Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (02-07-2025)
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance
Context: National Sports Policy 2025
Why in News
The National Sports Policy 2025, approved by the Union Cabinet on July 1, 2025, aims to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse by aligning sports with education, economic growth, and social development.
Introduction
- The Union Cabinet approved the much-anticipated National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s sports governance.
- Announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the policy aims to reimagine India’s sporting ecosystem and position the country as a global sporting powerhouse.
- It replaces the outdated National Sports Policy 2001, bringing it in alignment with contemporary socio-economic aspirations and global best practices.
Need for a New Sports Policy
The 2001 Policy was increasingly seen as outdated and not aligned with:
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- India’s growing demographic dividend and aspirations.
- The emergence of sports as a driver of economic and social change.
- Global benchmarks in sports infrastructure, governance, and performance.
- India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympic Games and improve its medal tally in global events necessitated a strategic, inclusive, and futuristic framework.
Consultative Framework
The NSP 2025 is the result of multi-stakeholder consultations, involving:
- Central Ministries and State Governments.
- NITI Aayog, which provided developmental inputs and monitoring frameworks.
- National Sports Federations (NSFs).
- Athletes, domain experts, private sector stakeholders.
- Public feedback to ensure inclusivity.
Five Strategic Pillars of NSP 2025
1. Excellence on the Global Stage
- Objective: Make India a consistent top performer at global sporting events including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Paralympics.
- Key Measures:
- High-Performance Centres of Excellence with world-class coaching, sports science, and nutrition.
- Dedicated support for elite athletes under programs like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme).
- Improved talent scouting from grassroots to elite levels.
2. Sports for Economic Development
- Objective: Position sports as an economic growth engine.
- Key Measures:
- Boosting sports tourism and infrastructure investment.
- Promoting sports manufacturing clusters under Make in India.
- Encouraging sports startups, analytics, wearable tech, and data science.
- Job creation in coaching, physiotherapy, sports management, event organization.
3. Sports for Social Development
- Objective: Leverage sports for gender empowerment, inclusion of divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and reduction of social disparities.
- Key Measures:
- Expansion of Khelo India to tribal and rural areas.
- Incentivizing girls’ participation in school and community sports.
- Integration of sports in de-addiction, youth reform, and prison programs.
4. Sports as a People’s Movement
- Objective: Embed sports in everyday life to promote fitness, community bonding, and national pride.
- Key Measures:
- Mass participation through initiatives like Fit India Movement, Run for Unity, School Sports Day.
- Making sports part of urban and rural planning, with sports-friendly neighborhoods.
- Engaging private companies and CSR funds for sports promotion.
5. Integration with Education (NEP 2020)
- Objective: Recognize sports as a critical part of holistic education.
- Key Measures:
- Sports to be mainstreamed in school and college curricula.
- PE teachers and coaches to be included in faculty structures.
- Introduction of sports science and management courses in universities.
Institutional and Policy Reforms
- Performance-linked funding to National Sports Federations.
- Establishment of a National Sports Development Authority (NSDA) for convergence, monitoring, and implementation.
- Digitization of athlete performance data, transparent selection, and grievance redressal.
- Encouragement to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure development and training.
Linkage with International Events and Goals
- Aims to create Olympic-ready infrastructure in urban centres.
- Aligns with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3 – Good health and well-being.
- SDG 5 – Gender equality.
- SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth.
- Makes India a contender to host the 2036 Olympic Games, showcasing soft power and global leadership.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
| Challenge | Suggested Measures |
| Uneven sports infrastructure | Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities must be prioritized under PM-USP (Urban Sports Push) |
| Talent retention and brain drain | Provide long-term career assurance for athletes in public and private sectors |
| Governance issues in NSFs | Enforce transparency, audits, and merit-based leadership |
Conclusion
- The National Sports Policy 2025 is a visionary document that goes beyond medals to view sports as a tool for national development, empowerment, and pride.
