UPSC CARE Mains Practice 9th october 2025
Topic – Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
Q1. Why was the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded for Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)? Explain the idea behind the discovery and discuss its global and Indian significance. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Richard Robson (Australia/UK), Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), and Omar M. Yaghi (US/Jordan) for developing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — a breakthrough that changed how scientists design materials. MOFs are tiny, sponge-like crystals that can trap gases, store energy, and even pull water from air, showing how chemistry can create solutions for real-world problems like pollution and climate change.
Body
- What Are Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)?
- The Scientists and Their Contributions
- Why the Discovery Matters
- India’s Impact and Relevance
Conclusion
The 2025 Chemistry Nobel celebrates the power of imagination in science. By turning “empty space” into something useful, the laureates proved that chemistry can build materials of the future — atom by atom. For India and the world, MOFs stand as a symbol of innovation for sustainability, where science meets human need and creativity meets care for the planet.
UPSC Syllabus
2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Why was this question asked?
Q. The Nobel Prize in Physics of 2014 was jointly awarded to Akasaki, Amano and Nakamura for the invention of Blue LEDs in 1990s. How has this invention impacted the everyday life of human beings? (2021)
Introduction
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Richard Robson (Australia/UK), Susumu Kitagawa (Japan), and Omar M. Yaghi (US/Jordan) for developing Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — a breakthrough that changed how scientists design materials. MOFs are tiny, sponge-like crystals that can trap gases, store energy, and even pull water from air, showing how chemistry can create solutions for real-world problems like pollution and climate change.
Body
What Are Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)?
- MOFs are porous crystalline materials made by joining metal ions (the “nodes”) with organic linkers (the “connectors”).
- These frameworks have huge internal surface areas — even a few grams can cover the area of a football field.
- Their “empty spaces” or pores can be tuned to trap specific gases, store clean fuels, or filter pollutants.
- In simple terms, MOFs are tiny boxes within boxes — designed by chemists to hold or release molecules as needed.
The Scientists and Their Contributions
- Richard Robson (1980s):
First visualized that molecular structures could be designed like architecture. He created diamond-like frameworks using copper and organic molecules — the first glimpse of MOFs. - Susumu Kitagawa (1997):
Built 3D frameworks with cobalt, nickel, and zinc that could “breathe” — expand or contract as gases entered or left. This made MOFs practical and reusable. - Omar M. Yaghi (1990s–2000s):
Developed reticular chemistry, a method to build materials from pre-set building blocks. His MOF-5 became famous for being both strong and stable, marking a new age of material design.
Why the Discovery Matters
- Fighting Climate Change:
MOFs like CALF-20 trap carbon dioxide from factory emissions. - Harvesting Water:
MOF-303 captures moisture from desert air to produce clean drinking water. - Clean Energy:
NU-1501 and MOF-177 can store hydrogen and methane for use as green fuels. - Purifying Water and Air:
UiO-67 removes toxic chemicals and pollutants from water sources. - Industrial and Medical Uses:
Used in drug delivery, semiconductor manufacturing, and catalysis. - These discoveries showed that chemistry can design space itself — not just solid matter — creating a new “grammar of materials.”
India’s Impact and Relevance
- Research and Industry:
Indian institutes like IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, and CSIR-NCL Pune are actively developing low-cost MOFs for carbon capture, water purification, and gas storage. - Sustainability Goals:
MOFs align with India’s goals under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and the National Hydrogen Mission by supporting clean energy and air. - Economic and Environmental Benefit:
Scalable MOF technology could help India manage urban pollution, industrial waste, and drinking water shortages — especially in dry states like Rajasthan or Gujarat.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chemistry Nobel celebrates the power of imagination in science. By turning “empty space” into something useful, the laureates proved that chemistry can build materials of the future — atom by atom. For India and the world, MOFs stand as a symbol of innovation for sustainability, where science meets human need and creativity meets care for the planet.
