July 15, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Chandrayaan Missions | Explained
Explore the fascinating journey of India's Chandrayaan missions, from Chandrayaan-1 to Chandrayaan-2 and the recently launched Chandrayaan-3. Discover the scientific objectives of each mission, including mapping the lunar surface, studying the Moon's composition, and searching for water molecules. Dive into the technological advancements achieved by these missions and their implications for future space exploration. Learn about the challenges faced and the valuable insights gained, ultimately highlighting India's commitment to pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration and inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.
Highlights of the Day
1. Wholesale Deflation Continues: India's Wholesale Prices Hit 8-Year Low at (-) 4.12% in June
In June, wholesale prices in India continued to deflate for the third month, reaching a nearly eight-year low of (-) 4.12%. This decline is mainly due to lower prices of fuel, power, food, and base metals, as well as the high base of the previous year. The wholesale price index (WPI) has been declining for 13 consecutive months and is expected to continue for a few more months due to favorable base effects. The food index decreased by (-) 1.24% in June, while prices for rice and pulses increased significantly. Vegetable prices also fell by 21.27% compared to last year [1].
2. India Successfully Launches Chandrayaan-3 Moon Mission
India successfully launched its third moon mission, Chandrayaan-3, using a Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This is India's second attempt at a soft landing on the lunar surface after the Chandrayaan-2 mission failed in 2019. Currently, only the U.S., Russia, and China have achieved successful soft landings on the moon. The mission's timeline includes crucial maneuvers over the next 42 days, with the landing planned for August 23. Chandrayaan-3 consists of a propulsion module, lander module, and rover, aiming to develop and demonstrate technologies for inter-planetary missions. The lander will detach from the propulsion module and attempt a soft landing on the moon's surface while the rover conducts chemical studies and studies the lunar surface and subsurface [2].
3. India's Goods Exports Plummet by 22%, Imports Fall by 17.5% in June
In June, India's goods exports plummeted by 22.02% to an eight-month low of $32.97 billion, while imports fell by 17.5% to $53.1 billion. This marks the seventh decline in exports in nine months, with the sharpest dip observed during this period. The trade deficit for June decreased by 8.8% to $20.13 billion. Weaker demand from major markets, such as the U.S. and Europe, and lower commodity prices, contributed to the decline. However, economists believe the trade deficit remains manageable, and there are expectations of export orders picking up from July onwards [3].
4. Activists Raise Alarm over Proposed Amendment to Right to Information Act: Concerns Over Restricted Access to Information and Transparency
An upcoming amendment to the Right to Information Act 2005 aims to remove the legal provision that allows government agencies to share personal information in the public interest. This amendment, as part of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, would eliminate most of Section 8(1)(j) of the 2005 law. This section currently permits the disclosure of personal information if it is in the larger public interest and does not invade an individual's privacy unnecessarily. However, the proposed amendment would prohibit government agencies from sharing any kind of private information, irrespective of potential public interest. Activists, including the National Campaign for Peoples' Right to Information (NCPRI), have raised concerns about this change, arguing that it would restrict access to information and hinder transparency efforts. They emphasize that access to detailed information, including personal data, is crucial for people to monitor collective activities, exercise their rights, and access entitlements. The proposed amendment could potentially impede public disclosures and restrict the scope of the Right to Information Act [4].
5. India Raises Concerns Over AI Cyber-Attacks and Misuse of NFTs at G20 Cyber Security Conference
India highlights concerns over AI-generated cyber-attacks, scams, and information manipulation at the G20 conference on cyber security. The misuse of NFTs and challenges associated with the Metaverse is also discussed. Transparent and accountable AI governance frameworks are emphasized. Efforts to protect individuals from online exploitation, particularly women and children, are prioritized. Coordinated strategies against advanced persistent threats and the need for international cooperation in countering cyber crimes are stressed. India calls for an international convention on countering criminal use of ICTs, ensuring data protection, and enabling law enforcement authorities to combat new-age crimes while respecting privacy [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the 'Kyoto Protocol'?
i. It is an international treaty aimed at combating climate change.
ii. The protocol establishes binding commitments for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
iii. The United States is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol.
a) Only i and ii
b) Only ii and iii
c) Only i and iii
d) i, ii, and iii
Q2: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the 'Rajya Sabha'?
i. It is the upper house of the Parliament of India.
ii. Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
iii. Rajya Sabha has the power to introduce Money Bills.
a) Only i and ii
b) Only ii and iii
c) Only i and iii
d) i, ii, and iii
Q3: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights'?
i. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
ii. The declaration sets out fundamental human rights and freedoms that are universally applicable.
iii. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is legally binding on all member states of the United Nations.
a) Only i and ii
b) Only ii and iii
c) Only i and iii
d) i, ii, and iii
Q4: Consider the following statements about the 'Montreal Protocol':
i. It is an international environmental agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer.
ii. The protocol has successfully phased out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances worldwide.
iii. India is not a signatory to the Montreal Protocol.
a) Only i and ii
b) Only ii and iii
c) Only i and iii
d) i, ii, and iii
Q5: Consider the following statements about the 'Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs):
i. The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
ii. There are a total of 17 SDGs that cover a wide range of social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
iii. The SDGs are legally binding for all member states of the United Nations.
a) Only i and ii
b) Only ii and iii
c) Only i and iii
d) i, ii, and iii
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the potential risks associated with AI-generated cyber-attacks and the misuse of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the context of cyber security. (Word limit: 200 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In the context of Modern History, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 is one such topic asked repeatedly in UPSC Prelims. Aspirants are advised to understand the provisions of this act.
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