- By aligning with educational reforms, leveraging economic potential, and building global competitiveness, it sets the foundation for a New India where every citizen has the opportunity to play, excel, and transform through sports.
- As the nation aspires to host the 2036 Olympics, NSP 2025 becomes the guiding compass for India’s tryst with sporting destiny.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the National Sports Policy 2025, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)
Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c) |
| Answer 1- B
Explanation
|
Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
Why in News
The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme aims to generate 3.5 crore formal jobs in two years by providing wage incentives to both first-time employees and employers.
Introduction
- With the objective of boosting formal employment, especially in the manufacturing sector, the Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, which was earlier announced in the Union Budget 2024–25.
- The scheme has a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore and aims to generate 3.5 crore formal jobs over a period of two years, from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027.
Objective of the Scheme
The ELI scheme is designed to:
- Promote employment generation, especially among first-time job seekers.
- Encourage sustained employment and reduce attrition.
- Provide wage incentives to both employees and employers.
- Strengthen formalization by integrating workers into the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- Enhance social security coverage and financial literacy of workers.
Structure of the Scheme
The scheme is divided into two parts:
Part A: Incentives for First-Time Employees
- Target Group: First-time entrants into the formal workforce registered with EPFO.
- Incentive Type: Wage subsidy equivalent to one month’s EPF wage, up to a maximum of ₹15,000, paid in two instalments.
Eligibility Conditions:
-
- Monthly salary up to ₹1 lakh.
- First instalment after 6 months of continuous service.
- Second instalment after 12 months of service and completion of a financial literacy programme.
- A part of the benefit will be deposited into a savings instrument or fixed deposit, accessible after a fixed tenure to inculcate saving habits.
- Expected Impact: Of the 3.5 crore jobs targeted, approximately 1.92 crore beneficiaries are expected to be first-time workers under Part A.
- Payment Mode: All payments will be made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the employee’s account.
Part B: Incentives for Employers to Generate Additional Employment
- Target Group: EPFO-registered employers across all sectors, with special emphasis on manufacturing.
- Incentive to Employers:
- For each additional employee (with minimum 6 months of sustained employment), employers will receive:
- ₹1,000/month for EPF wage up to ₹10,000.
- ₹2,000/month for wage between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000.
- ₹3,000/month for wage between ₹20,000 and ₹1 lakh.
- For each additional employee (with minimum 6 months of sustained employment), employers will receive:
- Minimum Hiring Conditions:
- Employers with <50 employees: Must hire at least 2 additional employees.
- Employers with ≥50 employees: Must hire at least 5 additional employees.
- Special Provision for Manufacturing Sector:
- While incentives in other sectors are provided for 2 years, manufacturing firms will receive extended benefits for up to 4 years.
- Payment Mode: Payments will be transferred to PAN-linked employer accounts.
Financial and Administrative Details
- Scheme Duration: August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2027 (2 years).
- Total Budgetary Outlay: ₹99,446 crore.
- The scheme is part of the broader PM’s Package for Employment and Skilling, which has an overall budget of ₹2 lakh crore.
- Administered under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in coordination with EPFO.
Significance of the Scheme
1. Addressing Unemployment
- Provides direct incentives to hire and retain new workers, especially youth and first-time job seekers.
- Helps reduce informal employment by bringing more workers under EPF coverage.
2. Boosting Manufacturing
- Offers extended support to the manufacturing sector, which is crucial for absorbing low-skilled and semi-skilled labour.
3. Improving Social Security
- By mandating EPF registration, it expands access to social security and retirement benefits.
4. Promoting Women’s Employment
- Though not explicitly mentioned, incentives for first-time employment and lower-wage categories could especially benefit women entering the workforce.
5. Fiscal Stimulus with Employment Multiplier
- Aligns with post-pandemic recovery efforts by incentivizing labour-intensive sectors and job creation.
