Vigyan Dhara Scheme    
Humpback Whales    
Sonobuoys    
H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)    
Chandrayaan-4 Mission    

1.    Vigyan Dhara Scheme
The News:
•    The Union Cabinet recently approved the continuation and unification of three umbrella schemes under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) into a single central sector scheme called "Vigyan Dhara."

About Vigyan Dhara Scheme:
•    Unification of Schemes:
o    Vigyan Dhara is a new central sector scheme that unifies three broad components under the Department of Science and Technology (DST):
1.    Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building
 

2.    Research and Development
3.    Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment
o    These components were previously separate umbrella schemes and have now been merged into a single unified scheme to enhance efficiency and synchronization among the sub- schemes/programs.
•    Implementation and Funding:
o    The proposed outlay for Vigyan Dhara is ₹10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
•    Primary Objectives:
o    Promote S&T Capacity Building: Strengthen India's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem.
o    Research and Innovation: Encourage research in areas like basic research, sustainable energy, water resources, and international collaborations.
o    Technology Development: Focus on the development and

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deployment of innovative technologies.
Components of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme:
•    Research and Development:
o    Support for research in basic sciences and access to international mega facilities.
o    Promotion of translational research in areas such as sustainable energy and water.
o    Enhancement of collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
•    Human Capacity Building:
o    Building a critical pool of human resources to strengthen the science and technology landscape.
o    Expanding the Research & Development (R&D) base of the

•    Streamlined Approach:
o    The merger of these schemes into a single unified scheme will ensure more efficient fund utilization, enhance coordination among various programs, and contribute significantly to India's scientific and technological advancements.
•    Support for Research and Development:

o    The scheme will bolster India's position in global research and innovation by providing support for cutting-edge research and development in critical areas.

country to improve the Full-Time        

Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
o    Special focus on enhancing the participation of women in S&T to achieve gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
•    Innovation and Technology Development:
o    The R&D component of the scheme is aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), focusing on fostering innovation and technology development.
Goals and Alignment:
•    Viksit Bharat 2047:
o All programs under Vigyan Dhara are aligned with the 5-year goals of the DST, contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Vigyan Dhara Scheme, consider the following statements:
1.    It unifies three broad components under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
2.    The scheme includes a focus on promoting gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).
3.    Vigyan Dhara is exclusively focused on promoting innovation in the private sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Significance:        

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Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the objectives and significance of the Vigyan Dhara Scheme in the context of India's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem. How does the scheme align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047?

2.    Humpback Whales
News:
•    Recent research has revealed that humpback whales do not only create 'bubble-nets' but also manipulate this tool in various ways to maximize their food intake.
About Humpback Whales:
•    Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
•    Size and Weight:
o    Humpback whales usually range from 12 to 16 meters in length.
o    They weigh approximately 36 metric tons.
•    Distinctive Features:
o    Humpback Name Origin: The name derives from the shape of the hump on their dorsal fin and the distinctive curve of their back when diving.
o    Long Flippers: Their long, white, wing-like flippers can be as long as one-third of their total body length, leading to their scientific name, Megaptera, meaning "large- winged."
o    Knobs on Body: Humpbacks have large knobs on their head, jaws, and body, each associated with one or two hairs.
o    Coloration: Mainly black or grey with white undersides on their flukes, flippers, and bellies.

•    Distribution:
o    Global Presence: Humpback whales inhabit all oceans around the world.
o    Migration: They undertake some of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling between polar feeding grounds in summer and tropical or subtropical breeding grounds in winter.
•    Feeding Behavior:
o    Bubble Net Feeding:
    Humpbacks use a unique feeding method called bubble netting. In this technique, bubbles are exhaled as the whale swims in a spiral below a dense patch of prey.
    The curtain of bubbles traps the prey, making it easier for one or more whales to surface and consume the concentrated food.
o    Feeding in Groups: They often feed in large groups, enhancing the efficiency of their feeding techniques.
•    Communication:
o    Singing Ability: Male humpback whales are known for their complex songs, which can be heard up to 20 miles away. These songs are believed to play a role in communication and possibly mating.
•    Lifespan:
o    Humpback whales can live for 80 to 90 years.
•    Conservation Status:

