Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (28-11-2024)

News at a Glance

International Relations: India, ISA ink agreement for solar projects in four Indo-Pacific countries

What is the UNSC Resolution 1701 upon which the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is based?

Social Issues: Child marriages have halved since the introduction of law preventing them: Women and Child Development Ministry

Science and Technology: Army receives Sabal 20 logistics drone

33 supercomputers deployed in India till November: Centre tells Lok Sabha

India, ISA ink agreement for solar projects in four Indo-Pacific countries

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-isa-ink-agreement-for-solar-projects-in-four-indo-pacific-countries/article68918517.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations

Context: Overview of the Project Implementation Agreement

Why in News

India has signed an agreement with the ISA to invest USD 2 million in solar projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.

Overview

• Recently, a significant Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to implement solar energy projects in four Indo-Pacific countries: Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
• This agreement aligns with India’s broader international energy cooperation strategy, aimed at addressing energy access challenges and promoting clean energy solutions in developing countries.

Background and Context

• This initiative is part of India’s commitment to sustainable energy development, particularly in vulnerable countries facing energy challenges.
• The signing of this agreement follows the Wilmington Declarationreleased at the Quad Leaders’ Summit held in Delaware, U.S., on September 21, 2024.
• The Quad countries (India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia) pledged to collaborate on advancing clean energy initiatives, with a focus on private sector investment in high-standard clean energy supply chains.

India’s commitment to investing USD 2 million in solar projects in the aforementioned countries is a direct outcome of this pledge. This financial commitment is expected to foster regional energy cooperation and support clean energy transitions across the Indo-Pacific.

Role of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA), an India-led initiative, has been tasked with implementing the projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
• The ISA, acting as the Project Implementing Agency, will provide programmatic assistance and technical expertise to these countries, leveraging India’s financial support.

Energy Challenges in the Target Countries

The target countries, located in the Indo-Pacific region, face a variety of energy-related issues that hinder their economic development:

• Perishability of agricultural products: Many of these countries lack reliable energy systems to support cold storage for perishable agricultural goods, which affects the agricultural sector and food security.
• Unreliable electricity supply: Healthcare centers and rural areas often experience unreliable electricity, leading to challenges in providing essential services, especially in remote areas without grid connectivity.
• Lack of access to clean energy: In regions where grid power or solar mini-grids are unavailable, people depend on inefficient energy sources, further hindering socio-economic development.

Solar Projects Under Consideration

The solar projects are designed to address these critical challenges and are expected to focus on the following areas:

1. Cold Storage: Solar-powered cold storage units will help reduce the loss of perishable agricultural products, thus enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of local farmers.
2. Solarisation of Healthcare Facilities: Solar energy will be harnessed to power healthcare centers, ensuring that medical services are not disrupted due to power outages, especially in remote areas.
3. Solar Water Pumping Systems: Solar-powered water pumping systems will provide reliable irrigation solutions for farmers in areas where traditional power sources are not available, improving agricultural productivity and water management.

Expected Impact

The successful implementation of these solar projects will have multiple benefits for the recipient countries:

• Enhanced Energy Access: These projects will increase the availability of reliable and sustainable energy, crucial for supporting economic activities and improving living standards.
• Job Creation: The development and maintenance of solar infrastructure will create employment opportunities in the local communities.
• Reliable and Quality Power Supply: Solar energy will provide a consistent and clean power supply, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and improving the overall quality of life.

Broader Goals and Strategic Alignment

• These clean energy initiatives align with India’s broader commitment to addressing climate changeand supporting the transition to clean energy economies.
• Unequal access to energy has long hindered economic and social development, especially in remote and underserved regions.
• By promoting solar energy as a viable solution, these projects aim to tackle issues such as energy poverty, environmental degradation, and climate change impacts.
• Furthermore, this initiative strengthens the Quad countries’ collaborationon clean energy and demonstrates India’s role as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change.
• The projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles are expected to contribute to both local and global prosperity by improving energy security, supporting sustainable development, and reducing carbon emissions.

Conclusion

• India’s solar investment in these four Indo-Pacific countries represents a significant step towards improving energy access and addressing climate change challenges in developing regions.
• The collaboration with the ISA will ensure that the projects are implemented effectively, leading to long-term benefits such as enhanced economic development, job creation, and reliable energy supply in these nations.
• The initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Quad countries to tackle global energy challenges and transition towards sustainable and clean energy systems for the future.

