December 2024
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Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

What are India’s plans for a quantum satellite?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: National Quantum Mission;

Mains level: Significance and challenges of National Quantum Mission;

Why in the News?

The GoI Department of Science and Technology has initiated the National Quantum Mission, with plans to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to facilitate quantum communications.

What is the National Quantum Mission?

  • The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India, specifically under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aimed at fostering research and development in quantum technologies.
  • Approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023, the mission has a budget of approximately ₹6,000 crore (about $730 million) and is set to be implemented from 2023 to 2031.

The primary objectives of NQM include:

  • Development of Quantum Technologies: The mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits within eight years, enhancing India’s capabilities in quantum computing.
  • Quantum Communication: Establishing a secure quantum communication network that spans 2,000 kilometers, facilitating both domestic and international secure communications.
  • Quantum Sensing and Metrology: Advancing technologies for high-sensitivity magnetometers and atomic clocks, which are critical for precision timing and navigation.
  • Quantum Materials: Focusing on the design and synthesis of quantum materials necessary for the fabrication of advanced quantum devices.

What is a quantum satellite?

  • A quantum satellite refers to a communications satellite that employs quantum mechanics principles to secure its signals.
  • This technology is pivotal for enhancing cybersecurity in communications, particularly as traditional encryption methods face vulnerabilities from advances in quantum computing.

Key features of quantum satellites include:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): This technique allows two parties to securely share encryption keys using quantum properties. If an eavesdropper attempts to intercept the key, any measurement made will alter the state of the photons carrying the information, alerting the communicating parties to the breach.
  • Distance Capability: Unlike optical fibers, which have distance limitations (typically 100-250 km), quantum satellites can facilitate secure communications over much greater distances, making them suitable for national and international networks.

What are the significance and drawbacks of QKD?

  • Unconditional Security: QKD provides a level of security that is theoretically unbreakable due to the laws of quantum physics. It ensures that any attempt at eavesdropping will be detectable.
  • Resistance to Quantum Threats: As quantum computers evolve, they pose a threat to current encryption methods. QKD offers a new layer of security that is resilient against these emerging threats.

Drawbacks of QKD: 

  • Authentication Issues: QKD does not inherently authenticate the source of transmissions, which can be problematic.
  • Cost and Infrastructure: Implementing QKD networks can be expensive and complex due to hardware dependencies.
  • Limited Practical Security: The actual security provided by QKD systems may not always match theoretical expectations due to practical engineering challenges.
  • Denial-of-Service Vulnerabilities: Eavesdroppers can disrupt transmissions, potentially denying service to legitimate users.

Way forward: 

  • Integrate Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Complement QKD with PQC to address authentication and denial-of-service vulnerabilities, leveraging advanced classical encryption alongside quantum security.
  • Invest in Scalable Infrastructure: Develop cost-effective, upgradeable quantum hardware and standardized protocols to ensure widespread and sustainable adoption of QKD systems.

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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Union Minister Releases India State of Forest Report, 2023

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Forest Cover in India;

Why in the News?

The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

What is the Forest Survey of India (FSI)?

  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the country. ​
  • It started as an organization called Pre- Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) in 1965 as FAO/UNDP/GOI Project.

What is India’s State of Forest Report?

  • This report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, provides a detailed assessment of the country’s forest and tree resources using satellite data and field surveys.
  • The 2023 edition marks the 18th report in this series.

What are the major highlights of the Report?

  • Total Forest and Tree Cover: India’s total forest and tree cover is 827,357 sq km, representing 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, with 715,343 sq km (21.76%) as forest cover and 112,014 sq km (3.41%) as tree cover.
  • Increase in Forest and Tree Cover: Since 2021, there has been an increase of 1,445 sq km in total forest and tree cover, including a 156 sq km rise in forest cover and a 1,289 sq km increase in tree cover.
  • Top States for Increase: The states with the largest increases in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh (+684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (+559 sq km), Odisha (+559 sq km), and Rajasthan (+394 sq km).
  • States with Largest Forest Areas: The states with the most forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh (85,724 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (67,083 sq km), and Maharashtra (65,383 sq km).
  • Mangrove Cover: India’s total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km, reflecting ongoing efforts in mangrove conservation.
  • Growing Stock and Bamboo Resources: The total growing stock has increased by 262 million cubic meters, and the bamboo-bearing area has expanded by 5,227 sq km, totaling 154,670 sq km.
  • Carbon Stock and Sequestration: India’s forest carbon stock is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, with an increase of 81.5 million tonnes. The country has exceeded its carbon sequestration targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), reaching a carbon stock of 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
  • Technological Advancements: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has implemented advanced technology for real-time fire alerts and forest fire services, improving forest management and conservation practices.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthen Conservation Efforts and Management: Enhance forest management practices, focusing on sustainable forest use, biodiversity conservation, and tackling deforestation, while increasing the involvement of local communities in conservation initiatives.
  • Expand Technological Innovations and Monitoring: Continue leveraging advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of forest health, including fire alerts, and expand data-driven approaches to improve forest protection, carbon sequestration, and restoration efforts.

