Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on dial-up internet, Artemis Accords and more (Week 123)
🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨
With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements:
1. It is a climate pattern affecting the Indian Ocean.
2. During a positive phase, cold waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean.
3. The IOD does not influence the local weather.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
The sea surface temperatures recorded along the equatorial Pacific Ocean in June ranged between 0 and 0.4 degree Celsius. The coupled ocean-atmospheric system in the tropical Pacific Ocean reflected ENSO neutral conditions.
The Indian Ocean Dipole is a climate pattern affecting the Indian Ocean. During a positive phase, warm waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean, while cold deep waters are brought up to the surface in the Eastern Indian Ocean. This pattern is reversed during the negative phase of the IOD. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct.
The IOD influences the local weather. During the positive phase of the IOD, the high temperatures along the coast of Africa cause heavy rains and droughts in Australia. During a negative phase the high temperatures and rainfall patterns are reversed. The sea-level changes associated with the IOD can also lead to increased threats of coastal flooding and associated impacts. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
(Other Source: sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov)
With reference to the dial-up internet, consider the following statements:
1. It is a form of accessing the internet using a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline.
2. It was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches.
3. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
— AOL's remaining dial-up internet customers will sign off for the last time as the company is permanently shutting down the service that brought the internet to millions in the US during the early 1980s and 90s.
— The origins of dial-up internet service is rooted in Usenet developed in 1979 by two graduate students at Duke University in the United States. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP). Hence, statement 3 is correct.
— Dial-up internet is a form of accessing the internet. It uses a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline to connect to the internet at 56 kilobits per second or less, which are painfully slow internet speeds by today's standards. Access to the web via dial-up internet was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.
— CompuServe was among the first companies to begin 'offering a dial-up online information service to consumers' in 1979. AOL's dial-up internet service made its debut in 1991, as per a report by Gizmodo.
— However, by 1995, dial-up internet was being left behind in favour of faster cable internet service that relied on existing cable TV infrastructure.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05 are the satellites related to:
(a) Navigation services
(b) Communication services
(c) Weather-related services
(d) Lunar satellites
Explanation
— ISRO will launch three navigation satellites for its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by next year, according to a reply in Parliament by the Union MoS for Space Dr Jitendra Singh.
— The first of the three, NVS-03, is scheduled to be launched by year-end. The other two, NVS-04 and NVS-05, will be launched after that 'with a gap of six months,' as per data.
— The IRNSS was envisioned as a seven-satellite constellation that could provide navigation services over the Indian landmass and a radius of 1,500km around it.
— So far, 11 satellites have been launched for the IRNSS constellation. Of these, two failed to reach the intended orbit. In what was ISRO's 100th launch, NVS-02 was sent to space in January this year, but the further orbit raising manoeuvres needed to put the satellite in the proper orbit could not be completed because of a technical glitch.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
The term 'tripledemic' refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses. Which of the following respiratory viruses is not included in tripledemic?
(a) COVID-19
(b) Influenza
(c) Respiratory syncytial virus
(d) Respiratory adenoviruses
Explanation
— As the UK prepares for a possible 'tripledemic' this autumn and winter, health experts are concerned about the simultaneous spread of three respiratory viruses. As the cold season approaches and respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, India may experience similar issues.
— According to Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a pulmonologist, paediatrician, and allergy expert in Delhi, 'the term 'tripledemic' refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza (the flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)'.
— This circumstance puts pressure on healthcare resources because all three viruses can cause an increase in hospitalisations, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health issues.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
With reference to the neutron stars, consider the following statements:
1. They are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion.
2. They constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— Neutron stars are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Sometimes, neutron stars orbit each other in binary systems.
— These systems constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
— Researchers may now examine the physical characteristics of the universe's most severe states because of these mergers. For instance, heavy metals like gold are formed under the circumstances of these high-energy collisions.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
What is the aim of PM-WANI?
(a) To promote exclusive high-speed broadband connections for government offices.
(b) To replace all existing mobile networks with a single government-run network.
(c) To provide free Wi-Fi in public places nationwide.
(d) To provide free rechargeable points for cellphones in public places across the country.
Explanation
— The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme, launched by the government earlier this year, aims to provide free Wi-Fi in public places nationwide, enabling citizens to access the internet while traveling.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Consider the following:
1. The motion of lift from an airfoil, the air is deflected downward by the airfoil's action, and in reaction, the wing is pushed upward.