Challenges:
- Verification and monitoring of sustained employment.
- Potential misuse or false reporting by employers.
- Exclusion of informal sector employers not registered with EPFO.
- Scheme’s effectiveness depends on economic growth and demand for labour.
Recommendations:
- Strengthen digital tracking mechanisms using Aadhaar and EPFO data.
- Conduct independent impact assessments.
- Combine with skilling schemes like PMKVY for better employability.
- Consider gender and regional inclusivity during implementation.
Conclusion
- The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme represents a significant policy effort to generate formal employment and revitalize the manufacturing sector in India.
- With a strong emphasis on incentivizing both employers and employees, it is poised to contribute to the vision of “Viksit Bharat by 2047” through job creation, social security, and economic empowerment.
- Its success, however, will depend on effective implementation, transparency, and convergence with other labour and skilling initiatives.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. Consider, the following statements : (2023)
Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Ans: (d) |
| Answer 2- A
Explanation
|
India Energy Stack as a Digital Revolution in the Power Sector
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: India Energy Stack (IES)
Why in News
The India Energy Stack (IES) aims to digitally unify India’s fragmented power sector by enabling real-time data sharing, interoperability, and peer-to-peer energy trading through a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model.
Introduction
- The Government of India, through the Ministry of Power, has constituted a 17-member task force led by eminent technocrat Nandan Nilekani to develop the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aimed at transforming India’s fragmented electricity ecosystem.
- IES aspires to do for the energy sector what Aadhaar did for identity and UPI for digital finance.
Why a DPI-Style Intervention is Necessary
India’s power sector is governed as a concurrent subject, with responsibilities shared between the Centre and States. This has resulted in:
- Fragmented governance
- Incompatible digital platforms
- Lack of real-time data integration
- Limited consumer empowerment
- According to FSR Global (knowledge partner for the IES initiative), these have created “isolated digital islands” rather than a unified energy platform. Consequently, India’s energy sector struggles to efficiently meet the growing power demand, especially with increasing renewable energy integration.
Key Challenges Identified in the Power Sector
The concept brief identifies four core challenges:
- Lack of Unique Identification
- No unified ID exists for energy consumers, assets (like transformers, meters), or stakeholders.
- Leads to inefficiencies in tracking consumption, generation, and ownership.
- Absence of Real-Time Harmonised Data
- Data is siloed across discoms, state load dispatch centres (SLDCs), and regulators.
- Decision-making is suboptimal and reactive rather than predictive.
- Lack of Scalability for Innovators
- Startups and solution providers are constrained by dependence on proprietary systems.
- No common API or open protocol to build solutions on.
- Poor Interoperability
- Regional data silos prevent cross-Discom energy transactions and inter-state coordination.
- Consumers cannot efficiently trade or manage electricity across networks.
What is the India Energy Stack (IES)?
The India Energy Stack (IES) is envisioned as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) similar to Aadhaar or UPI. It will act as a foundational technology layer for:
- Unique identification of stakeholders and assets
- Real-time data exchange between market participants
- Interoperability among power systems and applications
- Trust-based transactions between producers, consumers, and grid operators
A core component of the architecture is the Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP) — an application layer that will enable services like energy trading, virtual power plants, and real-time grid management.
Key Features and Possibilities of the IES
The India Energy Stack is set to unlock a digitally integrated, consumer-empowered energy ecosystem, with the following features:
1. Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading
- Prosumers (producer-consumers) can trade surplus solar or stored energy with neighbours.
- Payments can be settled instantly via a UPI-like system.
2. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
- Aggregated control of distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar, batteries, EVs.
- Optimised demand-supply balancing using AI and analytics.
3. Real-Time Grid Management
- Load dispatch centres and grid operators can access harmonised, real-time data.
- Precise decisions on load balancing, curtailment, and grid stability.
4. Carbon Offset Tracking
- Transparent and auditable records of renewable energy generation.