Mains PYQ:

Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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Minimum Support Prices for Agricultural Produce

On Kisan Diwas: Why terms of trade have improved more for farm workers than farmers

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Issues related to agricultural labour;

Why in the News?

Crop prices have lagged behind the rising production costs, while agricultural wages have grown faster than inflation over the past two decades.

What is ‘Terms of Trade’?

  • Terms of Trade (ToT) refers to the relative prices of goods and services that a country exports compared to the prices of goods and services it imports. In the context of agriculture, it specifically relates to the prices received by farmers for their produce versus the prices they pay for inputs (like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment).
  • A favourable ToT means that farmers are receiving higher prices for their products relative to their costs, which enhances their profitability.

What factors have contributed to the improved terms of trade for farm workers compared to farmers?

  • Wage Growth: Agricultural labourers have experienced significant increases in wages, with their Index of Prices Received (IPR) rising more than threefold from 49.1 to 151.4 between 2004-05 and 2013-14, while their Index of Prices Paid (IPP) increased only modestly from 76.4 to 129.3 during the same period. This resulted in a substantial improvement in their ToT from 64.2% to 117.1%.
  • Stagnation of Farmer Incomes: In contrast, farmers’ IPR rose by only 56.3% from 2013-14 to 2022-23, while their IPP increased by 58.4%. This led to a decline in their ToT from 98.6% to 97.2%, indicating that farmers are facing a cost squeeze as input prices rise faster than the prices they receive for their produce.
  • Economic Diversification: The expansion of employment opportunities outside agriculture has allowed agricultural labourers to seek better-paying jobs in sectors like construction and services, increasing their bargaining power and wage rates.

How do government policies impact the economic conditions (of farmers versus farm workers)?

  • Employment Schemes: Government initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have provided rural labourers with guaranteed employment, improving their income stability and negotiating power against employers.
  • Income Support Programs: Various states have implemented income support schemes targeting women, which have further tightened the labour market and increased wage demands among agricultural workers. For example, Mukhya Mantri Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Yojana (MMKSY).
  • Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices: While subsidies on inputs like fertilizers and electricity have provided some relief to farmers, they have not sufficiently offset the rising costs or improved farmers’ ToT significantly, leading to ongoing economic distress among this group.

What are the broader implications of these changes for the agricultural sector and rural economy?

  • Shift in Economic Power: The improved ToT for agricultural labourers relative to farmers reflects a shift in economic power dynamics within rural areas, potentially leading to greater social mobility for labourers but also highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by farmers.
  • Increased Demand for Labor: As agricultural labourers gain better wages and conditions, there may be a reduction in available labour for farming activities, leading to challenges for farmers who may struggle to find enough workers willing to accept lower wages or demand better working conditions.
  • Social Tensions: The disparities between the economic conditions of farmers and agricultural labourers can lead to social tensions, especially as farmers express dissatisfaction over stagnant incomes while labourers experience wage growth. This situation may exacerbate calls for policy reforms aimed at addressing these inequities.

Way forward: 

  • Enhance Farmer Profitability: Introduce policies to ensure fair pricing for crops, reduce input costs through targeted subsidies, and promote crop diversification and value addition to improve farmers’ income and Terms of Trade (ToT).
  • Strengthen Rural Employment: Expand employment opportunities in rural non-farm sectors and align government schemes like MGNREGA with skill development programs to sustain wage growth for agricultural labourers while addressing labour shortages in farming.

Mains PYQ:

Q What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (UPSC IAS/2020)

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India, Kuwait lift ties to ‘strategic partnership’

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: India-Kuwait relation ;

Why in the News?

During the first bilateral meeting, the leaders of India and Kuwait elevated their relationship to a “strategic partnership,” with trade and defense cooperation identified as the key pillars of their ties.

What are the main areas of cooperation outlined in the new partnership?

  • Defence: Enhanced collaboration in training, joint exercises, defence industry development, and supply of defence equipment.
  • Trade and Investment: Focus on increasing bilateral trade, which was valued at approximately $10.47 billion in 2023-24.
  • Energy: Cooperation in energy sectors, with India being a significant importer of Kuwaiti oil.
  • Technology and Infrastructure: Engagement in IT, fintech, and infrastructure development.
  • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Initiatives to strengthen cultural exchanges and community relations

What prompted the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership?

