About Quantum Satellite:

• Definition: A quantum satellite is a communications satellite that uses quantum physics to secure its signals.
• Purpose:
  • Enhance Signal Security: Protect against threats from quantum computing.
  • Facilitate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Enable unbreakable encryption through QKD.

Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

• Quantum Cryptography: Uses the principles of quantum physics to secure messages.
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):
  • Function: Securely share encryption keys such that any eavesdropping can be detected, aborting the transmission if compromised.
  • Mechanisms:
    • Quantum Measurement: Measuring a photon changes its state, thus revealing any eavesdropping.
    • Quantum Entanglement: Entangled photons instantly reflect changes in one another, ensuring secure key distribution.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• Objective: The NQM is a program by the Department of Science & Technology designed to accelerate the use of quantum physics in developing advanced communication and sensing systems.
• Budget and Duration: The Union Cabinet approved it in April 2023, with a budget of ₹6,000 crore, to be implemented from 2023 to 2031.

Micius

• The world's first quantum communications satellite was launched by China in 2016.
• Function: Acts as the source of pairs of entangled photons, whose properties remain intertwined regardless of the distance.
• Significance: This entanglement forms the basis of the most secure forms of quantum cryptography.

Q1: What is Quantum Technology, and how does it work?

Quantum technology harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum tunnelling, to develop advanced technologies. Unlike classical systems, quantum systems can process information exponentially faster, offering breakthroughs in computing, secure communication, and sensing.

Source: What is the quantum satellite for India’s National Quantum Mission? | Explained - The Hindu.

Background of the Study:

• The controversial study by French researcher Didier Raoult, published on March 20, 2020, claimed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and HCQ combined with azithromycin significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral load.
• The paper was retracted on December 17, 2024, due to concerns about ethical approval and methodological issues.

About Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)

• Hydroxychloroquine is a medication primarily used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• It reduces immune system activity or kills the malaria-causing parasites from Anopheles mosquito bites.

Use in Autoimmune Disorders:

• Effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis by reducing joint inflammation.
• Helps treat lupus by controlling the overactive immune response.

HCQ and COVID-19:

• Early studies claimed HCQ could reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, especially in combination with azithromycin.
• Proposed as a prophylactic to prevent COVID-19 infection; however, large-scale use raised concerns due to:
  • Cardiac arrhythmia risks
  • Liver damage
  • Potential weakening of the immune system’s response to infection.

Q1: Is Hydroxychloroquine effective against COVID-19?

Hydroxychloroquine was initially studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, subsequent research showed limited or no significant benefit, and its use for COVID-19 is not widely recommended by health authorities.

Source: Journal finally retracts the discredited hydroxychloroquine paper - The Hindu

About India State of Forest Report: 

• It has been published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) on a biennial basis since 1987.
• It carries out an in-depth assessment of the forest and tree resources of the country based on interpretation of Remote Sensing satellite data and field based National Forest Inventory (NFI).
• The India State of Forest Report 2023 is 18th such report in the series.
• The report contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, growing stock, carbon stock in India’s forests, instances of forest fire, Agroforestry, etc.

Highlights of India State of Forest Report 2023

• The Forest and Tree cover of India is 25.17 percent of the geographical area and in that 21.76% is forest cover and 3.41% is tree cover.
• As compared to assessment of 2021, there is an increase in the forest and tree cover of the country.
• Top four states showing maximum increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
• Top three states showing maximum increase in forest cover are Mizoram, Gujarat and Odisha.
• Area wise top three states having largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra
• Area wise top three states having largest forest cover are Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
• In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to total geographical area, Lakshadweep (91.33 percent) has the highest forest cover followed by Mizoram and Andaman & Nicobar Island
• The present assessment also reveals that 19 states/UTs have above 33 percent of the geographical area under forest cover. Out of these, eight states/UTs namely Mizoram, Lakshadweep, A & N Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Manipur have forest cover above 75 percent.
• The total mangrove cover is 4,992 sq km in the country.
• The extent of bamboo bearing area for the country has been increased as compared to the last assessment done in 2021.
• There is an increase in the carbon stock of the country as compared to the last assessment.
• India’s carbon stock has reached 30.43 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent; which indicates that as compared to the base year of 2005, India has already reached 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink as against the target of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030.

Q1: What is Forest Survey of India (FSI)?

It is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Its principal mandate is to conduct survey and assessment of forest resources in the country. 

