Today's Headlines - 03 August 2023
UIDAI is using AI to tackle payment frauds
GS Paper - 3 (ITC)
As more frauds related to the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) come to the fore, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has turned to artificial intelligence-based systems in a bid to limit the cases — this includes developing technologies around fingerprinting and facial recognition. The UIDAI has rolled out an in-house Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technology-based Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality which is able to check the liveness of a fingerprint to detect the use of cloned fingerprint during the authentication process.
How does the Aadhaar fingerprint technology work?
The technology was rolled out in February this year and uses a combination of both finger minutiae and finger image to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured.
The measure was implemented after instances of people creating fake fingerprints using silicone to syphon off money from unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts were reported.
The problem gets compounded on account of the fact that a large part of the AePS user base is in rural areas.
In effect, the AI-based technology is able to identify whether the fingerprint is from a real, or ‘live’ finger, or a cloned one.
Payment frauds on the rise
According to the Home Ministry, in the financial year 2020-21, 2.62 lakhs financial crimes, such as money laundering, bribery, corruption and different kinds of frauds, were reported. The number jumped to 6.94 lakhs in 2022, a report, released by the Standing Committee on Finance — headed by BJP MP Jayant Sinha — said.
Citing data it received from the supervised entities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the committee noted that payment-related frauds are on the rise in India – In FY21, the volume of such frauds was a little over 700,000, which by FY23, increased to close to 20 million.
According to the information submitted to it by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), in the year 2022, out of 6,94,424 complaints related to financial frauds only in 2.6 per cent of cases an FIR was registered.
The details shared with Parliament revealed that between November 2021 and March 2023, more than 2,000 complaints related to AePS were received by the offices of the RBI’s ombudsman.
#upsc #news #headline #UIDAI #payment #frauds #ITC #adhaar #system #FMR #FIR #machine #work #syphon #rural #areas #RBI #reserve #bank #india #ombudsman #cases #financial #bribery #corruption #silicone #cloned #I4C #indian #cyber #crime #coordination #tackle
UIDAI is using AI to tackle payment frauds
GS Paper - 3 (ITC)
As more frauds related to the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) come to the fore, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), has turned to artificial intelligence-based systems in a bid to limit the cases — this includes developing technologies around fingerprinting and facial recognition. The UIDAI has rolled out an in-house Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technology-based Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality which is able to check the liveness of a fingerprint to detect the use of cloned fingerprint during the authentication process.
How does the Aadhaar fingerprint technology work?
The technology was rolled out in February this year and uses a combination of both finger minutiae and finger image to check the liveness of the fingerprint captured.
The measure was implemented after instances of people creating fake fingerprints using silicone to syphon off money from unsuspecting individuals’ bank accounts were reported.
The problem gets compounded on account of the fact that a large part of the AePS user base is in rural areas.
In effect, the AI-based technology is able to identify whether the fingerprint is from a real, or ‘live’ finger, or a cloned one.
Payment frauds on the rise
According to the Home Ministry, in the financial year 2020-21, 2.62 lakhs financial crimes, such as money laundering, bribery, corruption and different kinds of frauds, were reported. The number jumped to 6.94 lakhs in 2022, a report, released by the Standing Committee on Finance — headed by BJP MP Jayant Sinha — said.
Citing data it received from the supervised entities of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the committee noted that payment-related frauds are on the rise in India – In FY21, the volume of such frauds was a little over 700,000, which by FY23, increased to close to 20 million.
According to the information submitted to it by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), in the year 2022, out of 6,94,424 complaints related to financial frauds only in 2.6 per cent of cases an FIR was registered.
The details shared with Parliament revealed that between November 2021 and March 2023, more than 2,000 complaints related to AePS were received by the offices of the RBI’s ombudsman.
#upsc #news #headline #UIDAI #payment #frauds #ITC #adhaar #system #FMR #FIR #machine #work #syphon #rural #areas #RBI #reserve #bank #india #ombudsman #cases #financial #bribery #corruption #silicone #cloned #I4C #indian #cyber #crime #coordination #tackle
Today's Headlines - 04 August 2023
CERT-In flagged Akira ransomware
GS Paper - 3 (ICT)
The central government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory flagging the emergence of a new ransomware called Akira. The Gurgaon police have also raised an alert about Akira.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is essentially a kind of malware — software used to gain unauthorised access to systems to steal data. This data can then be used by cyber criminals to demand a ransom.
Akira targets computer systems that run on Windows and Linux operating systems and is known to spread laterally across networks.
According to the advisory issued by the government, Akira steals personal data, encrypts it, and later extorts money from the victims.
In case a user refuses to pay, the ransomware actors threaten to release their data on the dark web.
What is Akira?
Akira is a new family of ransomware that was used for cyber attacks in the US and Canada in March this year.