 

CARE MCQ	UPSC PYQ
Q1. India has signed a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to execute solar projects in which of the following countries? 1.  Fiji 2.  Comoros 3.  Madagascar 4.  Seychelles 5.  Sri Lanka Select the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1, 2, 3, 4 b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 c) 2, 3, 4 d) 1, 3, 5	Q.    Consider the following statements: (2016) The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. 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 Ans: (a)

Answer – 1 – A Explanation – ·        India has signed a Project Implementation Agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to execute solar projects in the Indo-Pacific countries of Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and Seychelles. ·        This agreement is part of India’s broader effort to promote clean energy and improve energy access in developing countries. These countries are facing energy challenges such as unreliable electricity supply and lack of solar mini-grids, and the solar projects aim to address these issues by focusing on areas like cold storage, healthcare facilities, and irrigation systems. ·        Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

 

What is the UNSC Resolution 1701 upon which the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is based?

Source: Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/resolution-1701-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-9693450/

UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations

Context: Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon

Why in News

Israel and Lebanon have entered into a ceasefire agreement, backed by the US and based on UNSC Resolution 1701, to end the 13-month conflict and ensure long-term peace along their border.

Overview

• Recently, Israel and Lebanon entered into a ceasefirefollowing a 13-month-long conflict, which had escalated since September 2024. This agreement came after Israel’s security cabinet approved a US-backed proposal to end hostilities.
• The ceasefireofficially came into effect at 4 a.m. local time on November 28, 2024, as announced by US President Joe Biden. The US president indicated that the ceasefire aims to be permanent, and emphasized that Hezbollah and other militant groups should not be allowed to pose a threat to Israel’s security in the future.
• The ceasefire proposal aligns with provisions of UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, which was originally passed in 2006 to resolve the ongoing hostilities between Israeland Hezbollah.

Background of the Conflict

• The conflict that led to the recent ceasefire stems from rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, exacerbated by Israel’s military actions in Palestinein October 2023.
• This has resulted in increased skirmishes along the Blue Line, a UN-delineated border separating Israel from Lebanon. These skirmishes had escalated into a broader conflict, drawing international attention and leading to efforts to mediate a ceasefire.

UNSC Resolution 1701 (2006)

• Resolution 1701was passed by the UN Security Council on August 11, 2006, to end the 2006 Lebanon War, which was triggered when Hezbollah militants attacked Israel, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two others. The war lasted for over a month and resulted in over 1,000 Lebanese casualties and 170 Israeli deaths.

The resolution’s key provisions aimed at securing a long-term ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. These provisions included:

1. Cessation of Hostilities: Immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
2. Buffer Zone: Establishment of a buffer zone along the Blue Line, free from armed groups other than Lebanese security forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
3. Disarmament of Hezbollah: The resolution called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and other armed groups in Lebanon, ensuring that only the Lebanese state’s military had authority within its borders.
4. No Foreign Military Presence: No foreign forces could operate in Lebanon without the government’s consent, including a ban on the supply of arms to Lebanon except as authorized by the Lebanese government.
5. Mine Clearance: Israel was required to provide the United Nations with maps of landmines in Lebanon, which Israel had planted during its past military operations.
6. UNIFIL Deployment: The UNIFIL was authorized to deploy up to 15,000 peacekeepers to monitor the cessation of hostilities, help Lebanese security forces secure the region, and assist in the safe return of displaced Lebanese civilians.

While Resolution 1701 was designed to prevent future hostilities, its full implementation has been a challenge. Skirmishes and violations of the ceasefire have continued, especially in the years following the resolution, and Hezbollah retained its military presence and activities in southern Lebanon.

Current Ceasefire Proposal

The US-backed proposal of November 2024 builds on the framework established by Resolution 1701. The key elements of the current ceasefire proposal include:

1. Cessation of Hostilities: A formal cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah is called for, with a 60-day period to allow for the implementation of further steps.
2. Withdrawal of Hezbollah Fighters: Hezbollah fighters are required to retreat 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border during this period.
3. Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli ground forces are expected to withdraw from the Lebanese territories they have occupied since October 2023, effectively de-escalating the conflict.
4. Lebanese Supervision: Lebanon is tasked with rigorously monitoring Hezbollah’s movements south of the Litani River, to prevent any regrouping of militants in these regions. This will be done through a combination of the Lebanese military, UN peacekeepers, and a multinational committee that will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire terms.
5. Monitoring Mechanism: The situation will be closely monitored by the UN, Lebanese forces, and international bodies to ensure compliance with the ceasefire terms.
6. Israeli Military Operations: Israel has made it clear that it reserves the right to resume military operations if the ceasefire is violated, especially if Hezbollah or any other militant group breaches the agreement.

