Bharatiya Antariksha Station is India’s planned modular space station that will work under the aegis of ISRO. Weighting around 52 tonnes, it would be stationed at a distance of 400 km above Earth. . Launch of the inaugural component aboard an LVM3 launch vehicle is planned for 2028, followed by launching the remaining components by 2035 on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle, Soorya.
ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 Mission and Space-Docking
Context: ISRO’s first Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) is one of the vital technologies for future Indian missions as well as for Chandrayaan-4 and subsequently its final orbital Bharatiya Antariksh Station. SpaDeX Mission Chandrayaan-4 Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chandrayaan lunar exploration programme, scheduled to be launched in 2027. The mission will return up to 3 kg of lunar regolith from the landing site of Chandrayaan-3.
Chandrayaan-4
Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Chandrayaan lunar exploration programme, scheduled to be launched in 2027. The mission will return up to 3 kg of lunar regolith from the landing site of Chandrayaan-3.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a government program that assists the government in addressing issues related to cybercrime in the country. Set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it provides a platform for coordinated comprehensive action on issues related to cybercrime. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) About I4C As launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020, I4C acts as a national level initiative to combat cyber crimes in a structured and coordinated manner.It covers a wide range of cyber threats, including fraud, hacking, cyberbullying, and data breaches. Objectives of I4C Goals of 14C National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal I4C Cybercrime Predictions Financial Impact of Cyber Fraud Major Contributors to Cyber Fraud Cyber Fraud Modes Types of Cyber Threat Cyber Threat Description Phishing Malicious emails trick users into giving away sensitive information. Malware Malicious software used to steal data or take control of a device. Ransomware Hackers encrypt data and demand ransom (e.g., WannaCry, 2016). Cyberbullying Harassment or threats via digital platforms. Cyber Spying Unauthorized access to classified or personal information. Business Email Compromise (BEC) Hackers pretend to be business leaders to steal money. Dating Scams Online romantic relationships are a scam to take money or information. Cyber Fraud Effects India’s Cyber Crime Situation Cyber and Internet threats Some Significant Cyber Frauds Government Initiatives to Combat Cyber Fraud Solutions & Preventive Measures Role by Banks & Business For Customers Conclusion With cyber fraud on the rise alarmingly, India’s I4C initiative has become a key player in fighting cybercrimes. Yet, the three entities of citizens, businesses, and the government need to collaborate in order to fortify security in cyberspace, build more awareness, and avoid monetary loss. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) Q. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) Mains Q. What are the different elements of cyber security ? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)
Annual Report from Indian Cyber Coordination Center against Crime
Context: The 2023-24 annual report from the Indian Cyber Coordination Center against Crime. Against cyber crime, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and State governments have added 54,800 volunteers. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a government program that assists the government in addressing issues related to cybercrime in the country. Set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), it provides a platform for coordinated comprehensive action on issues related to cybercrime. Goals of 14C:
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is a law that primarily regulates accepting and use of foreign funds by certain individuals, organizations, and companies in India. The FCRA was first enacted in 1976 and was later revised in 2010.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
It is an independent, as well as non-profit organization that operates outside of government control. NGOs are basically a part of the “third sector” of society, along with the public and private sectors. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can receive funds from multiple sources such as, Donations, Membership fees, Grants from state govt. as well as private donors, Crowdfunding as well as MSMEs. In order to receive foreign donations, the NGOs must:
Report FCRA violations by NGOs, govt. asks CAs
Context: The home ministry of the Union has now published the terms necessary for audit return filing by these CAs on behalf of the NGOs. It is a known fact that as per the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, the CAs cannot just specify the name of NGO but must also certify that the organization does not violate any provision of the Act. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) It is an independent, as well as non-profit organization that operates outside of government control. NGOs are basically a part of the “third sector” of society, along with the public and private sectors. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can receive funds from multiple sources such as, Donations, Membership fees, Grants from state govt. as well as private donors, Crowdfunding as well as MSMEs. In order to receive foreign donations, the NGOs must: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is a law that primarily regulates accepting and use of foreign funds by certain individuals, organizations, and companies in India. The FCRA was first enacted in 1976 and was later revised in 2010.
Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA)
Context: Today, the Indian Air Force has only 31 fighter squadrons left, compared to its authorized strength at 42 fighter squadrons. The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is a program by the Indian Air Force (IAF) which aim is to acquire 114 fighter jets to bolster the country’s air combat capabilities. The IAF announced the program back in April 2018, and the government issued a request for proposals in 2018. The valuation of program is expected to be $20 billion. A multirole combat aircraft (MRCA) is a combat aircraft that can perform a variety of roles, including air to air combat, air support, aerial bombing, reconnaissance, a
Schemes to Minimise Dropout Rates in in India
Scheme Name Year Launched Ministry Key Features Mid-Day Meal Scheme 1995 Ministry of Education (MoE) Provides free meals to students from Class 1 to 8 in government schools to improve enrolment, attendance, and retention rates. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2015 Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Education Focuses on girls’ education, ensuring their participation and retention in schools, while promoting their safety and well-being. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan 2018 Ministry of Education (MoE) Integrated scheme for school education from pre-school to senior secondary level. Focuses on quality education, teacher training, and reducing dropout rates. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) 2008 Ministry of Education (MoE) Provides financial incentives to girls who pass Class 8 and enrol in Class 9, aiming to reduce the dropout rates among girls at the secondary education level. Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PMPSN) 2022 Ministry of Education (MoE) A new initiative for revamping and strengthening the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to enhance the nutritional value, further promoting school attendance and retention. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) 2004 Ministry of Education (MoE) Provides quality education to girls, especially in rural areas, to reduce dropout rates. Special focus on vulnerable girls from disadvantaged groups. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) 2009 Ministry of Education (MoE) Focuses on improving access to secondary education and reducing dropout rates at the secondary level. Offers financial support for infrastructure and teacher development. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2008 Ministry of Education (MoE) Provides scholarships to talented students from economically weaker sections to prevent dropout after Class 8. Encourages continuation of education at the secondary level. Shiksha Sahyog Yojana 2019 Ministry of Education (MoE) Provides additional resources and support for students from weaker socio-economic backgrounds to keep them in schools and prevent early dropouts. Saakshar Bharat Programme 2009 Ministry of Education (MoE) Aimed at reducing illiteracy, this scheme focuses on adult education to prevent dropouts in rural areas by enabling the community to value education. The Right to Education Act (RTE) 2009 Ministry of Education (MoE) Ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years, aiming to reduce dropouts by making education accessible to all children, regardless of their background.