring affordable access to high-tech biotech vaccines for rural populations
Why in news: Scientists and international scientific societies have raised concerns over proposals by Reflect Orbital and SpaceX to deploy reflective satellites in low Earth orbit
Reflect Orbital and SpaceX are proposing a vast network of reflective satellites in low Earth orbit. Scientists argue these satellites could increase night sky brightness, potentially impacting hormone secretion, migration patterns, and food webs.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TReflect Orbital and SpaceX are the entities proposing reflective satellite networks.
FactThe proposed satellites are intended for deployment in low Earth orbit (LEO).
EnvironmentPotential ecological impacts include disruption of migration patterns and food webs.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the environmental and biological implications of increasing satellite reflectivity in low Earth orbit and suggest regulatory frameworks to mitigate these impacts.
Biological disruption: Interference with nocturnal wildlife migration and hormone secretion cycles
Regulatory vacuum: Lack of international standards for cumulative night sky brightness limits
Human health impact: Potential disruption of human circadian rhythms due to increased light pollution
Why in news: Saudi Arabia launched its 'Shams' satellite aboard NASA's Artemis II mission, marking the first time an Arab nation has joined the Artemis program.
The 'Shams' satellite is designed to monitor space weather and solar activity at high altitudes. It will collect data on solar radiation, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy particles.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TShams: Saudi Arabian satellite designed for space weather and solar activity monitoring
S&TArtemis II: NASA mission involving the inclusion of the Shams satellite
FactShams satellite functions: monitoring solar radiation, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy particles
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international space collaboration in advancing scientific research and ensuring global infrastructure security against space weather threats.
Data sovereignty: Balancing international data sharing with national security interests
Technological leapfrogging: Leveraging global partnerships to accelerate domestic space infrastructure
Space weather mitigation: Addressing vulnerabilities in global communication and power grids
Keywords: Space Weather · Artemis Programme · Satellite Technology · Scientific Collaboration · Solar Radiation
Why in news: The Gujarat High Court implemented a new AI policy prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence in judicial decision-making, judgment drafting, and sentencing to ensure human oversight.
The Gujarat High Court's policy allows AI for administrative tasks like research and case management but strictly bans it for drafting judgments or determining sentences. The policy's primary objective is to preserve judicial independence and ensure the accuracy of legal proceedings through human verification.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TGujarat High Court AI policy prohibits AI use in judgment drafting and sentencing.
S&TAI is permitted for administrative tasks like research and case management under the new policy.
PostThe policy mandates human oversight and verification for all judicial decisions.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the ethical implications and risks of integrating Artificial Intelligence into the judicial process while ensuring the preservation of judicial independence.
Algorithmic bias: Risk of encoded prejudices affecting sentencing and legal outcomes
Accountability gap: Difficulty in assigning liability for errors made by autonomous systems
Judicial integrity: Balancing technological efficiency with the necessity of human reasoning
Keywords: Judicial Independence · Algorithmic Accountability · Human Oversight · Ethical AI · Legal Tech
Why in news: The Ministry of Defence has initiated the process to develop an indigenous 1,000-kg aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force to enhance self-reliance in defense technology.
The project involves designing six prototypes followed by the procurement of 600 bombs. It aims for a minimum of 50% indigenous content and is expected to take approximately two and a half years to complete.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TThe indigenous bomb is designed to be similar to the Mk-84 aerial bomb.
FactThe project targets a minimum of 50% indigenous content.
FactThe procurement phase involves 600 bombs under the 'Buy (Indian–IDDM)' category.
FactThe project will be executed under 'Make-II' (industry-funded) and 'Buy (Indian–IDDM)' categories.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the 'Make-II' and 'Buy (Indian–IDDM)' categories contribute to India's goal of achieving self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector.
Industrial bottleneck: Transitioning from assembly to high-precision indigenous design for heavy munitions
Why in news: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan expressed confidence in NASA's Artemis II mission, highlighting India's growing space sector and domestic projects like Gaganyaan and Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted the growth of India's space program since the 1960s. The current focus includes the Gaganyaan mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station project.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TArtemis II: A NASA mission aimed at paving the way for future human landings on the moon
S&TGaganyaan: India's human spaceflight mission
S&TBharatiya Antariksh Station: India's planned space station project
PostV. Narayanan: Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international space cooperation and the growth of the private space sector in achieving India's long-term space exploration goals.