Strategic Goals of the Ceasefire

• Permanent Cessation of Hostilities: The primary aim of the ceasefire is to end the cycle of violence between Israel and Hezbollah, preventing further escalation along the Blue Line.
• Security for Israel: Israel’s primary concern is to ensure that Hezbollah and other militant groups are not able to threaten its security. The withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the border region is a key component of this.
• Regional Stability: By securing a stable ceasefire, the international community hopes to reduce the risk of broader regional instability. Lebanon, which has suffered significant damage in past conflicts, is especially vulnerable to further violence.

Conclusion

The US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon represents a significant diplomatic effort to bring an end to a prolonged conflict that has disrupted the region. The ceasefire proposal seeks to build on the framework of UNSC Resolution 1701, addressing both the immediate security concerns and long-term challenges posed by Hezbollah’s military presence. While the proposal sets out a roadmap for de-escalation, the success of the ceasefire will depend on the ability of all parties to adhere to the terms, particularly with regard to Hezbollah’s retreat and the monitoring of the border region.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q2   Consider the following statements regarding the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon: 1.  The ceasefire agreement was mediated by the United States and is backed by UNSC Resolution 1701. 2.  Hezbollah is required to retreat 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border within 60 days under the current proposal. 3.  Israel is committed to withdrawing its forces from the territories occupied in Lebanon since October 2023. 4.  The agreement aims to provide a permanent cessation of hostilities without any provisions for international monitoring. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1, 2, and 3 only b) 1, 2, and 4 only c) 2, 3, and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Q.     With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: 2022 It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A 3 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1 and 2 only

Answer 2– A Explanation – ·       Statement 1 is correct. The ceasefire agreement was indeed mediated by the United States, and it is grounded in the provisions of UNSC Resolution 1701, which was passed in 2006 to address hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and call for a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace along the Israel-Lebanon border. ·       Statement 2 is correct. The US-backed ceasefire proposal includes a provision for Hezbollah fighters to withdraw 40 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border within 60 days, as part of efforts to reduce tensions and ensure security along the border. ·       Statement 3 is correct. Under the current ceasefire proposal, Israel is expected to withdraw its forces from territories in Lebanon that it occupied after the escalation in October 2023. This is part of the process of de-escalating the conflict and restoring peace along the border. ·       Statement 4 is incorrect. The agreement includes provisions for international monitoring by the UN peacekeeping forces, the Lebanese military, and a multinational committee. This is crucial for ensuring the effective implementation of the ceasefire and preventing further hostilities. ·        Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Child marriages have halved since the introduction of law preventing them: Women and Child Development Ministry

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/child-marriages-have-halved-since-the-introduction-of-law-preventing-them-women-and-child-development-ministry/article68918998.ece

UPSC Relevance: GS1 Social Issues

Context: the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Why in News

The Indian government has launched the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to reduce child marriages, targeting high-burden states, with a goal of reducing child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029.

Overview

• The issue of child marriage in India has been a significant concern for years, but recent developments indicate positive progress toward its reduction.
• According to Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi, child marriages in India have halved from 47.4% to 23.3% between 2006 and 2019-21, following the enactment of the Prevention of Child Marriage Act in 2006.
• Despite this progress, the issue remains pervasive, with one in five girls in India still married before the legal age of 18.

Key Factors Behind the Reduction:

1. Prevention of Child Marriage Act, 2006: This law was a pivotal step in the fight against child marriage. It set the minimum age for marriage at 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys, with penalties for those who facilitated or participated in child marriages. Since its implementation, the law has played a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of child marriages.
2. Government Initiatives: The Minister’s statement highlighted the government’s active role in preventing child marriages. Over the past year, around two lakh child marriages were prevented, underscoring the effectiveness of the laws, public awareness campaigns, and community-level interventions.
3. Global Perspective: The United Nations has observed a significant global decline in child marriage rates, particularly in South Asia, with India being a major contributor to this reduction. The government’s actions have been instrumental in contributing to these positive trends.

Launch of the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan”:

To further combat child marriage, the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Child Marriage-Free India Campaign) was launched by the government. The campaign has a targeted focus on seven states with high rates of child marriages:

1. West Bengal
2. Bihar
3. Jharkhand
4. Rajasthan
5. Tripura
6. Assam
7. Andhra Pradesh

These states and their districts exhibit significantly higher child marriage rates than the national average, necessitating special attention.