2. The motion of a spinning ball, the air is deflected to one side, and the ball reacts by moving in the opposite direction.
3. The motion of a jet engine produces thrust and hot exhaust gases flow out the back of the engine, and a thrusting force is produced in the opposite direction.
Which of the above mentioned motions are examples of Newton's Third Law ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Newton's Third Law: Action & Reaction
— Whenever one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first.
— All three are examples of action and reaction involving aerodynamics.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
(source: www1.grc.nasa.gov)
With reference to Artemis Accords, consider the following statements:
1. They provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space.
2. There are seven nations, along with NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, that are signatories to this accord.
Which of the statements given above is/are true?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
According to http://www.nasa.gov,
— NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and seven other initial signatory nations, established the Artemis Accords in 2020. With many countries and private companies conducting missions and operations around the Moon, the Artemis Accords provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space.
— As per data, there are 56 signatory parties on 24 July, 2025.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 121)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 123)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 122)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 122)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 122)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 122)
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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on dial-up internet, Artemis Accords and more (Week 123)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements: 1. It is a climate pattern affecting the Indian Ocean. 2. During a positive phase, cold waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean. 3. The IOD does not influence the local weather. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation The sea surface temperatures recorded along the equatorial Pacific Ocean in June ranged between 0 and 0.4 degree Celsius. The coupled ocean-atmospheric system in the tropical Pacific Ocean reflected ENSO neutral conditions. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a climate pattern affecting the Indian Ocean. During a positive phase, warm waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean, while cold deep waters are brought up to the surface in the Eastern Indian Ocean. This pattern is reversed during the negative phase of the IOD. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. The IOD influences the local weather. During the positive phase of the IOD, the high temperatures along the coast of Africa cause heavy rains and droughts in Australia. During a negative phase the high temperatures and rainfall patterns are reversed. The sea-level changes associated with the IOD can also lead to increased threats of coastal flooding and associated impacts. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (Other Source: With reference to the dial-up internet, consider the following statements: 1. It is a form of accessing the internet using a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline. 2. It was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches. 3. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — AOL's remaining dial-up internet customers will sign off for the last time as the company is permanently shutting down the service that brought the internet to millions in the US during the early 1980s and 90s. — The origins of dial-up internet service is rooted in Usenet developed in 1979 by two graduate students at Duke University in the United States. It was a way of exchanging messages and files between computers using the UNIX-to-UNIX copy protocol (UUCP). Hence, statement 3 is correct. — Dial-up internet is a form of accessing the internet. It uses a computer's modem and a home telephone line or landline to connect to the internet at 56 kilobits per second or less, which are painfully slow internet speeds by today's standards. Access to the web via dial-up internet was accompanied by characteristic beeps and digital screeches. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — CompuServe was among the first companies to begin 'offering a dial-up online information service to consumers' in 1979. AOL's dial-up internet service made its debut in 1991, as per a report by Gizmodo. — However, by 1995, dial-up internet was being left behind in favour of faster cable internet service that relied on existing cable TV infrastructure. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. NVS-03, NVS-04 and NVS-05 are the satellites related to: (a) Navigation services (b) Communication services (c) Weather-related services (d) Lunar satellites Explanation — ISRO will launch three navigation satellites for its Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by next year, according to a reply in Parliament by the Union MoS for Space Dr Jitendra Singh. — The first of the three, NVS-03, is scheduled to be launched by year-end. The other two, NVS-04 and NVS-05, will be launched after that 'with a gap of six months,' as per data. — The IRNSS was envisioned as a seven-satellite constellation that could provide navigation services over the Indian landmass and a radius of 1,500km around it. — So far, 11 satellites have been launched for the IRNSS constellation. Of these, two failed to reach the intended orbit. In what was ISRO's 100th launch, NVS-02 was sent to space in January this year, but the further orbit raising manoeuvres needed to put the satellite in the proper orbit could not be completed because of a technical glitch. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. The term 'tripledemic' refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses. Which of the following respiratory viruses is not included in tripledemic? (a) COVID-19 (b) Influenza (c) Respiratory syncytial virus (d) Respiratory adenoviruses Explanation — As the UK prepares for a possible 'tripledemic' this autumn and winter, health experts are concerned about the simultaneous spread of three respiratory viruses. As the cold season approaches and respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, India may experience similar issues. — According to Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, a pulmonologist, paediatrician, and allergy expert in Delhi, 'the term 'tripledemic' refers to the simultaneous circulation of three respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza (the flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)'. — This circumstance puts pressure on healthcare resources because all three viruses can cause an increase in hospitalisations, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying health issues. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the neutron stars, consider the following statements: 1. They are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. 2. They constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Neutron stars are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Sometimes, neutron stars orbit each other in binary systems. — These systems constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — Researchers may now examine the physical characteristics of the universe's most severe states because of these mergers. For instance, heavy metals like gold are formed under the circumstances of these high-energy collisions. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. What is the aim of PM-WANI? (a) To promote exclusive high-speed broadband connections for government offices. (b) To replace all existing mobile networks with a single government-run network. (c) To provide free Wi-Fi in public places nationwide. (d) To provide free rechargeable points for cellphones in public places across the country. Explanation — The Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme, launched by the government earlier this year, aims to provide free Wi-Fi in public places nationwide, enabling citizens to access the internet while traveling. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following: 1. The motion of lift from an airfoil, the air is deflected downward by the airfoil's action, and in reaction, the wing is pushed upward. 2. The motion of a spinning ball, the air is deflected to one side, and the ball reacts by moving in the opposite direction. 3. The motion of a jet engine produces thrust and hot exhaust gases flow out the back of the engine, and a thrusting force is produced in the opposite direction. Which of the above mentioned motions are examples of Newton's Third Law ? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation Newton's Third Law: Action & Reaction — Whenever one object exerts a force on a second object, the second object exerts an equal and opposite force on the first. — All three are examples of action and reaction involving aerodynamics. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (source: With reference to Artemis Accords, consider the following statements: 1. They provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space. 2. There are seven nations, along with NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, that are signatories to this accord. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation According to — NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and seven other initial signatory nations, established the Artemis Accords in 2020. With many countries and private companies conducting missions and operations around the Moon, the Artemis Accords provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space. — As per data, there are 56 signatory parties on 24 July, 2025. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 121) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 123) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 122) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 122) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Four new chip plants cleared
The Union cabinet on Tuesday approved four semiconductor units under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), taking the total semiconductor units in India to 10. The four upcoming units - two in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, one in Andhra Pradesh and one in Punjab's Mohali - will have total investments worth ₹4,594 crore. Four new chip plants cleared 'The highest value addition for electronics in the world is at 38% (China), which they achieved in three decades. India will reach there in 1.5 decades,' said Ashwini Vaishnaw, minister of electronics and information technology, at a media briefing at Rail Bhawan. The minister said that with these four additional units, value addition in electronics in India will rise from the current nearly 20% to over 30%. The newly approved projects include SiCSem Pvt. Ltd. in Odisha, with a ₹2,066 crore investment, which will produce silicon carbide-based diodes and MOSFETs; Heterogeneous Integration Packaging Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (HIPSPL) which will invest ₹1,943 crore to produce 70,000 glass panels annually; Continental Device India Pvt. Ltd. (CDIL) which will set up a facility high-power discrete semiconductor components in Mohali with an investment of ₹117 crore and a production capacity of up to 158 million units per year; and Advanced System in Package Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (ASIP) which will invest ₹468 crore to manufacture 96 million units of chips used in consumer electronics annually. 'The industry is witnessing a shift from silicon to silicon carbide, as the latter remains stable under high temperatures and high voltages,' said Vaishnaw. 'In applications like missiles or rockets, where electronics operate in extreme conditions, silicon carbide is the preferred choice.' The minister added that a dedicated research unit for silicon carbide has been established at IIT Bhubaneswar with an investment of ₹45 crore. 'Researchers there have successfully experimented with making wafers from silicon carbide powder,' he said. 'They heat the powder to 2,400 degrees Celsius, turning it into vapour, which is then deposited in layers onto a seed-sized piece of silicon carbide. This process is repeated until the crystal grows to about the size of a potato. Then they slice and make wafers out of it.' The facilities are expected to start construction in the next six months, as was the case with the six semiconductor plants announced previously. HT has learnt that the SiCSem facility in Odisha will be completed by 2027. 