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o    IUCN Red List: Least Concern
o    Despite being listed as Least Concern, they still face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and climate change impacts.
Prelims Question:
Question: Which of the following statements about humpback whales is/are correct?
1.    Humpback whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal.
2.    They use a unique feeding method called bubble netting.
3.    Humpback whales are currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Options:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the ecological significance of humpback whales in marine ecosystems. How do their unique feeding behaviors contribute to ocean health, and what are the challenges faced in their conservation?

3.    Sonobuoys
News:
•    The United States recently approved a USD 52.8 million government-to- government deal for the sale of Anti- Submarine Warfare (ASW) Sonobuoys to be integrated with the Indian Navy’s Romeo helicopters.
About Sonobuoys:
•    Definition:
o    Sonobuoys are small, expendable devices used in underwater

acoustics and sonar systems to detect and analyze sound in the ocean. They are particularly crucial for tracking submarines and other underwater objects.
•    Core Technology:
o    Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Sonobuoys are a fundamental technology for ASW, enabling the detection and tracking of potentially hostile submarines operating in both open oceans and coastal areas.
•    Historical Use:
o    World War II: Sonobuoys were first employed during WWII to detect German U-boats, marking the beginning of their use in submarine warfare.

Deployment:
•    Methods:
o    From Aircraft: Sonobuoys are often deployed by dropping them from aircraft into the ocean.
o    From Ships or Submarines: They can also be launched from naval vessels or submarines.
•    Operation:
o    Once deployed, sonobuoys sink to a predetermined depth and begin

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listening for acoustic signals, aiding in the identification and location of potential submarine threats.
o    Multiple sonobuoys can be deployed in a pattern to triangulate the exact location of a target.
Types of Sonobuoys:
1.    Passive Sonobuoys:
o    Function: Quietly listen for and record sounds without emitting any signals.
o    Technology: Uses a hydrophone to detect sound energy from a target.
2.    Active Sonobuoys:
o    Function: Emit a sound pulse and analyze the return signals (echoes) to detect and locate targets.
o    Technology: Utilizes a transducer to send an acoustic signal and receive echoes.
3.    Special Purpose Buoys:
o    Function: Provide environmental information, such as water temperature and ambient noise levels.
Components of a Sonobuoy:
•    Buoyant Housing:
o    Typically cylindrical or spherical, designed to float and support the attached sensors.
•    Sensors:
o    Detect acoustic signals in the water, which may include the sounds of submarines or other underwater objects.
•    Power Source:
o    Usually a battery, providing the necessary power for operation.
•    Communication System:

o    Includes a radio transmitter or other means to relay data to the host platform, such as an aircraft or ship.

Other Applications:
•    Scientific Research:
o    Sonobuoys are used in marine research, including the study of whale behavior and other marine creatures.
•    Environmental Studies:
o    They provide valuable data on ocean conditions, contributing to environmental monitoring and studies.
Prelims Question:
Question: Which of the following statements about sonobuoys is/are correct?
1.    Sonobuoys are used exclusively for military purposes.
2.    Active sonobuoys emit sound pulses to detect and locate underwater objects.
3.    Sonobuoys can be deployed from aircraft, ships, and submarines.
Options:
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only

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C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the role of sonobuoys in enhancing maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. How do technological advancements in sonobuoys contribute to modern naval operations?