The primary objective of the campaign is to reduce child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029. The government aims to achieve this goal by taking a multi-pronged approach, which includes:

• Raising Awareness: Educating the public, particularly in high-burden districts, to shift societal attitudes and increase awareness about the harms of child marriage.
• Mobilizing Stakeholders: The campaign encourages the active participation of state governments, NGOs, law enforcement, and citizens to create a united front against child marriage.
• Creating Platforms for Action: The launch of the ‘Child Marriage Free Bharat’ portal is designed to raise awareness, report cases of child marriage, and track progress. This platform will help ensure better monitoring and implementation of anti-child marriage initiatives.

Holistic Approach to Ending Child Marriage:

Minister Devi emphasized that legislation alone cannot solve the problem. A comprehensive, whole-of-government approach is required, which includes addressing several interconnected issues:

• Girls’ Education: Ensuring that girls remain in school and complete their education is critical to delaying marriage.
• Skill Development and Employment: Providing skills training and opportunities for women to enter the workforce is essential to empowering them and reducing the likelihood of early marriage.
• Healthcare: Improving women’s reproductive health and overall nutrition is crucial to protect young girls from the adverse effects of early pregnancy.
• Women’s Safety and Security: Strengthening safety measures to prevent trafficking and ensuring that women are protected from violence are also part of the broader strategy.
• Social Protection: Providing social welfare programs that support families and reduce economic pressures that often lead to child marriages.

Supreme Court’s Role:

• The Supreme Court of Indiahas also played a significant role in addressing the issue. In a recent judgment, the Court highlighted that child betrothals—marriages or promises of marriage before the legal age—are often used as a way to evade punishment.
• The Court’s stance reinforces the need for strict action against those involved in facilitating child marriages.

Financial Incentives for Local Action:

• As part of the government’s efforts to curb child marriages, state governments have been encouraged to actively participate in the initiative.
• For instance, a ₹50,000 rewardis being offered to gram panchayats (village councils) that successfully prevent child marriages in their areas.

Conclusion:

• Minister Devi’s statement and the initiatives launched under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyandemonstrate the Indian government’s commitment to eradicating child marriage. While significant progress has been made, the battle is far from over.
• The fight against child marriage requires coordinated efforts at the national, state, and local levels, involving not only legal measures but also changes in social norms, access to education, and economic opportunities for girls and women.

 

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q3.   Consider the following statements regarding the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: 1.  The campaign aims to reduce child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029. 2.  The campaign is focused on 7 states with high child marriage rates, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan. 3.  A financial reward of ₹50,000 is being offered to gram panchayats that successfully prevent child marriages. 4.  The initiative solely relies on legal measures to tackle child marriages. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1, 2, and 3 only b) 1, 2, and 4 only c) 2, 3, and 4 only d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Q.      International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to: (2018) (a) Child Labour (b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change (c) Regulation of food prices and food security (d) Gender parity at the workplace Ans: (a)

Answer 3– A Explanation – ·        The campaign aims to reduce child marriage rates to below 5% by 2029: This is correct. The Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (child marriage-free India campaign) aims to reduce child marriage rates below 5% by 2029. The Minister highlighted this target during the launch of the campaign. ·        The campaign is focused on 7 states with high child marriage rates, including West Bengal, Bihar, and Rajasthan: This is also correct. The campaign specifically targets seven states with a high burden of child marriages: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as nearly 300 high-burden districts. ·        A financial reward of ₹50,000 is being offered to gram panchayats that successfully prevent child marriages: This is correct. As part of the campaign, the state government has announced a ₹50,000 reward for gram panchayats that succeed in preventing child marriages in their areas. ·        The initiative solely relies on legal measures to tackle child marriages: This is incorrect. While laws, including the Prevention of Child Marriage Act, are crucial, the campaign emphasizes the importance of awareness, education, and a whole-of-government approach to tackle the issue. It involves measures beyond legislation, such as promoting girls’ education, skilling, women’s health, safety, and participation in leadership, and social protection. ·        Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Army receives Sabal 20 logistics drone

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-receives-sabal-20-logistics-drone/article68919303.ece

UPSC Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology

Context: Sabal 20 Logistics Drone

Why in News

The Indian Army has procured Sabal 20 logistics drones from EndureAir Systems for deployment in the Eastern sector, while IIT Kanpur has developed Anālakshya, a stealth technology to counter radar detection.

