Senkaku Islands Latest News

Japan recently voiced serious concerns over a prolonged incursion by Chinese Coast Guard ships near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, marking one of the longest intrusions into Japan’s territorial waters.

About Senkaku Islands

• The Senkaku Islands are an uninhabited group of islands situated in the East China Sea, approximately 90 nautical miles north from the Yaeyama Islands in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture and 120 nautical miles northeast of the island of Taiwan. 
• They are also known as the Diaoyu Islands in mainland China, the Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan, and the Pinnacle Islands by other observers.
• The islands comprise Uotsuri Island,Kuba Island, Taisho Island (also called Kumeakashima Island), Kitakojima Island, Minamikojima Island,Tobise Island,Okinokitaiwa Island, and Okinominamiiwa Island. 
• The total land area of all the islands is roughly 6.3 square kilometers, with the largest, Uotsuri Island, being some 3.6 square kilometers in size.
• The Senkakus consist of conglomerate sandstone (alternate layers of sandstone and conglomerate in some parts), tuff, andesite, andesitic lava, coral outcroppings elevated above sea level during the Holocene era, and other rocky material. 
• The surrounding area is highly volcanic and features faults associated with this volcanic activity, and this affects land formation.
• Dispute: The islands are the focus of a territorial dispute between Japan and China and between Japan and Taiwan.
• Administration: 
  • They were never administered by any other country before Japan incorporated them into its territory in 1895.
  • Currently, Japan administers and controls the Senkaku Islands as part of the city of Ishigaki in Okinawa Prefecture.

Senkaku Islands FAQs

Q1. Who administers the Senkaku Islands?

Ans. The Senkaku Islands are administered by Japan.

Q2. Where are the Senkaku Islands located?

Ans. East China Sea

Q3. What is the largest island among the Senkaku Islands?

Ans. Uotsuri Island

Source: DDN

PM SHRI Scheme Latest News

Parliamentary Panel Urges Education Ministry to Release Pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Funds

Why in the News?

• A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended the immediate release of over ₹4,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.
• The funds have been withheld because these states have not signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the PM SHRI scheme.
• The report argues that SSA predates PM SHRI and is essential for implementing the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

What is the PM SHRI Scheme?

• PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched under NEP 2020.
• Objective: To establish 14,500 model schools focused on:
  • Holistic education (experiential and inquiry-driven learning).
  • 21st-century skill development.
  • Eco-friendly infrastructure (green buildings, water conservation, waste recycling).
  • Competency-based assessment instead of rote learning.

Key Features of PM SHRI Schools

• Enhanced infrastructure: Labs, libraries, art rooms.
• Integration of technology: Smart classrooms and digital learning tools.
• Holistic learning approach: Play-based learning in the early years, with flexible teaching methods.
• School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF): Regular evaluation to maintain high standards.
• Selection through Challenge Mode: Schools apply to become PM SHRI schools based on performance.
• Budget: ₹27,360 crore for 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27), with ₹18,128 crore as central share.

What is Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)?

• SSA is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at ensuring universal access to quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels.
• It supports States in implementing the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years.
• The scheme focuses on:
  • School infrastructure development.
  • Teacher training and recruitment.
  • Learning outcome improvements.
  • Inclusive education for disadvantaged groups.

PM SHRI Scheme FAQs

Q1. What is the PM SHRI Scheme?
Ans. The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme aims to upgrade 14,500 existing schools into model schools with modern infrastructure.

Q2. What are the key features of the PM SHRI schools?
Ans. These schools focus on smart classrooms, skill-based learning, experiential education, and sustainability practices.

Q3. What is the funding pattern for PM SHRI schools?
Ans. The scheme follows a 60:40 funding ratio between the Centre and states (90:10 for Northeast and Himalayan states).

Q4. How does PM SHRI align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020?
Ans. The schools implement NEP recommendations, such as multilingual education and a holistic learning approach.

Source: TH

Section 44(3) of New Data Protection Law Latest News

Concerns Over Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act

Why in the News?

• Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023 has sparked controversy as activists claim it weakens the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has urged the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to repeal this provision, arguing that it would "destroy" the RTI Act.
• RTI activists, including Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, Prashant Bhushan, and Anjali Bhardwaj, have opposed the amendment, warning that it could restrict access to critical public information.

What is Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act?