Strategic autonomy: Balancing international collaboration with indigenous technological development
Economic multiplier: Transitioning from state-led missions to a startup-driven space economy
Human capital: Addressing the technical requirements for sustained human presence in lunar orbits
Keywords: Space Exploration · Human Spaceflight · Space Sector Startups · International Cooperation · Technological Sovereignty
Why in news: NASA's Artemis astronauts reached the halfway point of their lunar journey, surpassing 219,000 kilometers from Earth.
The Orion spacecraft is carrying astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen. The mission utilizes a 'free-return' trajectory, which uses the Moon's gravity to slingshot the spacecraft back to Earth.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TOrion: The spacecraft used by NASA for the Artemis lunar missions.
FactThe astronauts surpassed 219,000 kilometers from Earth during the mission.
S&TFree-return trajectory: A flight path that uses the Moon's gravity to return the spacecraft to Earth.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international space exploration and the technological challenges involved in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Orbital mechanics: Utilizing lunar gravity for 'free-return' trajectories to ensure safe return
Technological hurdles: Sustaining life support and communication over long-distance lunar trajectories
Keywords: Space exploration · Orbital mechanics · Lunar mission · Aerospace engineering
Why in news: The Environment Ministry amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules to allow companies to carry forward missed recycling targets for three years and introduced a tradable certificate system.
The 2026 amendment allows for the carry-forward of missed recycling targets for up to three years. It introduces a tradable certificate system where companies can purchase credits from those exceeding their targets.
Prelims pointers (3)
FactProducers must ensure at least 30% recycled material in rigid packaging by 2028–29.
Act / BillPlastic Waste Management Rules (2026 Amendment) allows carry-forward of missed targets for up to three years.
FactThe new rules introduce a system of tradable certificates for meeting recycling obligations.
Mains angle
Q. Examine how the introduction of tradable certificates and carry-forward mechanisms in plastic waste management balances industrial feasibility with environmental sustainability.
Regulatory arbitrage: Risk of certain packaging segments, like food and beverage, being excluded from mandates.
Market-based compliance: Potential for tradable certificates to create a secondary market for recycling credits.
Compliance flexibility: Trade-off between reduced corporate costs and the risk of delayed waste mitigation.
Why in news: The Indian Plumbing Association urged a shift from supply-side augmentation to efficiency-led water management to address the projected doubling of water demand by 2030.
The Indian Plumbing Association highlighted that over 85% of Bengaluru's lakes are eutrophic. The association proposed solutions including smart plumbing systems, greywater reuse (e.g., ITC Hotels' Sunya Aqua program), and efficient bathroom fittings.
Prelims pointers (4)
FactProjected water demand in India is expected to double by 2030.
PlaceBengaluru's lakes: Over 85% are reported to be eutrophic.
FactBengaluru relies heavily on the Cauvery river for piped water supply.
SchemeSunya Aqua: A greywater reuse initiative by ITC Hotels.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the necessity of transitioning from supply-side augmentation to demand-side management to ensure water security in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
Resource depletion: Rapid eutrophication of urban water bodies due to unsustainable extraction
Infrastructure gap: High energy intensity of current piped water systems vs decentralized greywater reuse
Policy shift: Moving from large-scale river diversion to smart plumbing and efficiency-led conservation
Why in news: ISRO and the IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine launched Mission MITRA in Leh to study crew safety and performance under high-altitude conditions for the Gaganyaan program.
Mission MITRA was conducted from April 2nd to 9th in Leh to assess physiological and psychological dynamics of crews. ISRO partnered with Bengaluru-based start-up M/s Protoplanet Pvt. Ltd. for facility management and compliance protocols.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TMission MITRA: A study to assess crew safety and performance for human spaceflight under high-altitude conditions.
S&TGaganyaan: India's human spaceflight program aiming to launch a crew of three astronauts to an orbit of 400 km.
PostIAF Institute of Aerospace Medicine: Partnered with ISRO for the high-altitude study in Leh.
FactGaganyaan Mission: Planned three-day mission with a return via Indian sea waters.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of high-altitude physiological studies in ensuring the safety and success of India's human spaceflight missions.
Operational interoperability: Assessing crew-ground team decision-making dynamics in high-stress, low-oxygen environments
Public-Private Partnership: Leveraging startup capabilities for facility management and compliance in space research
Keywords: Human Spaceflight · High-altitude Physiology · Interoperability · Aerospace Medicine · Mission MITRA
Why in news: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that samples from the asteroid Ryugu contain all five canonical 'letters' of DNA and RNA, suggesting widespread life-forming ingredients in the solar system.