Source: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Releases India State of Forest Report 2023

Key Findings on the Denali Fault

• Denali Fault, located in southern Alaska, has played a crucial role in shaping Earth's geological history.
• A study reveals that three sites along the Denali Fault were once part of a single geologic feature, symbolizing the final joining of two landmasses millions of years ago.
• Over 483 km of horizontal movement along the fault tore apart this united feature due to millions of years of tectonic activity.
• These three locations once formed a terminal suture zone, indicating the last phase of tectonic plate integration into a larger mass.

About Fault Lines

Definition: A fault line is the visible intersection of a geological fault with the Earth's surface. It refers to a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock caused by stresses generated by tectonic plate movements.

Characteristics of Faults

• Faults are closely associated with the movement of Earth's tectonic plates.
• The largest faults are found along plate boundaries.
• Movement along faults can occur rapidly, resulting in earthquakes, or gradually, in the form of creep.
• Faults vary in length from a few millimetres to thousands of kilometres, such as the San Andreas Fault in California or the Anatolian Fault in Turkey.
• Fault surfaces can be horizontal, vertical, or inclined at various angles.
• Earth scientists classify faults based on the angle of the fault relative to the surface (known as the dip) and the direction of movement along the fault.

Types of Faults

• Strike-Slip Faults: These faults occur when tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, with little to no vertical movement.
  • These faults are commonly found in regions where lateral stress dominates.
  • A well-known example is the San Andreas Fault in California, which has caused several powerful earthquakes.
• Normal Faults: These faults occur when one block of rock slides downward, pulling away from the adjacent block.
  • These faults create space by stretching the Earth's crust, often leading to the formation of valleys.
  • Examples of normal faults include the Basin and Range Province in North America and the East African Rift Zone.
• Reverse Faults (Thrust Faults): These faults occur when one block of crust moves upward and overlaps the other.
  • This process is associated with compression and often leads to the formation of mountain ranges.
  • Examples include the Himalayas, formed due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, and the Rocky Mountains in North America.

Q1: What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone of intense seismic and volcanic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean. It is home to 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes and experiences about 90% of the planet's earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements.

Source: https://phys.org/news/2024-12-denali-fault-torn-ancient-landmasses.html

What is AIMC?

• India’s National Highway network spans 1.46 lakh km, with 3,000 km of high-speed corridors.
• By 2047, the Ministry aims to expand the network by an additional 45,000 km, ensuring a robust and efficient infrastructure system.

What is AIMC?

• AIMC (Automated & Intelligent Machine-aided Construction) is an advanced system being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) for efficient National Highway construction.
• It integrates intelligent machines and real-time data sharing to expedite construction and enhance road quality.

Objective of AIMC

• To increase productivity, ensure durable and long-lasting roads, and reduce dependency on traditional surveys post-construction.
• To tackle challenges such as outdated technologies, uncoordinated data, and poor contractor performance that lead to project delays.

Types of AIMC Machines

• GPS-Aided Motor Grader (3D Machine Control Technology): It uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data and angle sensors to position the grader’s blade with precision.
  • Processes data in real-time to ensure alignment with digital design plans.
• Intelligent Compaction Roller (IC Roller): It assists in minimizing post-construction consolidation.
  • Reduces air pockets or water voids in materials, preventing damage to roads.
• Single Drum/Tandem Vibratory Roller: This ensures proper soil and base layer compaction for road stability.

Q1: What is FASTag, and how does it work?

FASTag is an electronic toll collection system in India that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically deduct toll charges when vehicles pass through toll plazas. It is linked to a prepaid account, ensuring seamless travel without stopping for cash payments.

Source: Why Roads Ministry will deploy ‘intelligent machines’ for National Highways construction | Explained News - The Indian Express

About Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

• Definition: Free Trade Agreements are comprehensive trade deals between two or more countries, aimed at reducing or eliminating trade barriers such as tariffs and import/export restrictions. These agreements provide preferential access to markets by offering tariff concessions and lowering non-tariff barriers.
• Key features:
  • FTAs cover trade in goods (agricultural and industrial products) and trade in services (banking, IT, construction).
  • Advanced FTAs may include chapters on investment, intellectual property rights (IPRs), government procurement, and competition policy.
• Types of Trade Agreements:
  • Partial Scope Agreements (PSA): Focus on a limited number of goods.
  • Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Reduce tariffs between member countries while retaining individual tariff policies with non-members.
  • Customs Union: Includes a common external tariff for non-members.
  • Common Market: Facilitates free movement of goods, services, and factors of production.
  • Economic Union: Coordinates macroeconomic and exchange rate policies among member nations.
• Major Trade Agreements of India: India-ASEAN FTA, India-South Korea CEPA, and proposed agreements like India-UK and India-EU.

Q1: What is a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)?