- Facilitates compliance with national and international climate commitments.
5. Energy Fintech Ecosystem
- Fintech solutions for micro-loans, bill financing, demand response incentives.
- Transparent credit scoring based on real energy data.
Governance and Implementation Roadmap
Task Force Composition
- Chief Mentor: Nandan Nilekani (Infosys co-founder, UIDAI founding chair)
- Chairperson: Ram Sewak Sharma (First Director General, UIDAI)
- Chief Architect: Pramod Verma (Chief Architect, Aadhaar)
- Nodal Agency: REC Ltd (a CPSE under Ministry of Power)
Supporting Structure:
- 5 expert working groups (Technology, Distribution, Operations, Policy/Regulation, Markets)
- Total of 35 members across sectors
Proof of Concept (PoC):
- A 12-month pilot to test foundational blocks of IES.
- Real-world use cases to validate architecture, performance, and benefits.
Challenges Ahead for Full Rollout
Despite promising potential, several factors will determine the success of the India Energy Stack:
- Cooperation from State Utilities: Since electricity is a concurrent subject, uniform adoption across states is critical.
- Adoption of Smart Meters and Digital Infrastructure: Smart meters, IoT devices, and data platforms must be scaled rapidly.
- Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: As the system digitises sensitive utility and consumer data, robust data protection frameworks are essential.
- Capacity Building and Institutional Readiness: Regulatory bodies, discoms, and operators must be trained in using and integrating the UIP.
Conclusion
- The India Energy Stack (IES) represents a bold vision to transform India’s power sector into a digitally integrated, consumer-centric, and decarbonised ecosystem.
- Drawing lessons from the success of Aadhaar and UPI, it aims to build a Digital Public Infrastructure for energy that ensures transparency, efficiency, and innovation.
- With the right mix of political will, technological maturity, and institutional cooperation, IES can usher in a new era of energy democracy and help meet India’s growing energy needs sustainably.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to the India Energy Stack (IES), consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 only |
Q. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (a) |
| Answer 3- C
Explanation
|
INS Udaygiri and INS Tamal Showcasing India’s Naval Power
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Defence
Context: INS Udaygiri and INS Tamal
Why in News?
India enhanced its naval strength by receiving the indigenously built INS Udaygiri under Project 17A and commissioning INS Tamal, the last foreign-built frigate from Russia.
Introduction
- India’s maritime strength witnessed a significant boost on July 1, 2025, with the delivery of INS Udaygiri, a stealth frigate under Project 17A, and the commissioning of INS Tamal, a Russian-built Talwar-class frigate.
- These developments reflect both the progress of India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities and the legacy of long-standing defence cooperation with Russia, thereby strengthening India’s blue-water naval aspirations and regional maritime dominance.
Part I: INS Udaygiri – Indigenous Stealth Frigate Under Project 17A
Overview
INS Udaygiri is the second of seven stealth multi-role frigates being built under Project 17A, the successor to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) warships. Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai, the ship was delivered to the Indian Navy in just 37 months from its launch date—marking a record in indigenous warship construction.
Features and Capabilities
- Stealth Design: Advanced shaping and materials reduce radar and acoustic signatures.
- Weapon Systems:
- Supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles (likely BrahMos).
- Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM).
- 76 mm naval gun, 30 mm and 12.7 mm CIWS.
- Sensor Suite: Modern sonar and radar systems, fully integrated for multi-dimensional warfare.
- Blue-Water Capability: Operates across the high seas to protect India’s maritime interests.
Symbol of Indigenisation
- Designed by: Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy.
- Indigenous Content: Major systems sourced domestically.
- Industrial Ecosystem: Over 200 MSMEs contributed to components and systems.
- Legacy: Named after the erstwhile INS Udaygiri (decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years of service).