'India is making rapid strides in the semiconductor sector, building a robust ecosystem to power our digital future and drive global innovation. Today's Cabinet decision relating to approval of semiconductor units in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab will boost manufacturing capacity, create high-skilled jobs and position India as a key player in the global supply chain' said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X. The ISM, launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore, has so far approved six units - four in Gujarat, one in Assam, and one in Uttar Pradesh. The minister said that the first made-in-India chip is expected to come out in the next two to three months, and that there is serious competition brewing between three of these units to produce the first made in India chip before 2025. A senior IT ministry official told HT that the three competing units are all located in Gujarat, namely the Tata-Micron OSAT facility, the CG Power-Renesas OSAT facility, and the Kaynes Technology OSAT facility. All three are located in Sanand. To be sure, the first 'made-in-India' chip will be a packaged chip, not one produced by a fabrication unit. The latest announcement positions India to meet at least 50–60% of its semiconductor demand in the coming decade, Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), told HT. 'There are significant geo-economic challenges and Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in a foundational industry, and friend-shoring are critical national policies for foundational industries like Semicon,' he added.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on Rhisotope Project and applications of mRNA technology (Week 115)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at How does the Rhisotope Project exemplify the use of science and technology in wildlife conservation efforts? Discuss the potential applications of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19, with reference to its role in tackling emerging infectious diseases. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: How does the Rhisotope Project exemplify the use of science and technology in wildlife conservation efforts? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Recently, a South African university launched an anti-poaching campaign with a unique approach – injecting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. It claimed that the method is harmless for the rhinos and allows customs agents to detect trafficked horns. — The Rhisotope Project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — According to the IAEA, radioactive isotopes, or radioisotopes, are unstable forms of an element that emit radiation in order to transition into a more stable state. The radiation can be identified and usually produces changes in the substance it strikes. — Rhino horns are tagged with tiny amounts of radioactive isotopes via a non-invasive method, allowing them to be detected by radiation portal monitors (RPMs), which are already deployed at borders, ports, and airports across the world to identify unauthorised nuclear items. — To test this method, the researchers employed 3D-printed rhino horns that had the same shielding capabilities as actual keratin, the component that makes up rhino horn. According to the university, the examinations proved the presence of individual horns inside whole 40-foot shipping containers. According to the researchers, the process has proven to be harmless to rhinos while rendering the horn 'useless' and 'poisonous' for people. — The technique is absolutely safe for the animal and effectively detects the horn using international customs nuclear security systems. Conclusion: — The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that the global rhino population was at 500,000 at the beginning of the twentieth century. It has since dropped to 27,000 due to the growing demand for rhino horns. These horns are smuggled to Asian markets, where they are utilised both in traditional medicine and as a prestige symbol. South Africa, home to the world's largest rhino population, has lost almost 10,000 rhinos to poaching in the last decade. — The project itself is not a cure-all or silver bullet to curb poaching, the researchers hope it will prove to be a great deterrent. It would certainly prove to be less disruptive to rhino behaviour compared to dehorning, in which rhinos' horns are removed to deter poaching. (Source: How a new project plans to curb rhino poaching through radioactive isotope injections) Points to Ponder Read about Indian One-horned Rhino Read more about radioisotopes Related Previous Year Question What role do environmental NGOs and activists play in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India? Cite four examples with all important details. (2024) QUESTION 2: Discuss the potential applications of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19, with reference to its role in tackling emerging infectious diseases. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Vaccines train our immune system to respond to pathogens. For instance, traditional vaccines use inactive or weakened versions of a virus to get the immune system to recognise the virus, and create tools to fight it. mRNA vaccines, on the other hand, give instructions to the body to produce a fragment of a virus, which then kickstarts the immune response. — The biggest benefit of mRNA vaccines is that they can be developed within months and quickly altered as the virus changes, unlike traditional vaccines that can take years to develop and test. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: Potential applications of mRNA technology — mRNA therapies have emerged as a promising platform for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer, infections, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. — The significance of mRNA vaccine technology extends beyond treating infectious diseases. For example, US researchers are attempting to employ the technique to treat skin and colon malignancies. — Researchers are now investigating mRNA vaccines for other diseases such as Lyme disease, dengue fever, and HIV. — Recent developments in delivery technologies and RNA stabilisation have increased the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against viral infections. Conclusion: — mRNA therapies use the host's cellular machinery to create target proteins, allowing for extremely targeted and customisable treatments. In the case of cancer, mRNA vaccines that stimulate immune responses against tumor-specific antigens are being developed on a personalised basis. (Source: Why US funding cuts on mRNA vaccine research are significant) Points to Ponder Read more about mRNA vaccines Related Previous Year Question What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 113) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 113) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 114) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