• The DPDP Act, 2023, received Presidential assent on August 11, 2023 and aims to regulate digital personal data processing while balancing individual privacy rights with lawful data processing needs.
• Section 44(3) amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005, expanding the scope of denying information under the pretext of protecting personal data.
• The Change:
  • Previous Section 8(1)(j) (RTI Act): Allowed exemption from disclosure only if the personal information was unrelated to public interest or caused unwarranted privacy invasion, unless larger public interest justified disclosure.
  • Revised Section 8(1)(j) (DPDP Act):This removes the “larger public interest” clause and broadly exempts all personal information from disclosure under RTI.

How Could This Affect RTI Requests?

Section 44(3) of New Data Protection Law FAQs

Q1. What does Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act state?
Ans. It allows the government to exempt certain agencies from data protection rules in matters of national security, sovereignty, or public order.

Q2. Why is Section 44(3) controversial?
Ans. Critics argue it gives the government broad powers to bypass data privacy regulations, raising concerns over surveillance.

Q3. How does Section 44(3) impact individual privacy?
Ans. It may weaken personal data protection, as certain agencies can access data without user consent.

Q4. How does this section compare with global data protection laws?
Ans. Countries like the EU (GDPR) have stricter oversight on government exemptions, ensuring privacy rights.

Source: IE

Tejas LCA Mk1A Latest News

Tejas LCA Mk1A: GE Aerospace Begins Engine Deliveries for Delayed Programme

Why in the News?

• GE Aerospace has begun delivering F404-IN20 jet engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jets after a delay.
• The first engine was shipped from GE’s facility on March 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive in India in April.
• HAL aims to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2025, with production ramping up to 24 jets per year.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned 42.5 squadrons, highlighting the urgency of these deliveries.

About Tejas LCA Mk1A

• Tejas LCA Mk1A is an upgraded variant of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.
• It features over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, enhancing its combat capabilities, survivability, and operational efficiency.

Key Upgrades in Tejas Mk1A

• Advanced Avionics: Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars:
  • Israeli EL/M-2052 AESA Radar.
  • Indigenously developed Uttam AESA Radar.
• Enhanced Electronic Warfare Systems: It features a Unified Electronic Warfare Suite (UEWS) and also includes an Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pod for improved survivability.
• Digital Fly-by-Wire System: Upgraded Flight Control Computer (DFCC Mk1A) for better maneuverability and stability.
• Weapons Capability: Nine hardpoints capable of carrying:
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
  • Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground missiles.
  • Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced weight and improved maintainability, allowing for faster turnaround times during missions.

About the F404-IN20 Jet Engine

• The F404-IN20 engine, manufactured by GE Aerospace, powers the Tejas LCA Mk1A.
• It was originally selected in 2004 and is a high-thrust variant of the F404 engine family.
• Features higher-flow fans, single-crystal turbine blades, and specialized components tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• The engine helped Tejas achieve Mach 1.1 during its first test flight in 2008. 

Tejas LCA Mk1A FAQs

Q1. What is Tejas LCA Mk1A?
Ans. It is an advanced version of India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.

Q2. What are the improvements in Tejas Mk1A over the previous version?
Ans. It features upgraded avionics, an AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, and mid-air refueling capability.

Q3. How many Tejas Mk1A aircraft has the Indian Air Force ordered?
Ans. The IAF has ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A jets, expected to be delivered by 2028.

Q4. How does the Tejas Mk1A compare with other fighter jets?
Ans. It is lighter and more cost-effective than many foreign jets but lacks stealth capabilities like 5th-gen fighters.

Source: TH

GSAT-18 Latest News

GSAT-18 Satellite and Economic Concerns Raised by PAC

Why in the News?

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over the economic viability of GSAT-18 due to the underutilisation of six transponders until 2027.
• The committee has recommended that the Department of Space should exercise greater financial prudence in planning satellite projects involving public funds.
• The report highlighted a revenue loss of ₹117 crore due to the idle transponders.

About GSAT-18

• GSAT-18 is a communication satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on October 5, 2016.
• Launch Vehicle: Heavy-duty Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.
• Weight: 3,404 kg at liftoff.
• Mission Life: 15 years (until 2032).
• Orbit: Injected into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Satellite Control: Managed by ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka.

Key Features of GSAT-18

• Transponders: 48 communication transponders across Upper Extended C-band, Normal C-band, and Ku-band
• Services: Provides television, telecommunication, VSAT, and digital satellite news gathering
• Fleet enhancement: It strengthens ISRO’s operational fleet of 14 telecommunication satellites
• Backup role: It ensures continuity of communication services by replacing ageing satellites

GSAT-18 FAQs

Q1. What is GSAT-18?
Ans. GSAT-18 is an Indian communication satellite launched in 2016 to enhance telecommunication, broadcasting, and broadband services.