Part II: INS Tamal – The Last Foreign-Built Frigate
INS Tamal (F71), commissioned on the same day at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, marks the last foreign-built major warship for India. It is the eighth ship of the Talwar-class (Project 1135.6) and the second follow-on ship of the Tushil-class.
Significance
- Final Import: Represents a strategic shift to full indigenisation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
- Historical Partnership: It is the 51st ship built under Indo-Russian naval collaboration, spanning 65 years.
- Command and Ceremonial Role: Commanded by Captain Sridhar Tata; the commissioning was attended by high-ranking Indian and Russian officials.
Combat and Operational Features
- Multi-Domain Warfare:
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (dual-role).
- Extended-range surface-to-air missiles (VLS launched).
- 100 mm main gun, 30 mm CIWS, rocket launchers, and torpedoes.
- NBC Defence: Equipped with systems for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical threats.
- Automated Systems: Advanced damage control and firefighting from protected zones.
- Indigenous Content: Although foreign-built, 26% of its components are Indian, including the HUMSA-NG sonar and BrahMos missiles.
Deployment
- Tamal will soon join the Western Fleet at its homeport in Karwar, Karnataka, reinforcing maritime operations in the Arabian Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
Comparative Insight: Indigenous vs Foreign Build
| Feature | INS Udaygiri | INS Tamal |
| Project | Project 17A (Successor of Shivalik) | Project 1135.6 (Talwar-class) |
| Builder | Mazagon Dock, India | Yantar Shipyard, Russia |
| Status | Indigenous build | Foreign-built, last import |
| Weapon Suite | BrahMos (likely), MRSAM, guns, CIWS | BrahMos, VLS SAMs, CIWS, torpedoes |
| Indigenous Content | Majority components from Indian firms | 26% (e.g. BrahMos, HUMSA-NG sonar) |
| Delivery/Commissioning Date | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| Significance | Quantum leap in self-reliance | Symbol of historic Indo-Russian ties |
Strategic and Policy Implications
1. Maritime Security
- Both ships enhance India’s ability to counter threats in the Indo-Pacific region, secure SLOCs (Sea Lines of Communication), and conduct blue-water operations.
2. Defence Indigenisation
- INS Udaygiri reflects the maturation of indigenous naval design and shipbuilding.
- INS Tamal marks the end of major foreign warship imports, aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
- Geostrategic Diplomacy:
- While Udaygiri represents internal capacity building, Tamal reflects external strategic trust, especially with Russia—India’s long-term defence partner.
Conclusion
- The simultaneous induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Tamal represents a pivotal moment in India’s maritime and defence trajectory.
- Together, they embody both self-reliant progress and strategic partnerships, enabling India to assert itself as a major blue-water naval power.
- As threats evolve in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, such platforms will be instrumental in securing India’s maritime interests and global standing.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q4. With reference to INS Udaygiri and INS Tamal, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? 2016
Answer: (c) |
| Answer – 4 – D
Explanation –
|
Indo-French Army Exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ Concludes in France
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Defence
Context: Shakti 2025’ Exercise
Why in News?
The 8th edition of the Indo-French joint military exercise ‘Shakti 2025’ was conducted in France.
Introduction
- Exercise Shakti 2025, the eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French army exercise, was conducted from June 18 to June 26, 2025, in France, aiming to enhance joint operational preparedness in sub-conventional warfare scenarios under the framework of the United Nations Charter.
Background
- Exercise Shakti is a biennial bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the French Army.
- It is alternately conducted in India and France. The exercise forms a key component of the broader India-France defence partnership, which also includes:
- Exercise Garuda between the Air Forces
- Exercise Varuna between the Navies
- Over the years, these exercises have increased in scope, complexity, and interoperability, reflecting the strengthening strategic and defence relationship between the two countries.
