Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-SPACE

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has started preparing for the flight test Vehicle Abort Mission 1(TV-D1) for the Gaganyaan mission.

Background:-

• The Space Agency has said that the unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission will commence soon.
• ISRO will also test the efficacy of the Crew Escape System which is a crucial part of the Gaganyaan mission, resulting in unmanned and manned missions to outer space by 2024.

About Abort Mission 1(TV-D1):-

• Conducted by: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• Objective: to ensure crew safety during the Gaganyaan mission.
• The abort missions are meant to test the systems that can help the crew escape from the spacecraft mid-flight in case of a failure.
• ISRO has developed test vehicles for the abort missions.
• These can send the systems up to a certain height, simulate failure, and then check the escape system.
• Test Vehicle (TV-D1) is the first development flight.
• The Test Vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket.
• Payloads: consist of the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) with their fast-acting solid motors, along with CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters.
• Escape system is designed with five “quick-acting” solid fuel motors with a high burn rate propulsion system, and fins to maintain stability.
• The Crew Escape Systems (CES) will separate from the crew module by firing explosive nuts.

Mission plan:-

• This flight will simulate the abort condition during the ascent trajectory corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2 encountered in the Gaganyaan mission.
• CES with CM will be separated from the Test Vehicle at an altitude of about 17 km.
• Subsequently, the abort sequence will be executed autonomously commencing with the separation of CES and deployment of the series of parachutes.
• Finally, culminating in the safe touchdown of CM in the sea, about 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota.

Significance:-

• The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts.
• It will help ISRO focus on perfecting the system that will launch and land Indians on missions to space and protect the astronauts if the mission fails.

MUST READ: Space Economy of India

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: The RBI recently, announced the introduction of a card-on-file tokenization facility at the issuer bank level.

Background:-

• Currently, Card-on-File (CoF) tokens can only be created through merchant applications or on the webpage of the e-commerce website.
• Given the growing acceptance and benefits of tokenization of card data, it is now proposed to introduce Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) creation facilities directly at the issuer bank level.

About card-on-file tokenization facility:-

• The central bank introduced Card-on-File Tokenization (CoFT) in September 2021 and began implementation on October 1, 2022.
• Objective: to enhance convenience for cardholders in getting tokens created and linking them to their existing accounts with e-commerce applications.
• Tokenization is the replacement of actual credit and debit card details with an alternate code called the “token”, which will be unique for a combination of card, token requestor, and device.
• A CoF transaction occurs when a cardholder authorizes a retailer to store the cardholder’s Mastercard or Visa payment information.
• The cardholder then authorizes the business to charge the stored Mastercard or Visa account.
• Card information is typically stored in the systems of e-commerce companies, airlines, and supermarket chains.
• Significance: The move will facilitate the creation and linking of tokens to cardholders’ existing accounts with e-commerce applications.

Benefits of tokenization:-

• Enhanced safety and security: It eliminates the risk of storing card details online and ensures the uncompromised convenience of storing customer’s token details on the merchant site.
• Quicker checkouts: Tokenized Mastercard will allow the convenience of quick checkouts as one doesn’t need to punch in the card number for each purchase.
• No more ‘False Declines’: Many times, legitimate online payments using valid cards are declined on the grounds of the transaction looking like a fraud. With tokenization, this becomes a thing of the past as the usage of tokens for payments confirms the security of the highest order.
• Easy card management: With tokenization, one can also keep track of all their cards and the merchants they have been tokenized with.
• No need for a physical card
• Added benefits: Tokenization also comes with cashback benefits when secured with platforms like Amazon, Paytm, Swiggy, etc.

MUST READ: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)

SOURCE: BUSINESS LINE

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.2) With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements:

1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets.
2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain.
3. They can be traded or exchanged at equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium transactions of commercial

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: A study shows that geoengineering intervention, stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) may affect global food production.

Background:-

• Implementing a controversial climate intervention Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) could likely create inequities in food production, benefitting some and harming others, a new study published in the journal Nature Food warned.

About Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI):-

• Geoengineering literally means “Earth-engineering”.
• Geoengineering is an umbrella term for various experimental technologies to make compensatory changes to Earth’s climate to reverse the damage people have already done. (Mitigating Climate Change)
• It refers to deliberate, large-scale intervention carried out in the Earth’s natural systems to reverse the impacts of climate change.
• SAI is the main type of solar radiation management (SRM).

Mechanism of SAI:-

• SAI mimics volcanic eruptions.
• It injects sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere.
  • Stratosphere: the layer of atmosphere extending from about 10 kilometers to 50 km in altitude.
• In the stratosphere, it oxidizes to form sulphuric acid, which then forms reflective aerosol particles.
• These gases reflect some of the sun’s heat, mimicking an effect that happens naturally in a strong volcanic eruption.

MUST READ: Climate Change and Global Health

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements : (2023)

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives
2. of the Nagoya Protocol.
3. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following trees : (2023)

1. Jackfruit (Artoca7pus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepted rockets launched from the Gaza Strip in the recent attack.

Background:-

• The Hamas militant group launched its worst attack inside the Jewish state’s territory since 1948 on Saturday (October 7), killing at least 250 Israelis and abducting several others.

About Israel’s Iron Dome:-

IMAGE SOURCE: WorldAtlas

• Iron Dome is a short-range, ground-to-air, air defense system.
• It includes radar and Tamir interceptor missiles that track and neutralize any rockets or missiles aimed at Israeli targets. (Ballistic missiles)
• It is used for countering rockets, artillery & mortars (C-RAM) as well as aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Historical Background:-

• The genesis of the Iron Dome goes back to the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon war when Hezbollah fired thousands of rockets into Israel.
• The following year, Israel announced that its state-run Rafael Advance Systems would come up with a new air defense system to protect its cities and people.
• It was developed with Israel Aerospace Industries.
• The Iron Dome was deployed in 2011.

Salient Features:-

The Iron Dome has three main systems.

• Radar: It has a detection and tracking radar to spot any incoming threats.
• Weapon Control: It has a battle management and weapon control system (BMC).
  • The BMC basically liaises between the radar and the interceptor missile.
  • The BMC basically liaises between the radar and the interceptor missile.
• Missile Fire: It also has a missile firing unit.
• All these three units work together to provide a shield over the area where it is deployed.

Advantages of Iron Dome:-

• It has a detection and tracking radar to spot any incoming threats.
• It can handle multiple threats.
• It is capable of being used in all weather conditions, including during the day and night.

MUST READ: India and Israel

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Q.2) Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media?  (2022)

1. A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
2. A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
3. A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
4. A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same surface. speed and places a probe on it.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: A new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has put forward 10 principles.

Background:-

• The Sustainable Finance: Bridging the Gap in Asia and the Pacific report was launched on October 6, 2023.
• Objective: These principles are for the action of policymakers, regulators, and private finance for mobilizing and deploying financing for key UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around climate action.
• Significance: The principles will help stakeholders cooperatively and efficiently shift and scale up capital to finance climate action by reducing obstacles, addressing climate risk underpricing, and reducing sectoral and regional capital-investment mismatches.
• The principles put forward are:-
  • Developing new climate finance partnerships
  • Developing effective NDC financing strategies
  • Developing policy coherence and capacities across key government ministries
  • Taking decisive regulatory action to shift capital in Asia and the Pacific towards the Net Zero transition
  • Driving investment in the capacities of financial personnel
  • Driving investment in much-needed sectoral and project-based financial data is undertaken
  • Committing to Net Zero pledges for 2050 with credible transition pathways and including 2030 goals
  • Increasing local-currency financing of energy transition projects as well as green technologies and other net-zero investments
  • Expanding and accelerating concessional financing and risk-sharing by multilateral development banks, bilateral development financial institutions, and public development banks
  • Increasing investment of time and effort with partners in project preparation

About United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP):-

• Founded in 1947.
• HQ: Bangkok, Thailand.
• The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. (Need for Reforms in UN)
• It is the most inclusive intergovernmental platform in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Objective: to facilitate coordinated efforts for the economic recovery and advancement of Asia and the Far East in the post-war period.
• Historical Background: In 1974, it was restructured and renamed the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), reflecting its dual focus on economic and social aspects of development.
• Members: ESCAP comprises 53 Member States and nine Associate members.