The discovery was made by a research team using samples returned by the Hayabusa2 mission. The analysis revealed a balanced ratio between purines and pyrimidines, a finding previously unrecorded in samples from asteroids like Bennu or various meteorites.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&THayabusa2: A Japanese space mission that collected samples from the asteroid Ryugu.
FactRyugu: An asteroid containing all five canonical 'letters' of DNA and RNA.
S&TPurines and Pyrimidines: Chemical components found in a balanced ratio in Ryugu's asteroid dust.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the study of extraterrestrial asteroids contributes to our understanding of the chemical evolution of life and the origins of biological molecules.
Chemical evolution: Evidence of life-forming ingredients in the solar system preceding planetary formation
Analytical limitations: Distinction between presence of prebiotic molecules and evidence of past extraterrestrial life
Why in news: NASA astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft successfully completed a critical engine burn to propel the spacecraft towards the Moon as part of the Artemis II mission.
The Orion spacecraft successfully completed a critical engine burn to reach the Moon. The crew captured images of Earth's dark side illuminated by the Moon while in orbit.
Prelims pointers (2)
S&TOrion: The spacecraft used by NASA for the Artemis missions to transport astronauts to the Moon.
FactThe mission captured images of Earth's dark side illuminated by the Moon.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Artemis program in the context of the global space race and its implications for international space law.
Geopolitical competition: Strategic positioning in lunar exploration and resource rights
Technological leap: Advancements in deep-space life support and propulsion systems
Regulatory vacuum: Lack of comprehensive international frameworks for lunar mining and habitation
Why in news: NASA successfully launched the Artemis II mission from Kennedy Space Center, carrying the first woman and first person of color into cislunar space.
The mission utilizes the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. The four-astronaut crew will orbit the Moon for 10 days to test spacecraft systems for future lunar missions.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TArtemis II: NASA mission to orbit the Moon using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket
S&TOrion spacecraft: Spacecraft used in the Artemis missions to carry astronauts
FactArtemis II mission duration: 10-day lunar orbit for system testing
PlaceKennedy Space Center: Launch site for the Artemis II mission
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international space exploration missions in fostering global scientific cooperation and technological advancement.
Technological leap: Development of SLS and Orion systems for long-duration human presence in cislunar space
Inclusivity in exploration: Symbolic and practical importance of diverse representation in space exploration
Systemic testing: Importance of orbital testing phases in ensuring safety for deep-space human missions
Keywords: cislunar space · Space Launch System · lunar exploration · human spaceflight · technological milestone
Why in news: The Indian Navy received the INS Malwan, the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.
The INS Malwan is an 80-meter-long vessel designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, low-intensity maritime operations, and mine warfare. It features waterjet propulsion, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, and advanced radar/sonar systems with over 80% indigenous content.
Prelims pointers (4)
FactINS Malwan is 80 meters long
S&TASW SWC features waterjet propulsion, torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets
FactThe vessel contains over 80% indigenous content
BodyCochin Shipyard Limited is thebuilder of the ASW SWC vessels
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of indigenous defense manufacturing in enhancing India's maritime security and achieving 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in the defense sector.
Strategic autonomy: Reducing reliance on foreign OEMs for critical maritime surveillance and mine warfare components
Industrial synergy: Leveraging domestic shipyards to create a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem and high-tech job creation
Why in news: NASA and the University of Leicester are exploring Americium-241 as a long-lasting alternative to Plutonium-238 for powering deep space missions.
NASA is collaborating with the University of Leicester and Los Alamos National Laboratory to evaluate Americium-241. This isotope has a half-life of 433 years, significantly longer than the 88-year half-life of Plutonium-238 currently used in space nuclear batteries.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TAmericium-241: Nuclear isotope with a half-life of 433 years for space batteries
S&TPlutonium-238: Current isotope used in space nuclear batteries with an 88-year half-life
S&TLos Alamos National Laboratory: Research body evaluating production and safety of Americium-241
FactPerseverance and Curiosity rovers: Spacecraft currently utilizing nuclear battery technology
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of nuclear battery technology in enabling long-duration deep space exploration and the safety considerations involved in handling radioactive isotopes.
Safety-Efficiency Trade-off: Balancing the extended lifespan of Americium-241 against the risks of radioactive material handling in space
Technological Autonomy: Reducing reliance on solar power for missions beyond the inner solar system where sunlight is insufficient
Keywords: Nuclear Isotope · Deep Space Exploration · Radioactive Decay · Space Power Systems · Americium-241
Why in news: SpaceX successfully launched the Transporter-16 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, deploying 119 payloads into Sun-Synchronous orbit.