Topic – Invasive Alien Species (IAS) problem
Q 2. India’s invasive alien species (IAS) problem poses a growing threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Discuss the ecological, economic, and policy challenges involved, and suggest a comprehensive strategy for addressing this crisis. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native organisms that outcompete indigenous flora and fauna, disrupt ecosystems, and impose severe ecological and economic costs. India faces a mounting IAS crisis—from Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora in forests to Water hyacinth and Alligator weed in wetlands—posing serious threats to biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Body
- Scope and Scale of the IAS Problem
- Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts
- Government Policies and Institutional Framework
- Key Challenges in IAS Management
- Way Forward
Conclusion
India’s IAS challenge is a silent ecological invasion undermining biodiversity and livelihoods. Addressing it requires a proactive, science-driven, and participatory strategy that merges documentation, regulation, and restoration. Shifting from reactive control to preventive ecological stewardship can secure the country’s ecosystems for future generations.
UPSC Syllabus
Threats to biodiversity
Why was this question asked?
Q. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? [2018]
Introduction
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are non-native organisms that outcompete indigenous flora and fauna, disrupt ecosystems, and impose severe ecological and economic costs. India faces a mounting IAS crisis—from Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora in forests to Water hyacinth and Alligator weed in wetlands—posing serious threats to biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods.
Body
Concept and Background
- Scope and Scale of the IAS Problem
- India has over 139 terrestrial IAS and 600 alien aquatic species, many introduced through aquaculture, ornamental trade, or as biological controls.
- Terrestrial examples: Lantana camara blocks elephant corridors; Prosopis juliflora dominates Gujarat’s Banni grasslands, aggravating salinity and displacing native grasses.
- Aquatic examples: Water hyacinth and Alligator weed choke lakes across Assam, Kerala, and Telangana, depleting oxygen and threatening fish diversity.
- IAS now endanger over 1,000 native freshwater fish species and alter soil, hydrology, and nutrient cycles across ecosystems.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts
- Biodiversity loss: Native species become locally extinct as IAS monopolise resources.
- Ecosystem imbalance: Alteration of food webs, soil porosity, and hydrology reduces ecosystem resilience.
- Agricultural and livelihood losses: Pests like Parthenium hysterophorus reduce crop yields, while invasive shrubs limit grazing and fuel human-wildlife conflict.
- Economic burden: Continuous eradication, monitoring, and restoration drain state resources.
Government Policies and Institutional Framework
- Biological Diversity Act (2002):
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Boards regulate access to biological resources, prevent harmful introductions, and maintain People’s Biodiversity Registers. - Draft National Policy for Invasive Species (MoEFCC):
Proposes risk assessment, early detection, rapid response, and coordination among forest, agriculture, and fisheries departments. - Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
Under Article 8(h), India must prevent, control, and mitigate the impacts of alien species that threaten ecosystems.
Despite these frameworks, implementation gaps and poor inter-agency coordination persist.
Key Challenges in IAS Management
- Poor Baseline Data: Most species lack mapped invasion histories—e.g., Alligator weed in Assam and Water hyacinth in southern lakes—making ecological prioritisation difficult.
- Fragmented Institutional Mechanism: Research by ATREE, KFRI, and forest departments remains uncoordinated, leading to overlapping or inconsistent control strategies.
- Regulatory Loopholes: Weak border quarantine and import checks permit continuous entry of alien aquarium and ornamental species like Tilapia and Guppy.
- Socio-Cultural Blind Spots: Communities view Lantana camara or Prosopis juliflora as useful firewood or shade plants, not as ecological threats.
- Operational Constraints: Removal operations in dense or protected zones (e.g., Kaziranga, Banni grasslands) suffer from inadequate manpower, funds, and restoration expertise.
Way Forward
- Act and Document Simultaneously: Combine on-ground eradication with continuous research and monitoring.
- National IAS Database: Integrate GIS mapping, biodiversity registers, and citizen reporting for real-time surveillance.
- Tighter Regulation: Strengthen screening of plant, fish, and pet imports through coordinated MoEFCC-Agriculture oversight.
- Ecological Restoration: Replant cleared zones with native flora suited to local soils and hydrology.
- Community Vigilance: Train and empower local biodiversity committees to detect, report, and manage invasions.
Conclusion
India’s IAS challenge is a silent ecological invasion undermining biodiversity and livelihoods. Addressing it requires a proactive, science-driven, and participatory strategy that merges documentation, regulation, and restoration. Shifting from reactive control to preventive ecological stewardship can secure the country’s ecosystems for future generations.