Key Features of Shakti 2025
Duration and Location
- Exercise Period: June 18 to June 26, 2025
- Phase I Location: Aveyron, Monclar district
- Phase II Location: Hérault region
Participating Forces
- Indian Side:
- 90 personnel
- Led by a battalion from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles
- Included troops from other service branches
- French Side:
- Over 500 personnel drawn from various branches:
- The French Army
- The French Foreign Legion
- The French Air and Space Force
- The French Navy
- Over 500 personnel drawn from various branches:
- Military Hardware and Assets:
- Around 50 armoured and tactical vehicles
- Fighter jets deployed for joint air support and coordination
Phase I: Joint Training Drills (June 18–21) – Aveyron
This phase focused on preparing the troops for coordinated joint operations. Key activities included:
- Firepower training and weapon handling
- Command and control coordination
- Drills on issuing battlefield orders
- Integration of Indian and French units for combined operations
The aim was to strengthen mutual understanding of tactical doctrines and enhance the capacity to function as a combined force.
Phase II: Combined Arms Tactical Group Exercise (June 22–26) – Hérault
This phase was designed as a full-scale open-field exercise, simulating combat in semi-urban terrain, both during day and night operations.
Key focus areas:
- Real-time tactical planning and execution
- Urban warfare in sub-conventional scenarios
- Night operations with high mobility
- Deployment under Chapter VII of the UN Charter (use of force to maintain/restore international peace)
Significance
- Operational Readiness: Exercise Shakti 2025 served as a platform to improve interoperability in joint combat operations, especially in scenarios involving insurgency, counter-terrorism, and peacekeeping.
- Strategic Engagement: The exercise reaffirmed India’s defence and strategic ties with France, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
- Capacity Building: Both sides exchanged best practices in tactical combat, logistics, and command structures, contributing to enhanced mutual respect and cooperation.
- UN Mandate Preparedness: Training under the framework of Chapter VII of the UN Charter prepares both armies for collaborative participation in peacekeeping or stabilisation missions across conflict zones globally.
Broader Defence Cooperation
Exercise Shakti is part of a larger defence engagement framework that includes:
- Exercise Garuda (Air Force) – Focusing on aerial combat and coordination
- Exercise Varuna (Navy) – Enhancing maritime security and interoperability
These exercises collectively signify the growing strategic alignment between India and France in military, maritime, and geopolitical domains.
Conclusion
- Exercise Shakti 2025 not only strengthened India-France defence cooperation but also contributed to the development of robust joint operational strategies.
- The exercise enhanced the capacity of both armies to undertake joint operations in complex semi-urban environments, consistent with global peacekeeping standards.
- As the defence partnership continues to grow, such exercises will play a crucial role in maintaining regional and global security preparedness.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q5. With reference to the Indo-French military exercise ‘Shakti 2025’, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 only |
Q. Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries? (2008)
(a) China (b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA Ans: (a) |
| Answer – 5 – B
Explanation –
|
Listening to the Universe Through Gravitational Waves
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology
Context: Gravitational Waves
Why in News?
Gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime predicted by Einstein, have opened a new era in astronomy by enabling the detection of cosmic events invisible to traditional telescopes.
Introduction
- In September 2015, a silent revolution unfolded in the world of physics. For the first time in history, humanity “heard” the universe — not through light or sound, but through gravitational waves: ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by some of the most cataclysmic events in the cosmos.
- This landmark discovery confirmed a prediction made by Albert Einstein in 1916 and marked the beginning of a new era in astronomy.
What Are Gravitational Waves?
Gravitational waves are disturbances or ripples in spacetime, generated when massive objects like black holes or neutron stars accelerate, especially during collisions or mergers. These waves:
- Travel at the speed of light,
- Stretch and compress space in perpendicular directions,
- Pass through matter almost undisturbed.
They differ fundamentally from electromagnetic waves, such as light or radio waves, which interact more with matter.
Einstein’s Prediction and Early Skepticism
- In 1915, Einstein proposed the General Theory of Relativity (GTR), redefining gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy.
- By 1916, he predicted gravitational waves as a consequence of his equations.