Dr. Verghese Kurien: The ‘Milkman of India’

• The Sabal 20is a cutting-edge logistics drone designed for use in challenging environments, especially in India’s Eastern sector. It was procured by the Indian Army from EndureAir Systems, a company incubated at IIT Kanpur.
• The drone is an electric unmanned helicopterthat uses variable pitch technology and features a tandem rotor configuration, providing a stable flight experience, particularly in high-altitude and rugged terrains.

Key Features of Sabal 20:

• Payload Capacity: The drone can carry up to 20 kgof payload, making it suitable for carrying essential supplies in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL): This allows the drone to operate in confined spaces, making it ideal for operations in challenging terrains like mountainous regions, where runways or open spaces are limited.
• High-Altitude Performance: It is designed to perform well even in high-altitude regions, which is crucial for operations along India’s borders, where many areas are located at elevations.
• Low RPM and Stealth Features: Its low RPM design minimizes noise, reducing its detection during sensitive operations, enhancing its stealth capabilities.
• Stability and Lifting Capacity: The tandem rotor configuration ensures superior stability, and its design minimizes turbulence risks, which is particularly beneficial for high-altitude and long-range operations.
• The drone was developed to fulfill rigorous operational requirements, including long-range deliveries, precision logistics, and high-altitude operations. The Indian Armyhas begun receiving these drones following a tender issued towards the end of 2023, and they are now being deployed.

Anālakshya Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (MSCS)

• The Anālakshya MSCSis an advanced stealth technology developed by IIT Kanpur to enhance the stealth capabilities of military equipment against radar detection systems like Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
• This technology is designed to offer near-perfect wave absorption, making it highly effective in countering radar-based surveillance and missile guidance systems.

Key Features of Anālakshya MSCS:

• Metamaterial Microwave Absorber: The system is based on a textile-based broadband Metamaterial Microwave Absorber, which absorbs radar waves over a broad spectrum. This absorption significantly reduces the radar signature of the object, making it harder to detect.
• Radar and Missile Defense: The technology provides enhanced protection against SAR imaging, a widely used radar system that can detect objects in various weather conditions, including fog or rain. Additionally, it provides effective protection against missiles that use radar guidance systems for targeting.
• Indigenous Development: The system was developed by a team led by  Anantha Ramakrishna, Prof. Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, and Prof. J. Ramkumarat IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with their students. Around 90% of the materials used in the technology are sourced indigenously, underscoring India’s growing capability in self-reliant defense technology.
• Testing and Validation: The technology underwent extensive laboratory and field testingbetween 2019 and 2024, proving its effectiveness under various environmental conditions. This testing ensures that it can be deployed in real-world military scenarios with a high degree of reliability.
• Licensing for Manufacturing: The technology has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems Pvt. Ltd., a private firm that will manage the manufacturing and deployment of the system.

Significance of Both Developments

• Defense Modernization: Both developments are part of India’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities and enhance national security, especially along its northeastern and western borderswhere geographical challenges and high-altitude operations are common.
• Self-Reliance: The indigenous nature of both the Sabal 20 droneand Anālakshya MSCS aligns with India’s push towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense technologies, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
• Strategic Advantage: The drones provide logistical advantagesin delivering supplies to remote areas, especially in high-altitude and conflict-prone zones. The stealth technology offers a tactical edge in countering enemy surveillance systems, making Indian military assets more difficult to detect and target.

Conclusion

• These innovations reflect India’s growing capabilities in advanced defense technologies, which enhance both the effectivenessand security of the Indian military in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
• The Sabal 20 dronebrings logistical capabilities to difficult terrains, and the Anālakshya MSCS significantly boosts stealth defense technology, aligning with India’s broader defense modernization goals.

CARE MCQ

Q4.   Consider the following statements regarding the recent advancements in Indian defense technology: 1.  The Sabal 20 logistics drone is designed for high-altitude operations and features Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology. 2.  Anālakshya, developed by IIT Kanpur, is a metamaterial technology designed to absorb radar waves and enhance stealth capabilities. 3.  The Sabal 20 drone has a payload capacity of 40 kg and uses fixed-wing technology for improved stability. 4.  The Anālakshya system was developed with significant involvement from Indian defense agencies, including the DRDO. Which of the statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1, 2, and 4 only d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Q.   What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018) (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea Ans: c