Q2. Which organization launched GSAT-18?
Ans. It was launched by ISRO aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana.

Q3. What is the weight and lifespan of GSAT-18?
Ans. It weighs around 3,400 kg and has a planned lifespan of 15 years.

Q4. What services does GSAT-18 provide?
Ans. It supports TV broadcasting, VSAT services, and telecommunication networks across India.

Source: IE

Bandipur Tiger Reserve Latest News

Karnataka recently refused Kerala's request to increase the number of state-owned buses through Bandipur Tiger Reserve at night, maintaining the status quo of four buses each.

About Bandipur Tiger Reserve

• It is situated in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar revenue districts of southern Karnataka. 
• It is located at the tri-junction area of the States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Geographically, it is an “ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats.
• It was once a hunting ground for the rulers of the neighbouring kingdom of Mysore.
• It is part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• BTR is surrounded by:
  • Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the North West (Kabini Reservoir separates the two).
  • Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) in the South.
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) in the South West.
• Rivers: It is surrounded by River Kabini in its north and River Moyar in its south.
• Climate: Bandipur has a typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• Flora:
  • It comprises diverse vegetation of dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous.
  • It includes rosewood, Indian kino tree, sandalwood, Indian laurel, clumping bamboo and giant clumping bamboo etc.
• Fauna:
  • It is a shelter for the largest population of wild Asian elephants in South Asia. 
  • It comprises other mammals such as Bengal tiger, gaur, sloth bear, golden jackal, dhole and four-horned antelope etc.

Bandipur Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1. In which state Bandipur Tiger Reserve is found?

Ans. It is situated in the Mysore and Chamarajanagar revenue districts of southern Karnataka. 

Q2. Which river forms the northern boundary of Bandipur Tiger Reserve?

Ans. Kabini River

Q3. What is the climatic classification of Bandipur Tiger Reserve?

Ans. Tropical Climate

Source: TH

Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative Latest News

The Union Education Ministry recently launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita” initiative.

About Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative

• It was launched by the Ministry of Education to revive and restore traditional Indian rhymes and poems for young children.
• It aims to create a comprehensive compendium of nursery rhymes and poems in all Bhartiya Bhashas (Indian languages) as well as in English. 
• The objective is to provide young learners with joyful and contextually relevant learning material, helping them better connect with their cultural roots while making foundational education more engaging.
• “The ministry, in collaboration with MyGov, is inviting contributions to the initiative.
• The participants of the contest can send existing poems, rhymes popular in folklore or newly composed joyful poems and rhymes under three categories.
• The categories are pre-primary (ages three to six), Grade 1 (ages six and seven) and Grade 2 (ages seven and eight).
• Entries are invited in all Indian languages and English, and can include regional rhymes or poems that hold cultural significance in Indian context. 

Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative FAQs

Q1. What is the primary objective of the Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative?

Ans. To revive and restore traditional Indian rhymes and poems for young children.

Q2. Which ministry launched the Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative?

Ans. Ministry of Education

Q3. In which languages can contributions be made for the Baalpan Ki Kavita Initiative?

Ans. All Indian languages and English

Source: PRINT

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Latest News

India successfully flight tested the vertically launched short range surface to air missile (VL-SRSAM) from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast recently.

About Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile 

• It is an indigenously developed Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM).
• It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is a quick reaction missile capable of neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets. 
• Initially designed for the Indian Navy for a strike range of 40 km, it can now attack targets up to 80 km. 
• The missile is now being developed for use by the Indian Air Force to protect its air bases.

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Features

• Having a diameter of 178 mm and a wingspan of 508 mm, the missile is 3.93 metres long. 
• It weighs around 170 kg and uses solid propellant. 
• With a maximum speed of Mach 4.5, the weapon system can reach an altitude of 16 km.
• During the mid-course flight, the missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance mechanism, while the terminal phase uses active radar homing.
• It comes as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS) with a capability to hold multiple missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration.

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile FAQs

Q1. Who developed the Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM)?

Ans. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Q2. What is the maximum strike range of the VL-SRSAM?

Ans. 80 km

Q3. What type of propellant does the VL-SRSAM use?