Functions:-

• To enhance economic activity in Asia and the Pacific, foster economic relationships between this region and other global areas, and promote sustainable development.
• To Coordinate Development Efforts.
• It promotes cooperation among its 53 member States and 9 associate members in pursuit of solutions to sustainable development challenges.
• It generates action-oriented knowledge, and by providing technical assistance and capacity-building services in support of national development objectives, regional agreements, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• It also provides support to partners at the national level.
• It carries out work, in close cooperation with other United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations in the region.

MUST READ: United Nations grants observer status to International Solar Alliance

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Climate Group is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and running them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1,2, 4 and 5
2. 1,3 and 4 only
3. 2,3 and 5 only
4. 1,2, 3, 4 and 5

Q.2) Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a : (2022)

1. Database created by a coalition of research organizations
2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
4. Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: The Indian Air Force celebrated Indian Air Force Day 2023 recently.

About Indian Air Force Day 2023:-

• Date: 8 October.
• Venue: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
• Theme 2023: ‘IAF-Airpower Beyond Boundaries’.
• The ceremonial parade of Indian Air Force Day was conducted at Air Force Station Bamrauli and the Air Display was conducted over the Sangam area, in the vicinity of the Ordnance Depot Fort in Prayagraj.
• The day commemorates the official establishment of the Indian Air Force on October 8, 1932.
• It acknowledges the Air Force’s long and distinguished history in serving the country.
• The day often features air displays, aerobatics, flypasts, and demonstrations of aircraft and equipment.
• These events showcase the technological prowess and capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
• Significance: Indian Air Force Day also serves as an opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of the Air Force and its contributions to national security.

MUST READ: Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020)

1. Digital security infrastructure
2. Food security infrastructure
3. Health care and education infrastructure
4. Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS

Context: Recently, Air India cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv till the 14th of October 2023.

About Air India:-

• Founded: 1932.
• Founder: Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy (JRD) Tata.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• Air India operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving domestic and international destinations.
• It is the largest international carrier out of India.
• Over 60 international destinations are served by Air India across five continents.
• The airline became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.

Historical Background:-

• In 1946, the aviation division of Tata Sons was listed as Air India.
• In 1948, the Air India International was launched with flights to Europe.
• In 1953, Air India was nationalized and for the next four decades, it remained the prized possession of India.
• With the opening up of the aviation sector to private players in 1994-95 and private entities offering cheaper tickets, Air India gradually started losing market share.
• As part of its broader privatization and disinvestment push, in 2000-01 the government tried to sell a minority stake or 40% stake in Air India.
• It was unsuccessful due to opposition from Trade unions.
• In June 2017, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave in-principle approval to the consideration for strategic disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries.
• In March 2018, the government invited expressions of interest from investors wherein the buyer was required to take ₹33,392 crore or close to 70% of the carrier’s debt on its books.
• No bids were received.
• October 2020: The Government now gave flexibility to investors to decide on the amount of Air India debt they wanted to absorb.
• October 2021: Government announces Tata Group makes winning bid of ₹18,000 crore for Air India.

MUST READ: Disinvestment of Air India

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)

1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the
2. International economic and financial issues.
3. Digital public infrastructure is one of India’s G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following actions: (2023)

1. Detection of car crash/ collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off
3. of the hard drive.
4. Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of the display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of the accelerometer required?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: Nations worldwide are grappling with the need to update their legal frameworks to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

• India, with its ambitious ‘Digital India’ initiative, is no exception.
• The recent announcement of the Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) represents a significant step towards establishing a future ready legal framework for the country’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.