The partnership aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, where India is seen as a key partner in achieving developmental goals.

  • High-Level Engagement: The Prime Minister of India’s visit to Kuwait marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, which underscored the importance of the relationship and provided a platform for extensive discussions with Kuwaiti leaders.
  • Commitment to Expand Cooperation: During the meetings, both sides expressed a strong commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors such as defence, energy, trade, investment, technology, health, education, and cultural exchanges.
  • Mutual Economic Interests: The two countries have significant economic ties, with India being one of Kuwait’s top trading partners. The bilateral trade was valued at approximately $10.47 billion in 2023-24.
  • Defense Cooperation: A critical aspect of the strategic partnership is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense. This agreement aims to increase cooperation in areas such as joint military exercises, training, defence industry collaboration, and supply of defense equipment.
  • Shared Security Concerns: Both nations condemned terrorism in all its forms and agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, and law enforcement. This shared commitment to security issues contributed to the decision to elevate their relationship.

What are the expected outcomes of this strategic partnership?

  • Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation: The partnership aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including defence, trade, investment, energy, health, education, technology, and cultural exchanges. This includes institutionalizing defence collaboration through joint exercises, training, and supply of defence equipment.
  • Economic Growth: Both countries are looking to boost their economic ties, with bilateral trade already valued at approximately $10.47 billion in 2023-24. The partnership is expected to open new avenues for investment, particularly from Kuwaiti entities in sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food parks in India.
  • Cultural Exchange Programs: A MoU on cultural exchanges for 2025-2029 has been signed, which will facilitate greater interaction in arts and culture between the two nations.
  • Increased People-to-People Ties: The strategic partnership is also anticipated to strengthen ties between the Indian expatriate community in Kuwait, which is the largest foreign community, and the local population, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
  • Regional Stability and Security Cooperation: Both nations have committed to addressing regional security challenges collaboratively, including counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing. This cooperation is vital given the geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.

Way forward: 

  • Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms: Both nations should establish regular bilateral consultations and working groups to ensure the effective implementation of agreements in defence, trade, energy, and other sectors, fostering long-term collaboration.
  • Expanding Regional and Global Cooperation: India and Kuwait should enhance their joint efforts in multilateral forums such as the UN and GCC, focusing on regional stability, economic development, and combating global security challenges, particularly terrorism.

Mains PYQ:

Q The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC IAS/2017)

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In news: Panama Canal

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Panama Canal

 

Why in the News?

US President-elect Donald Trump criticized Panama for charging excessively for US ships’ use of the Panama Canal and threatened a US takeover of the canal.

In news: Panama Canal

About Panama Canal:

Geographical Location:

  • Located in Central America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.
  • 80 km long, spanning across the Isthmus of Panama.
  • Uses a system of locks to raise and lower ships across an elevation of 85 feet (26 meters).

Historical Significance:

  • French started construction in 1881, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, but failed.
  • Completed by the U.S. in 1914, under engineers George Washington Goethals and John Stevens.
  • Control transferred from the U.S. to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties (1977).
  • Present Significance:
    • Crucial for global trade, reducing travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
    • Strategic military value, especially during the World Wars.
    • Major contributor to Panama’s economy through tolls and trade-related activities.

Present Geopolitics:

  • Trump raised concerns about China’s influence in the region, especially Panama’s role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  • In recent years, Chinese companies have been involved in infrastructure projects around the Panama Canal, including logistics and energy sectors.
  • Panama’s 2018 signing of the BRI furthered its ties with China, a development that some view as a challenge to US influence in the region.

 

PYQ:

[2011] Between India and East Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?

1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.

2. Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both I and 2

(d) Neither I nor 2

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Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

What are the new Interception Rules and Safeguards?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Interception Rules and Safeguards

Why in the News?

The Centre has introduced the Telecommunications (Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, replacing Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, allowing certain agencies to intercept phone messages under specific conditions.

About the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951

  • The Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 are a set of regulations that govern the establishment, maintenance, and operation of telecommunication services in India.
  • These rules were framed under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which is a key legislation that grants the government authority to regulate telecommunication networks in India.
  • The rules cover various aspects of telecommunication, such as:
  1. The process for obtaining telecommunication licenses.
  2. The rights and obligations of telecommunication service providers.
  3. The use of telecommunication networks for government purposes.
  4. Provisions for the lawful interception and monitoring of communication for security, investigation, and public interest reasons (Rule 419A).

What do the new Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 state?