This is different from the Akira ransomware that was flagged by Microsoft Defender Antivirus in 2017. In the US, the ransomware was reported to actively target several organisations and expose their sensitive data.
Akira uses a double-extortion technique to exfiltrate and encrypt data to increase the chances of extracting money from its victims.
It was first flagged in April, and a majority of its victims are from the US. The reason you are hearing about Akira right now is because of the number of organisations that it has impacted in the US and the latest advisory from the government.
How is Akira different from other ransomware?
Their routine includes exfiltrating data from hacked networks, then triggering encryption and posting a ransom demand.
Reportedly, once the gang is convinced that it has stolen enough data to extort money from the victim, they deploy Akira’s payload.
They Delete Windows Shadow Volume copies (a technology by Microsoft Windows that creates backup copies) from the devices using a PowerShell command: essential text-based instructions used to perform tasks, and manage systems, files, and settings.
After using the PowerShell command, the ransomware proceeds to encrypt a wide range of data file types and adds ‘.akira’ extension to them.
#upsc #news #headline #CERT #flagged #Akira #ransomware #ict #computer #emergency #police #cyber #linus #darkweb #victims #canada #antivirus #technique #shadow #powershell #system #software
CERT-In flagged Akira ransomware
GS Paper - 3 (ICT)
The central government’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory flagging the emergence of a new ransomware called Akira. The Gurgaon police have also raised an alert about Akira.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is essentially a kind of malware — software used to gain unauthorised access to systems to steal data. This data can then be used by cyber criminals to demand a ransom.
Akira targets computer systems that run on Windows and Linux operating systems and is known to spread laterally across networks.
According to the advisory issued by the government, Akira steals personal data, encrypts it, and later extorts money from the victims.
In case a user refuses to pay, the ransomware actors threaten to release their data on the dark web.
What is Akira?
Akira is a new family of ransomware that was used for cyber attacks in the US and Canada in March this year.
This is different from the Akira ransomware that was flagged by Microsoft Defender Antivirus in 2017. In the US, the ransomware was reported to actively target several organisations and expose their sensitive data.
Akira uses a double-extortion technique to exfiltrate and encrypt data to increase the chances of extracting money from its victims.
It was first flagged in April, and a majority of its victims are from the US. The reason you are hearing about Akira right now is because of the number of organisations that it has impacted in the US and the latest advisory from the government.
How is Akira different from other ransomware?
Their routine includes exfiltrating data from hacked networks, then triggering encryption and posting a ransom demand.
Reportedly, once the gang is convinced that it has stolen enough data to extort money from the victim, they deploy Akira’s payload.
They Delete Windows Shadow Volume copies (a technology by Microsoft Windows that creates backup copies) from the devices using a PowerShell command: essential text-based instructions used to perform tasks, and manage systems, files, and settings.
After using the PowerShell command, the ransomware proceeds to encrypt a wide range of data file types and adds ‘.akira’ extension to them.
#upsc #news #headline #CERT #flagged #Akira #ransomware #ict #computer #emergency #police #cyber #linus #darkweb #victims #canada #antivirus #technique #shadow #powershell #system #software
Today's Headlines - 08 August 2023
Centre to look into ‘Havana Syndrome’
GS Paper - 3 (Health and Diseases)
The Central government has told the Karnataka High Court that it will look into the matter of the ‘Havana Syndrome’ in India, in response to a Bengaluru resident’s recent petition. The petitioner had approached the court requesting a writ of mandamus for an enquiry on Havana Syndrome in India and the prevention of high-frequency microwave transmission in India.
What is Havana Syndrome?
Havana Syndrome refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries.
It is worth noting that in general, the word ‘syndrome’ simply means a set of symptoms. It does not mean a unique medical condition, but rather a set of symptoms that are usually experienced together whose origins may be difficult to confirm.
What is known as the Havana Syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss and balance issues.
As the name suggests, it traces its roots to Cuba in late 2016. This was about a year after the US opened its embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties between the two countries were normalised in 2015.
Some US intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brains followed by persistent headaches, feelings of disorientation and insomnia.
Where else has Havana syndrome been reported?
Since the Cuban incident, American intelligence and foreign affairs officials posted in various countries have reported symptoms of the syndrome.
In early 2018, similar accusations began to be made by US diplomats in China. The first such report was in April 2018 at the Guangzhou consulate.
An American employee reported that he had been experiencing symptoms since late 2017. Another incident had previously been reported by a USAID employee at the US Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in September 2017.
In 2019 and 2020, such incidents have been reported from within the US — particularly in Washington DC. One incident was even reported at The Ellipse, a lawn adjacent to the White House.
In India, the first such case was reported in the same year, when a US intelligence officer travelling to New Delhi with CIA director William Burns reported symptoms of Havana Syndrome.
What are the causes of Havana Syndrome?