- However, even Einstein doubted their detectability due to their extremely faint nature — the distortions they cause are smaller than the width of a proton.
The Challenge of Detection
The main difficulty in detecting gravitational waves lies in their minuscule effect on spacetime — changing distances by fractions of a proton’s width. Detecting such subtle distortions requires:
- Advanced laser interferometry, and
- Isolation from all background noise — including seismic vibrations and atmospheric disturbances.
LIGO: Turning Theory into Reality
The breakthrough came through LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) in the United States. Key features include:
- Two detectors in Washington and Louisiana, each with 4 km-long arms.
- A laser beam is split and sent down both arms; upon return, the interference pattern reveals any spacetime distortion.
- Tremendous engineering went into minimizing noise, with innovations in seismic isolation and vacuum systems.
Blind injections (fake signals inserted secretly by a team) tested the team’s objectivity — they had to prove each detection was real before confirmation.
The Historic Detection: GW150914
- On 14 September 2015, just after a major upgrade, LIGO detected a real gravitational wave signal, named GW150914.
- It came from the collision of two black holes, each around 30 times the mass of the Sun, located 1.3 billion light-years away.
- The event confirmed Einstein’s prediction and introduced gravitational wave astronomy to the world.
In 2017, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Rainer Weiss, Barry Barish, and Kip Thorne for their contributions to this groundbreaking discovery.
Multi-Messenger Astronomy: A New Window
Following LIGO’s success, other detectors like:
- Virgo (Italy),
- KAGRA (Japan), and
- Soon, LIGO-India (Maharashtra)
have joined the global network.
In 2017, the collision of two neutron stars was observed through both gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation. This multi-messenger event provided:
- Insights into the origin of heavy elements like gold and platinum,
- Confirmation of theoretical models of gamma-ray bursts,
- New methods to measure the expansion rate of the universe (Hubble constant).
General Theory of Relativity and Gravitational Waves
Einstein’s theory posits that:
- Mass and energy warp spacetime, creating gravitational effects.
- Gravitational waves are produced by non-symmetric acceleration of massive bodies (e.g., spiraling binary stars).
- These waves carry energy, causing the emitting system to lose energy and spiral inward.
This phenomenon was indirectly confirmed by the Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar, observed in the 1970s. The pair’s orbit shrank over time, exactly as predicted due to gravitational radiation. This discovery won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Future Prospects: LISA and LIGO-India
LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna)
- A space-based gravitational wave observatory by ESA and NASA, planned for the 2030s.
- Will detect low-frequency waves from:
- Supermassive black hole mergers,
- White dwarf binaries,
- Possibly primordial gravitational waves from the Big Bang.
LIGO-India
- A collaborative project with LIGO-USA, funded by India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Scheduled to be operational by end of this decade.
- Enhances:
- Triangulation accuracy in locating wave sources,
- Global sensitivity of the detection network,
- India’s contribution to cutting-edge astrophysics.
Why It Matters
Gravitational wave detection is not just a technical marvel — it is a revolution in human perception:
- Like Galileo’s telescope in the 17th century, LIGO allows us to explore invisible aspects of the universe.
- Opens a new era in fundamental physics, cosmology, and astrophysics.
- Can help answer deep questions about:
- Nature of gravity,
- Black hole interiors,
- Early moments of the universe.
Conclusion
- Gravitational waves offer us an entirely new way of observing the cosmos — not by light, but by listening to spacetime itself.
- As observatories like LISA and LIGO-India become operational, humanity stands on the cusp of a second scientific revolution in astronomy.
- No longer limited to sight, we have developed the ears to hear the universe’s most violent and hidden events — the echoes of creation, colliding stars, and black holes whispering across the void.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q6. With reference to gravitational waves, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? |
Q. What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project? (2017)
(a) To detect neutrinos Ans: (b) |
| Answer – 6 – B
Explanation –
|