Answer 4- A Explanation ·       Statement 1 is correct because Sabal 20 is designed for high-altitude operations and uses VTOL technology for operations in confined and rugged terrains. ·       Statement 2 is correct because Anālakshya is a metamaterial microwave absorber that enhances stealth by absorbing radar waves. ·       Statement 3 is incorrect because the Sabal 20 has a 20 kg payload capacity, not 40 kg, and it uses tandem rotor configuration, not fixed-wing technology. ·       Statement 4 is incorrect because Anālakshya was developed by IIT Kanpur, not directly by defense agencies like DRDO. ·       Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

 

33 supercomputers deployed in India till November: Centre tells Lok Sabha

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/33-supercomputers-deployed-in-india-till-november-centre-tells-lok-sabha/article68919399.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology, GS2- Polity and Governance

Context: Overview of India’s Supercomputing Advancements

Why in News

India has deployed 33 supercomputers with a combined capacity of 32 petaflops under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), aimed at achieving self-reliance in supercomputing technologies.

What is a Petaflop?

• A petaflopis a unit of computing speed, representing one quadrillion (1,000 trillion) floating-point operations per second.
• The term is used to measure the performance of high-performance supercomputers, with higher petaflop values indicating more powerful systems capable of processing vast amounts of data.

Key Developments under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)

1. Deployment of Supercomputers:
   • India has 33 supercomputers in total, with a combined capacity of 32 petaflops. These machines are deployed across academic institutions, research organizations, and R&D labs across India.
   • Notably, PARAM Rudra supercomputers were dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26, 2024. These supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support advanced research in various scientific fields, including physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.

1. Indigenous Development:
   • One of the major accomplishments under the NSM is the indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of supercomputing technologies. This reduces India’s dependency on foreign imports for supercomputing hardware and software.
   • The PARAM Rudra supercomputers, in particular, have been completely developed within India, showcasing the nation’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge technologies.
2. Scientific and Research Applications:
   • The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune, using a 1 petaflop supercomputer, will focus on exploring astronomical phenomena.
   • The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi, equipped with a 3 petaflop supercomputer, will enhance research in material science and atomic physics.
   • The SN Bose Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata, with its 838 teraflop supercomputer, will facilitate advanced research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.
3. NSM Ecosystem and Self-Reliance:
   • The NSM was launched in April 2015 with a budget of Rs 4,500 crore over a span of seven years. The mission’s focus is not only on hardware but also on building a comprehensive ecosystem that includes:
     • Designing and developing supercomputers,
     • Manufacturing the hardware domestically,
     • Creating a system software stack and applications tailored for India’s needs.
   • This self-reliant approach is aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance), specifically focusing on empowering India’s research and technological sectors.

International Comparison

• According to the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List, the United States leads in terms of supercomputing capacity, with an estimated total of 6,475 petaflops.
• While India’s current supercomputing capacity of 32 petaflops is significantly lower, the continued development and deployment under the NSM are positioning India as a growing player in the global supercomputing landscape.

Strategic Importance

The deployment of high-performance supercomputers like PARAM Rudra and the focus on self-reliance in supercomputing technology have strategic importance for India:

1. Scientific Advancements: Facilitating research in critical areas such as earth sciences, cosmology, material science, and physics.
2. National Security: Supercomputers are crucial in simulating complex defense systems, cryptography, and climate modeling, which are integral to national security.
3. Economic and Technological Growth: By advancing in supercomputing, India can foster innovation in AI, big data, cloud computing, and other emerging fields.

Conclusion

• India’s progress in supercomputing under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)is a landmark achievement in building indigenous capabilities in advanced technologies.
• The development of PARAM Rudraand other high-performance systems marks a pivotal step towards self-reliance, supporting scientific research, national security, and technological innovation.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q5      Consider the following statements regarding the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) in India: The PARAM Rudra supercomputers are designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in India. The National Supercomputing Mission aims to reduce dependency on imports by focusing on self-reliance in supercomputing technologies. A petaflop is a unit used to measure the computing speed of a supercomputer. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1, 2, and 3 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1 and 3 only

Q.    Which one of the following-is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned ?2022 A Cloud Services B Quantum Computing C Visible Light Communication Technologies D Wireless Communication Technologies Ans: B

Answer 5- A Explanation ·        Statement 1 is correct: The PARAM Rudra supercomputers have been designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in India. ·        Statement 2 is correct: The NSM aims to reduce India’s dependency on imported supercomputing technologies and promotes self-reliance. ·        Statement 3 is correct: A petaflop is indeed a unit used to measure the computing speed of supercomputers, representing one quadrillion (10^15) floating-point operations per second. ·        Therefore, option A is the correct answer.