About Digital India Act 2023 (DIA):

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) signals a proactive approach to regulating and shaping the digital future of the nation.
• The DIA, poised to replace the two decades old Information Technology Act of 2000 (IT Act), is designed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the dramatic growth of the internet and emerging technologies.
• The primary motivation behind the DIA is to bring India’s regulatory landscape in sync with the digital revolution of the 21st century.
  • Since its inception, India’s internet user base has exploded from a mere 5.5 million to a staggering 850 million.

Key Components of the act:

• Open Internet: According to the Indian government, open internet should have choice, competition, online diversity, fair market access, ease of doing business as well as ease of compliance for startups.
  • These characteristics prevent the concentration of power and gatekeeping.
• Online Safety and Trust: The Act will focus on safeguarding users against cyber threats like revenge porn, defamation, and cyberbullying on the internet as well as the dark web.
  • It aims to push for digital rights like the Right to be Forgotten and the Right to Digital Inheritance, protect minors and their data from addictive technology, and moderate fake news on social media platforms.
• Accountable Internet: The Act aims to make internet users and activities more accountable by introducing legal mechanisms for redressal of complaints, upholding constitutional rights in cyber spaces, algorithmic transparency and periodic risk assessments, and disclosure norms for data collected by intermediaries.

Key provisions of the act:

• The DIA encompasses several pivotal clauses that mirror the dynamic evolution of the digital environment, addressing its multifaceted challenges and opportunities.
  • These provisions underscore the legislation’s responsiveness to the ever­changing digital landscape.
• DIA places a strong emphasis on online safety and trust, with a commitment to safeguarding citizen’s rights in the digital realm.
• It also recognises the growing importance of new age technologies such as artificial intelligence and block chain, the DIA provides guidelines for their responsible utilisation.
• It aims to not only encourage the adoption of these technologies but also to ensure that their deployment is in line with ethical and legal principles.
• It promotes ethical AI practices, data privacy in blockchain applications, and mechanisms for accountability in the use of these technologies.
  • It upholds the concept of an open internet.
• It aims to strike a balance between accessibility and necessary regulations to maintain order and protect users.
• It also contemplates a review of the “safe harbour” principle, which presently shields online platforms from liability related to user generated content, indicating a potential shift in online accountability standards.

Need for Digital India Act:

• Outdated Regulations: The existing IT Act of 2000 was crafted in an era when the internet had only 5.5 million users, and is ill-equipped to handle the internet’s current state.
  • With 850 million users, various intermediaries, and new forms of user harms like cyberstalking and doxing, the IT Act falls short of addressing these complexities.
• Addressing E-commerce and Online Content: The growth of e-commerce, digital transactions, and online content sharing requires updated regulations.
  • The Digital India Act will tackle issues related to consumer protection, electronic contracts, and content moderation on social media platforms.
• Global Alignment and Best Practices: To engage effectively in the global digital landscape, India’s regulations must align with international standards and practices.
• Inadequacy of Current Regulations: Despite the existence of regulatory elements like Intermediary Guidelines, Digital Media Ethics Code, and data protection rules, they are insufficient when it comes to governing new-age technologies.
• Need for Legal Adaptation: With technological advancements like AI, Blockchain, and IoT, the legal framework must evolve to address their unique challenges.
  • This includes enhancing cybersecurity measures, data protection, and regulating emerging tech sectors.

Challenges associated with the DIA act 2023:

• Stricter regulations, particularly in emerging technologies, could deter entrepreneurial initiatives and deter foreign investments.
• The review of the “safe harbour” principle, which shields online platforms from liability for user ­generated content, could lead to a more cautious approach among these platforms, possibly impinging on freedom of expression.
• While transparency and accountability are the founding pillars of the act it will also have to balance the interests of important stakeholders like users, big techs, government, businesses, and civil society.

Way Forward:

Although the DIA is a progressive move, its implementation and potential repercussions warrant vigilant monitoring and adaptability to avoid unintended consequences. The DIA is a crucial step towards ensuring a secure, accountable, and innovative digital future for India.

Source:  TH

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (International relations)

Context: A day after indicating that Russia might revoke its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), President Vladimir Putin said that the country would do so to be on level terms with the United States, and not to resume nuclear testing.