Ans. Solid propellant

Source: NIE

Gounsa Temple Latest News

Unprecedented wildfires ripping through South Korea’s southern regions recently destroyed large parts of the Gounsa Temple complex, burning down two buildings that had been designated national treasures.

About Gounsa Temple

• Gounsa Temple, which means “Solitary Cloud Temple”, is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple located in South Korea.
• It is nestled at the foot of Deungun Mountain in the southeastern town of Uiseong.
• It was reportedly built in the 7th century during the Shilla dynasty that ruled the area and other parts of the Korean Peninsula at the time. 
• While it doesn’t house buildings constructed in the ancient period, it is home to several famous cultural heritages built later.
• Unlike so many other major temples on the Korean peninsula, Gounsa Temple avoided being destroyed by the invading Japanese at this time. 
• After the Imjin War, Gounsa Temple underwent a large-scale reconstruction project that started in 1695.
• It is also the Headquarters Temple of the 16th District of the Jogye-jong Order (the largest Buddhist Order in Korea).

Gounsa Temple FAQs

Q1. Where is Gounsa Temple located?

Ans. South Korea

Q2. During which dynasty was Gounsa Temple originally built?

Ans. Shilla Dynasty

Q3. Gounsa Temple is located at the foot of which mountain?

Ans. Deungun Mountain

Source: APN

Neutrinos Latest News

The AMoRE experiment in South Korea has reported no evidence of neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ)

About Neutrinos

• Neutrinos are nearly massless, electrically neutral subatomic particles that interact extremely weakly with matter.
• They belong to the lepton family, which is not subject to the strong nuclear force.
• Sources: Neutrinos are produced in radioactive decay, supernova explosions, nuclear fusion in the Sun, and cosmic ray interactions.
• Abundance: They are the second most abundant subatomic particle in the universe after photons. Every second, 100 trillion neutrinos pass harmlessly through the human body.
• Challenges in Detection: Due to their weak interaction with matter, detecting neutrinos requires highly sensitive detectors and long observation times.

What are Antiparticles?

• Every elementary particle has a corresponding antiparticle.
• When a particle meets its antiparticle, they annihilate, releasing energy.
• Example:
  • The electron's antiparticle is the positron (same mass, opposite charge).
  • Neutrinos have anti-neutrinos, but since they lack an electric charge, it is difficult to distinguish them.

Neutrinos and the Majorana Hypothesis

• Majorana Particles: Most subatomic particles have distinct anti-particles (e.g., the electron’s anti-particle is a positron). However, Majorana particles are their anti-particles.
• If neutrinos are found to be Majorana particles, it would have profound implications for particle physics and could explain why the universe has more matter than antimatter.

What is Double Beta Decay?

• Beta Decay: A process where an unstable atomic nucleus converts a neutron into a proton, emitting an electron and an anti-neutrino.
• Double Beta Decay (2νββ): A rare nuclear decay where two neutrons transform into two protons, emitting two electrons and two anti-neutrinos. This process has been observed in certain isotopes.
• Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0νββ): A hypothetical decay where only two electrons are emitted, and no neutrinos.
  • This could only happen if neutrinos and anti-neutrinos are the same particle (Majorana particles).
  • If 0νββ is observed, it could also help determine the absolute mass of neutrinos.

AMoRE Experiment and Its Findings

• Location: South Korea.
• Method: The experiment observed 3 kg of molybdenum-100 (Mo-100), a nucleus known to undergo double beta decay.
• Temperature: The detectors were cooled to fractions above absolute zero to detect tiny energy changes.
• Result: No evidence of 0νββ was found, but scientists set an upper limit:
  • If 0νββ exists, Mo-100 nuclei would decay through this process in at least 10²⁴ years (a trillion times longer than the age of the universe).
  • The neutrino mass is estimated to be below 0.22-0.65 billionths of a proton’s mass, but not necessarily zero.

Neutrinos FAQs

Q1. What are neutrinos?
Ans. Neutrinos are nearly massless, electrically neutral subatomic particles that interact weakly with matter.

Q2. Why are neutrinos important in physics?
Ans. Neutrinos help scientists understand the fundamental forces of nature, dark matter, and the universe's evolution.

Q3. What is the Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO)?
Ans. INO is a proposed underground research facility in Tamil Nadu to study neutrinos, which faces environmental concerns.

Q4. What are the challenges in detecting neutrinos?
Ans. Neutrinos rarely interact with matter, requiring massive underground detectors like Super-Kamiokande in Japan.

Source: TH