  1. Authorization for interception:
    • The Union Home Secretary and the Secretary to the State government in charge of the Home Department can authorize interception orders.
    • An officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary may issue interception orders in unavoidable circumstances (the circumstances are not specified).
  2. Remote areas/operational reasons:
    • In remote areas, or for operational reasons, the head or second senior-most officer of the authorized agency (at central and state levels) can issue orders.
    • These orders must be confirmed by the competent authority within seven days.
    • If not confirmed, the interception ceases and the data cannot be used for any purpose, including court evidence.
  3. Destruction of records:
    • Interception records must be destroyed every six months by the authorized agency and review committee, unless required for functional purposes or court directions.

Will it override Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951?

  • Yes, Rule 419A is replaced with these new rules, introducing changes in the conditions and procedures for interception.
  • Previously, interception was allowed only in emergent cases.
    • The new rules broaden this to include situations where it is not feasible to obtain prior orders in remote areas or due to operational reasons.
  • Under Rule 419A, there was no limit to the number of IGP-rank officers at the State level who could be authorized for interception.
  • The new rules allow only the head and second senior-most officer of the authorized agency at the state level to issue orders.
    • If the order is not confirmed within seven days, any intercepted messages cannot be used for any purposes, including court evidence.

PYQ:

[2021] ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

(a) Article 19
(b) Article 20
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29

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International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

What is Starlink?

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Starlink Project

Why in the News?

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, denied claims that militants in Manipur (India) were using his Starlink satellite internet technology after the Indian Army and police seized Starlink devices alongside weapons.

Starlink’s involvement in Terrorism:

  • The Indian Army shared photos showing weapons and what seemed to be Starlink devices seized in Manipur. The equipment was marked with “RPF/PLA,” referring to a militant group.
  • This discovery raised concerns over the potential bypass of geographic restrictions by non-state actors.
  • Musk denied the allegations, explaining that Starlink services were not operational in India, despite the devices being found in the region.

What is Starlink?

  • Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide broadband internet via a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
  • Satellites are launched ensuring low latency and high-speed connections compared to traditional satellite internet.
  • Starlink uses a large constellation of satellites, each equipped with phased array antennas and parabolic antennas to boost capacity.
  • SpaceX has plans to launch 42,000 satellites, which will create a mega-constellation to provide global coverage.

Does Starlink have regulatory approval in India?

  • Starlink does not yet have regulatory approval in India.
  • India’s regulatory framework restricts the use of foreign satellite communication services, especially for non-commercial purposes.
  • Starlink is however operational in more than 60 countries, including neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan (where it plans to start operations in 2025).

PYQ:

[2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

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Surrogacy in India

Challenges of Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Posthumous Assisted Reproduction

Why in the News?

On October 4, 2024, the Delhi High Court allowed the parents of a deceased man to use his frozen semen for posthumous reproduction. The court cited a similar 2018 case in Germany and noted that the ART Act, 2021, doesn’t specifically address such situations.

What is Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR)?

  • Posthumous reproduction refers to the use of reproductive material (such as sperm or eggs) from a deceased individual to conceive a child after their death.
  • This can include posthumous sperm retrieval, where sperm is collected from a deceased man (typically through medical procedures shortly after death) for future use in assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What does the Law says in India?

  • The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, 2021 governs all fertility treatments and artificial insemination procedures.
  • The ART Rules, 2022 specify guidelines for posthumous sperm retrieval, but only in cases where the deceased was married, and the surviving spouse is the one requesting the retrieval.
    1. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) rejected the parents’ request, clarifying that the law does not apply to “post-mortem grandparenthood.”
  • The Surrogacy Regulation Act applies exclusively to married couples or women with medical needs for surrogacy and does not include grandparents as “intending grandparents.”

Challenges posed by Posthumous Assisted Reproduction (PAR):

PAR presents several legal, ethical, and social challenges:

  • Legal Issues: There’s a lack of clear laws governing the use of gametes after death, especially regarding consent from the deceased and questions about parentage and inheritance. The absence of specific regulations makes it difficult to establish who holds parental rights.
  • Ethical Concerns: Issues include the morality of using a deceased person’s genetic material, the commodification of human tissue, and concerns about grandparenthood. The emotional and ethical implications for surviving family members also come into play.
  • Social and Psychological Issues: Children born through PAR may face challenges related to knowing their deceased parent, and surviving partners may struggle with grief or guilt. Disputes over the deceased’s wishes can complicate family dynamics.
  • Biological Considerations: The long-term storage of gametes can lead to degradation, affecting the quality of embryos or sperm. Preserving genetic material for extended periods also presents technical challenges.
  • Cultural and Religious Concerns: Different cultures and religions may oppose posthumous reproduction, viewing it as morally or spiritually problematic.
  • Access and Equity: PAR can be expensive and may raise issues of access and commercialization, potentially leading to exploitation or unequal access to these technologies.

PYQ:

[2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements: 

1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.

2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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