Context: An initiative of the Ministries of Defence and Tourism, as well as the Army, the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” app was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 15 coinciding with the Army Day celebrations. Key Features: Tourism Objectives: Initiative Goals: One Stop Information Hub
Semi Conductor Industry in India
Context: Singapore is exploring new initiatives such as manufacturing of semiconductors and building a semiconductor ecosystem in India and participating in the creation of a new generation of technological solutions, the city-state’s President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, said. India’s semiconductor industry is growing rapidly, and the government has taken several steps to support it. The industry is expected to reach $80.3 billion by 2028. Semiconductor A semiconductor is a material that can conduct electricity in some conditions and block it in others. Semiconductors are used in many electronic devices, including computers, air conditioners, and medical devices. What are semiconductors used for? India’s Semiconductor Mission The Challenges: India’s Semiconductor Dream Government Schemes for Semi Conductor in India Goals of these schemes UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008) (a) Dye laser (b) Gas laser (c) Semiconductor laser (d) Excimer laser Ans: (c)
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The launch pad will have an outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore, and is targeted to be completed by early 2029. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) is India’s major spaceport located at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. There are two launching pads here – one for the sounding rockets as well as for launching polar and geosynchronous satellites. The launches of Lunar probes for exploration missions, Mars Orbiter Mission, Solar research mission called Aditya-L1 and space observatory XPoSat were from the SDSC. Aditya-L1: India’s First Sun Mission
Hindenburg Research Shuts Down!
Context: U.S.-based shortseller Hindenburg Research will be disbanded, its founder Nathan Anderson has said, adding that the firm has completed the projects it was handling. Hindenburg Research Hindenburg Research LLC is a US investment research firm founded in 2017 and focuses on activist short-selling. Named after the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, the company released public reports alleging corporate fraud and malfeasance against companies like Super Micro Computer, Adani Group, Nikola, Clover Health, Block, Inc., Kandi, and Lordstown
1.SpaDeX Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed a satellite docking experiment in the early hours of Thursday, “making India the fourth country” after the U.S., Russia and China to achieve this historic feat. SpaDeX: Space Docking Experiment Introduction Mission Objective Mission Design Challenges in Space Docking Definition and Applications of Space Docking In-Space Docking Docking in space is the process of two spacecraft physically joining together. It’s an important operation for maintaining a continuous human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). How it Will Work? Why Space Docking Technology Is Important for India UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Consider the following statements: (2016) The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c)
New Glenn Rocket
Context: Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket on its first test flight, successfully sending a prototype satellite into orbit. The New Glenn rocket blasted off from Florida after years of development funded by Jeff Bezos, soaring from the same pad used to launch NASA’s Mariner and Pioneer spacecraft. New Glenn Rocket New Glenn is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin, having a partially reusable, two-stage design with a 7-meter diameter. It has seven BE-4 engines and two BE-3U engines, all in-house. Launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, it was officially announced in 2016. It is named after NASA astronaut John Glenn and was launched on its maiden flight on 16 January 2025, carrying a prototype Blue Ring spacecraft. Blue Origin Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P. is a Washington-based American space technology company that develops the New Shepard and New Glenn rockets, launched September 8, 2000. While also providing rocket engines for the Vulcan Centaur, the lunar lander it is developing with NASA’s support for the Artemis program called Blue Moon, the Blue Ring spacecraft platform, and the Orbital Reef space station. It was founded by Jeff Bezos.
India-EU Relation
The European Union is a political and economic union comprising primarily 27 member states in Europe. The Maastricht Treaty established the EU, which came into force on November 1, 1993. The basic objective of the EU is to promote cooperation and integration between its member countries and thereby improve economic stability and political stability within Europe. The EU has its own currency, the Euro, which is used by 19 of the member states. What are the Recent Key Highlights in India-EU Trade? What is RoDTEP Scheme? India-EU Relationship Evolution and Challenges Evolution of India-EU Relationship Areas of Cooperation UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 4 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 3 and 4 only Ans: D
Calcutta Illumination Project
Context: Kolkata-based social activist Mudar Patherya wants to light up 125 heritage buildings in the city by the end of 2025. The project has been called the Calcutta Illumination Project.