About CTBT:

• The CTBT is a multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes.
  • It was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
• It has been signed by 187 countries and ratified by 178 but cannot go into force until eight countries have signed and ratified it.
  • China, Egypt, Iran, and Israel have signed but not ratified it.
  • North Korea, India and Pakistan have not signed.
  • While Russia ratified the agreement in 2000, the US is still to do so.
• While the US signed but did not ratify the treaty, it has observed a moratorium on nuclear weapon test explosions since 1992 that it has no plans to abandon.
• When the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the CTBT in September 1996, 2048 nuclear explosions were already conducted worldwide.
  • 18 years later, the number of explosions has further increased to 2055.
  • In this regard, the CTBT has an important role in ensuring a world where nuclear weapons tests are barred and thus constrain the development of new nuclear weapons and new nuclear weapon countries.

Implications of Russian Move:

• Global Disarmament: Since the CTBT, 10 nuclear tests have taken place.
  • India conducted two in 1998, Pakistan also two in 1998, and North Korea conducted tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 (twice) and 2017, according to the United Nations.
  • It would be a big setback to the Nuclear disarmament movement.
• Nuclear Arms Race: This move would enable Russia to build and deploy more nuclear weapons targeting its adversaries without the treaty’s constraints.
  • Both sides could get sucked into a dangerous arms race.
• Russia-Ukraine Crisis: The missile attacks against each other by both Russia and Ukraine have also led to a growing escalation of mutual suspicion.
  • The present Russian decision has only aggravated the crisis.
• Undermining Future Agreements: Arms control has been a progression from one treaty to the next. If Russia revokes its ratification, it will leave the world without a common starting point for future efforts.
  • The Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) did not find support from any of the P-5 countries.
• Russia-West Relations: The Russian decision can be described as symbolic and strategic in nature. It wants to pressurize the West by sending an ambiguous message strategically.
  • Russia has tried not to appear aggressive and has attempted to put all the blame on the US this will further erode Russia and West ties.
• Global Politics and Security: Taking a cue from the present stand-off between Russia and the United States over the current nuclear question, many countries like North Korea, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, and China may go for further proliferation of nuclear weapons without any scrutiny.

India’s view on nuclear disarmament:

• Complete Disarmament: India has consistently advocated global nuclear disarmament since the concept’s inception in the United Nations.
• Two-Front Nuclear War: India, faced with two nuclear neighbours (Pakistan and China) with one declaring its nuclear arsenal as India-specific, reluctantly had to become a nuclear weapon state.
• Universal Non-discriminatory and verifiable Treaty: India remains committed to negotiating a universal, non-discriminatory and internationally and effectively verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, one that considers India’s national security interests.
• Delinking Disarmament and Non-Proliferation: In 1965, India was a member of the eighteen nation disarmament committee (ENDC) that advocated for delinking disarmament and non-proliferation.
  • India opposed the signing of the NPT (treaty of Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which it views as discriminatory (dividing the world into Nukes haves and haves not).
  • In 1988, India Proposed a Comprehensive Proposal for complete Universal disarmament (Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan) – to the UN General Assembly Special Session on Disarmament.

Way Forward:

India supports the commencement of negotiations on a comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention in the Conference on Disarmament, which is the world’s single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum working on the basis of consensus. Considering the present pessimistic environment, the Russian revocation of the Treaty may not seem shocking or startling.

Source:  IE

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on 7th October.

Statement-II:

The theme of 2023 is ‘IAF-Airpower Beyond Boundaries’.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) With reference to the Iron Dome, consider the following statements:

1. It is a long-range, ground-to-air, air defense system.
2. It includes the Tamir interceptor missiles which track and neutralize any rockets or missiles aimed at Israeli targets.
3. It is used for countering ONLY unmanned aerial vehicles.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) Digital India Act replacing the IT Act, 2000, is a welcome move for strengthening the digital ecosystem and cyber-security space in the country. However, the need of the hour is implementation of laws effectively and in a time bound manner by addressing the concerns in the legislation stage itself. Elucidate. (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  9th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a