4.    H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
News:
•    India reported over 9,000 cases of H1N1 and 178 deaths by the end of July 2024, highlighting a significant public health concern.
About H1N1 Influenza:
•    Nature of the Virus:
o    H1N1 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus, commonly known as swine flu. It can infect both humans and pigs, primarily causing respiratory illnesses.
•    Transmission:
o    The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces.
•    Contagious Period:
o    The virus is contagious from the day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start. Children and immunocompromised individuals may remain contagious for a longer period.
•    First Case in India:

o    The first confirmed case of H1N1 in India was reported in May 2009. The virus has caused several outbreaks since then, with significant case numbers recorded in recent years.
Current Scenario:
•    Affected States:
o    Punjab (41 deaths), Kerala (34 deaths), and Gujarat (28 deaths) are the states with the highest mortality rates. The highest number of cases have been reported in Delhi, Gujarat, and Kerala.
•    Comparison with Previous Years:
o    The last significant surge occurred in 2022, with 13,202 cases and 410 deaths, indicating the fluctuating severity of H1N1 outbreaks over the years.
Recent Developments:
•    New Strain:
o    The Pune-based National Institute of Virology observed that the H1N1 virus has undergone point mutations, leading to the emergence of a new strain called the Michigan strain. This strain has replaced the previously prevalent California strain.
•    Mutation Impact:
o    While the virulence of the virus has remained largely unchanged, the mutation has rendered previous vaccinations less effective against the new Michigan strain. This shift is linked to the increased cases and mortality rates observed in 2024.
Prelims Question:

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Question: With reference to H1N1 influenza, consider the following statements:
1.    H1N1 is a subtype of the Influenza B virus.
2.    The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
3.    The Michigan strain of H1N1 has completely replaced the California strain in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the public health challenges posed by the emergence of new strains of viruses like H1N1. How can India strengthen its preparedness and response to such pandemics?

5.    Chandrayaan-4 Mission
Context:
•    Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for Chandrayaan-4, a highly ambitious lunar sample-return mission. This mission aims to bring lunar rock and soil samples back to Earth, positioning India among a select group of nations—namely the United States,

Russia, and China—that have accomplished this feat.
Key Objectives of the Mission:
•    Safe Lunar Landing: Achieving a controlled and gentle landing on the Moon's surface.
•    Sample Collection: Collecting and storing lunar rock and soil samples for return to Earth.
•    Lunar Lift-Off: Successfully lifting off from the Moon's surface with the collected samples.
•    Orbital Docking: Executing docking and undocking operations in lunar orbit.
•    Sample Transfer: Transferring the lunar samples between spacecraft modules for return to Earth.
•    Safe Earth Return: Ensuring the safe return of the collected samples to Earth, withstanding re-entry into the atmosphere.
Mission Strategy and Components: Chandrayaan-4's mission strategy involves a complex sequence of operations, with the spacecraft comprising five distinct components:
•    Propulsion System: Responsible for transporting the lander and ascender stages to the Moon, ensuring precise insertion into lunar orbit.
•    Descender Module: Designed to carry the equipment necessary for a safe lunar landing and to conduct soil sampling on the Moon's surface.
•    Ascender Module: Detaches from the lander after sample collection and initiates lift-off from the lunar surface to rendezvous with the transfer module in orbit.
•    Transfer Module: Receives the samples from the ascender and transports them to

the re-entry module for the journey back to Earth.
•    Re-entry Module: Designed to safely re- enter Earth's atmosphere and bring the lunar samples back to Earth, ensuring they are protected during the intense re-entry process.
News Summary:
•    Design Finalization: ISRO has finalized the design for Chandrayaan-4, with the mission likely to be launched in 2027. This mission marks a significant leap in complexity compared to its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3.
•    Mission Complexity: Chandrayaan-4 involves five separate modules and requires two space docking operations, a first for ISRO. These capabilities were partially tested during Chandrayaan-3, laying the groundwork for the more advanced Chandrayaan-4 mission.
•    Awaiting Approval: Final approval from the government is pending, and ISRO has also completed the design for Chandrayaan-5, though details regarding its objectives and timeline have yet to be disclosed.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Chandrayaan-4 mission, consider the following statements:
1.    Chandrayaan-4 aims to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and return lunar samples to Earth.
2.    The mission involves five distinct spacecraft modules, including a re-entry module for bringing the samples back to Earth.
3.    Chandrayaan-4 will be India's first mission involving space docking operations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?