Madurai-Thoothukudi New Line Project
Context: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the Madurai-Thoothukudi new line project had not been shelved, and there were no issues pertaining to land acquisition for it. Madurai-Thoothukudi New Line Project Importance of the Project Project Challenges
Current Affairs 16 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz16 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Israel-Palestine War Context: Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies. Background Role of Countries in Mediation Course of the War The Israel-Palestine conflict is a deeply rooted conflict in historical, religious, and political factors. The modern conflict began in the early 20th century, although the region’s significance dates back to ancient times, with Jerusalem being sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Historical Context Declarations Ongoing Conflicts Postwar Gaza: Primary Uncertainties and Challenges Uncertainty in Return of the Palestinians UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q 1. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (2015) (a) Syria(b) Jordan(c) Lebanon(d) Israel Ans: (b) Mains Q1. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (2019) Q2 . “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018) 2. US Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities Context: The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) had lifted its restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities, which was imposed during the Cold War era: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and Indian Rare Earths (IRE). Background and Statements 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement The US-India 2008 civil nuclear agreement allows India to purchase civilian nuclear power and fuel on the basis of the 123 Agreement. Both India’s Minister of Finance Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and USA’s Secretary Ms. Condoleezza Rice signed the contract on October 10, 2008. Advantages created by the Contract It is the 3rd India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement. In the year 2008, an agreement was passed that would enable the U.S. civilian nuclear technology to be shared with India. The deal marks a great milestone, but such regulatory ban upon Indian institutions resulted in the signing after more than ten years of delays. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is one of India’s premier nuclear research centres. It was established in 1971 and is situated in Tamil Nadu. It was an exclusive centre dedicated to the pursuit of fast reactor science and technology, due to the vision of Vikram Sarabhai. Originally, it was called Reactor Research Centre (RRC). It was renamed to Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) by the then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi in December 1985. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, also known as BARC, is India’s leading nuclear research center, located at Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was established by Homi Jehangir Bhabha as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in January 1954 as a multidisciplinary research program essential for India’s nuclear program. IREL (India) Limited IREL (India) Limited is an Indian Public Sector Undertaking based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It specializes in mining and refining rare earth metals. Founded in 18 August 1950. 3. India-China Border Dispute China’s Provocative Actions Geographical Dispute India and China have argued over the sovereignty of many areas along their border, including Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. India’s Strategic Challenges UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims 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) Mains Q. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (2018) National Affairs 1. Madurai-Thoothukudi New Line Project Context: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw clarified that the Madurai-Thoothukudi new line project had not been shelved, and there were no issues pertaining to land acquisition for it. Madurai-Thoothukudi New Line Project Importance of the Project Project Challenges 2. Calcutta Illumination Project Context: Kolkata-based social activist Mudar Patherya wants to light up 125 heritage buildings in the city by the end of 2025. The project has been called the Calcutta Illumination Project. 3. Roman Script for Kokborok in Textbooks Context: About 12 members of the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) were detained for staging a protest at the entrance of the Tripura Assembly to press for their demand for the use of the Roman script for Kokborok in textbooks and for official work. A majority of the tribes in the State speak Kokborok, which has been recognised as the second State language after Bengali. The Roman Script The Roman script, also known as Latin script, is a writing system that uses the letters of the Latin alphabet. It is used to write many languages in Europe, Africa, America, and Oceania. Why Roman script for Kokborok? Kokborok Kokborok is a language that appears in textbooks in Tripura, India, and neighboring areas of Bangladesh. It is a Sino-Tibetan language that is spoken by the Borok people, also known as Tripuris. 4. The Assam Coal Mining Tragedy Context: The Assam coal mining tragedy occurred when a sudden influx of water flooded an illegal rat-hole mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam on January 6, 2025. The mine was abandoned by the state’s Mines and Minerals Department 12 years ago. Definition and Hazards of Rat-Hole Mining Rat-hole mining, a method of manually digging narrow holes in North East India for coal extraction, is banned by the National Green Tribunal but still used by artisanal mining operations in Meghalaya. Techniques Ban and Continued Practice Dima Hasao Tragedy Coal and Coal Mining in India 5. Maharishi Agastya Context: “With Maharishi Agasthyar as the central theme and Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham as the backdrop, Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi – the two timeless centres of our civilisation and culture, more closer than ever” Said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Maharishi Agastya Agastya was