A CECA is a type of trade agreement between countries that covers a broad range of economic activities, including trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property rights, and economic cooperation. Unlike traditional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), CECAs often involve deeper commitments in economic collaboration and regulatory alignment.

Source: Centre cautious on FTAs to safeguard farmers and MSMEs: EAM Jaishankar | External Affairs Defence Security News - Business Standard

About Next Generation DNA Sequencing: 

• It is a revolutionary technology that enables the rapid and high-throughput decoding of entire genomes, analyzing millions of DNA sequences simultaneously.
• This allows researchers to gain deeper insights into genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and population health.
  • In wildlife conservation, NGS plays a pivotal role in identifying population genetic health with respect to genetic diversity, information on genetic barriers and their effect on populations, unique adaptations and species with unique evolutionary histories, understanding disease outbreaks, detecting illegal wildlife trade, and studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
• This cutting-edge NGS facility positions the Wildlife Institute of India as a leading centre for molecular and genetic research in wildlife conservation.

Key points about the Pashmina Certification Centre

• It was established under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
• It was set up to
  • To streamline the Pashmina Trade.
  • To provide a one-stop testing facility to certify genuine Pashmina Product free from any prohibited fibres to the associated manufacturers, exporters, and traders.
  • All the tested products will be labelled with a traceable unique id tag with individual e-certificates, enabling a seamless trade of such products in national and international markets.
• The upgraded Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification now includes a dedicated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), which enhances the precision and reliability of wool testing and certification.
• The upgraded facility offers:
  • Advanced Fiber Analysis: SEM-EDS technology to accurately identify and authenticate Pashmina fibers.
  • Streamlined Certification: Unique ID tagging and e-certificates for traceability and quality assurance.
  • Global Trade Facilitation: Hassle-free movement of certified products, eliminating delays and financial losses due to fibre scrutiny at exit points.

Q1:What is the Genome India project?

The Genome India Project is a gene mapping project sanctioned by the Department of Biotechnology. It was launched with the goal of creating a comprehensive database of genetic variations among the Indian population.

Source: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

About Dinga Disease: 

• It is locally called 'Dinga Dinga', meaning 'shaking like dancing'.
• It predominantly impacts women and girls, is characterized by fever and excessive body shaking.
• It is marked by fever and uncontrollable body shaking, severely impairing mobility and severe cases, people are also experiencing paralysis.
• The cause of Dinga Dinga remains a mystery. Despite efforts to identify the virus responsible, health experts have yet to pinpoint its source. 
• The symptoms of Dinga Dinga are as unusual as they are distressing:
  • Uncontrollable body shaking: The most striking feature of the illness is violent, involuntary movements that resemble dancing.
  • Fever and extreme weakness: Patients often report high fever and overwhelming fatigue.
  • Paralysis-like immobility: Some experience a sensation of paralysis, with even basic movements like walking becoming impossible.
• Treatment: The illness is currently being treated with antibiotics.

Q1: What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply.

Source: Dinga Dinga virus outbreak: Know all about mysterious condition that has left women and girls shaking in Uganda

About SMILE Programme: 

• The Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) is a programmatic policy-based loan (PBL) to support the government in undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the logistics sector in India.
• The programmatic approach comprises two subprograms, which aim to expand India’s manufacturing sector and improve the resilience of its supply chains.
• This initiative is in collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and ADB.
• Key pillars of the programme:
  • Strengthening institutional frameworks: Developing capacities at national, state, and city levels for the seamless integration of multimodal logistics infrastructure.
  • Standardising warehousing: Establishing uniform standards to streamline supply chains and attract private investment.
  • Improving trade logistics: Enhancing the efficiency of India’s external trade operations.
  • Promoting smart, low-emission systems: Leveraging advanced technologies to boost efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Q1: What is the Asian Development Bank (ADB)?

It is a multilateral development bank established on 19th December 1966. It is the principal international development finance institution for the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: India, ADB ink $350 mn deal to boost logistics sector reforms & efficiency

About Sahitya Akademi Awards: 

• It is awarded for the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages recognised by the Akademi.
• Along with the 22 languages enumerated in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi has recognised English and Rajasthani as languages in which its programme may be implemented. 
• The authors and poets will receive a plaque, a shawl and an amount of ₹1 lakh in an award.

Key facts about the Sahitya Akademi

• It was formally inaugurated by the Government of India on 12 March 1954.
• It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It is the central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion in the country and the only institution that undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English.
• Ministry: An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture.
• Head office: New Delhi

Q1: What is Literature?

It is a body of written works. It has traditionally been applied to those imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution.

Source: Hindi poet Gagan Gill, English writer Easterine Kire among recipients of Sahitya Akademi Awards