The mission utilized a Falcon 9 rocket and a rideshare model to deploy satellites for international startups, research institutions, and government agencies. Key payloads included the NGA's MagQuest project for the World Magnetic Model and the UK’s Quantum Communication satellite.
Prelims pointers (5)
S&TTransporter-16: A SpaceX mission deploying 119 payloads into Sun-Synchronous orbit
PlaceVandenberg Space Force Base: The launch site for the Transporter-16 mission
S&TMagQuest: An NGA project contributing data to the World Magnetic Model
S&TUK Quantum Communication satellite: Aimed at developing a secure quantum internet
FactFalcon 9: Rocket used for the Transporter-16 mission and successful booster landing at Landing Zone 4
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the shift towards rideshare models and private space exploration is democratizing access to space and influencing global satellite infrastructure.
Cost-efficiency: Rideshare models reducing barriers for startups and research institutions
Strategic autonomy: Development of secure quantum internet via independent satellite infrastructure
Why in news: The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,950-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure two indigenous mountain radars for the Air Force to enhance high-altitude surveillance.
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,950-crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for two mountain radars. The systems were designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Prelims pointers (4)
FactContract value for the mountain radars is ₹1,950 crore.
BodyBharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the manufacturing partner for the radars.
BodyElectronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) under DRDO designed and developed the systems.
S&TThe radars are specifically designed for high-altitude deployment for the Air Force.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the promotion of indigenous defense manufacturing and high-altitude surveillance technologies contributes to India's strategic autonomy and border security.
Strategic autonomy: Reducing reliance on foreign OEMs for critical surveillance hardware
Technological sovereignty: Leveraging DRDO-BEL synergy to achieve 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in defense electronics
Operational capability: Enhancing detection accuracy in complex high-altitude terrains
Why in news: NASA and the Canadian Space Agency announced the crew for the Artemis II mission, which will orbit the Moon to test the path for future lunar exploration.
The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen. The mission aims to orbit the Moon to test the return path for the next generation of lunar missions.
Prelims pointers (4)
S&TArtemis II: A NASA mission designed to orbit the Moon and test the return path for future lunar missions.
PostJeremy Hansen: The first non-American to travel to the Moon as part of the Artemis II crew.
PostVictor Glover: The first Black person set to travel to the Moon.
PostChristina Koch: An engineer and physicist who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of international cooperation in deep-space exploration and its implications for global space governance.
Multilateral synergy: Collaborative funding and technology sharing between NASA and Canadian Space Agency
Geopolitical leadership: Establishing norms for lunar exploration and resource management in deep space
Keywords: Space exploration · International cooperation · Lunar orbit · Deep-space mission · Technological synergy
Why in news: NASA astronaut Christina Koch is set to become the first woman to travel farther from Earth than any previous human during the Artemis II mission.
The Artemis II mission is a 10-day lunar flyby mission scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026. The crew includes Christina Koch (NASA), Reid Wiseman (NASA), Victor Glover (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (CSA).
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TArtemis II: A lunar flyby mission intended as a test run for deep space conditions before future lunar landings.
PostChristina Koch: NASA astronaut and mission specialist for the Artemis II mission.
FactArtemis II mission duration: 10 days.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the significance of the Artemis program in the context of global space exploration and the technological challenges of long-duration human spaceflight.
Technological hurdle: Developing life-support systems for deep space radiation and long-duration lunar transit.
Geopolitical dimension: Competition and collaboration in establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.
Keywords: deep space exploration · lunar mission · human spaceflight · space exploration technology
Why in news: NASA scientists used mice on the International Space Station (ISS) to discover a 'gravity threshold' for muscle strength, suggesting Mars's gravity may be insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy in astronauts.
NASA conducted research on the International Space Station (ISS) using mice to observe muscle reactions to different gravity levels. The study identified a specific gravity threshold required to maintain muscle strength, indicating that Mars's lower gravity may lead to muscle weakness.
Prelims pointers (3)
S&TISS: International Space Station used as a platform for studying muscle atrophy and bone density loss in space.
FactGravity threshold: A specific level of gravity identified as necessary to prevent muscle weakness during space travel.
S&TMars exploration: Research indicates Mars's gravity may be insufficient to prevent muscle weakness in humans.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss the physiological challenges of long-duration space missions to Mars and evaluate the necessity of artificial gravity systems for human exploration.
Physiological bottleneck: Muscle atrophy and bone density loss due to prolonged microgravity exposure
Technological requirement: Development of artificial gravity systems or specialized exercise protocols for deep space missions