No one is entirely sure. But initially during the Cuban experience, being in a country that had been hostile to the US for over five decades, the suspicion was on Cuban intelligence or a section within the Cuban establishment that did not want US-Cuba relations to normalise. It was then speculated to be a “sonic attack”.
However, further study by scientists in the US and medical examination of the victims began to suggest that they may have been subjected to high-powered microwaves that either damaged or interfered with the nervous system.
#upsc #news #headline #health #diseases #havana #syndrome #karnataka #highcourt #india #bengaluru #mandamus #resident #transmission #symptoms #embassy #unique #medical #cuba #roots #US #guangzhou #consulate #washington #newdelhi #sonicattack #cuban #microwaves #nervous #system
Centre to look into ‘Havana Syndrome’
GS Paper - 3 (Health and Diseases)
The Central government has told the Karnataka High Court that it will look into the matter of the ‘Havana Syndrome’ in India, in response to a Bengaluru resident’s recent petition. The petitioner had approached the court requesting a writ of mandamus for an enquiry on Havana Syndrome in India and the prevention of high-frequency microwave transmission in India.
What is Havana Syndrome?
Havana Syndrome refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by United States intelligence and embassy officials in various countries.
It is worth noting that in general, the word ‘syndrome’ simply means a set of symptoms. It does not mean a unique medical condition, but rather a set of symptoms that are usually experienced together whose origins may be difficult to confirm.
What is known as the Havana Syndrome typically involves symptoms such as hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches, memory loss and balance issues.
As the name suggests, it traces its roots to Cuba in late 2016. This was about a year after the US opened its embassy in the capital city of Havana after ties between the two countries were normalised in 2015.
Some US intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brains followed by persistent headaches, feelings of disorientation and insomnia.
Where else has Havana syndrome been reported?
Since the Cuban incident, American intelligence and foreign affairs officials posted in various countries have reported symptoms of the syndrome.
In early 2018, similar accusations began to be made by US diplomats in China. The first such report was in April 2018 at the Guangzhou consulate.
An American employee reported that he had been experiencing symptoms since late 2017. Another incident had previously been reported by a USAID employee at the US Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in September 2017.
In 2019 and 2020, such incidents have been reported from within the US — particularly in Washington DC. One incident was even reported at The Ellipse, a lawn adjacent to the White House.
In India, the first such case was reported in the same year, when a US intelligence officer travelling to New Delhi with CIA director William Burns reported symptoms of Havana Syndrome.
What are the causes of Havana Syndrome?
No one is entirely sure. But initially during the Cuban experience, being in a country that had been hostile to the US for over five decades, the suspicion was on Cuban intelligence or a section within the Cuban establishment that did not want US-Cuba relations to normalise. It was then speculated to be a “sonic attack”.
However, further study by scientists in the US and medical examination of the victims began to suggest that they may have been subjected to high-powered microwaves that either damaged or interfered with the nervous system.
#upsc #news #headline #health #diseases #havana #syndrome #karnataka #highcourt #india #bengaluru #mandamus #resident #transmission #symptoms #embassy #unique #medical #cuba #roots #US #guangzhou #consulate #washington #newdelhi #sonicattack #cuban #microwaves #nervous #system
Today's Headlines - 09 August 2023
Nuclear-powered rocket cut travel time to Mars
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
In less than three years, NASA could be testing a nuclear rocket in space. The space agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, announced that Lockheed Martin had been selected to design, build and test a propulsion system that could one day speed astronauts on a trip to Mars. The program is named DRACO, short for the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations.
What if a spacecraft could get to Mars in half the time it currently takes?
Every 26 months or so, Mars and Earth are close enough for a shorter journey between the worlds. But even then it is a pretty long trip, lasting seven to nine months. For most of the time, the spacecraft is just coasting through space.
But if the spacecraft could continue accelerating through the first half of the journey and then start slowing down again, the travel time could be slashed.
Current rocket engines, which typically rely on the combustion of a fuel like hydrogen or methane with oxygen, are not efficient enough to accomplish that; there is not enough room in the spacecraft to carry that much propellant.
But nuclear reactions, generating energy from the splitting of uranium atoms, are much more efficient.
The DRACO engine would consist of a nuclear reactor that would heat hydrogen from a chilly minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit to a toasty 4,400 degrees, with the hot gas shooting from a nozzle to generate thrust. Greater fuel efficiency could speed up journeys to Mars, reducing the amount of time astronauts spend exposed to the treacherous environment of deep space.
Nuclear propulsion could also have uses closer to home, which is why DARPA is investing in the project. The technology may allow rapid maneuvers of military satellites in orbit around Earth.
Flashback
Nuclear propulsion for space is not a new idea. In the 1950s and 1960s, Project Orion — financed by NASA, the Air Force and the Advanced Research Projects Agency — contemplated using the explosions of atomic bombs to accelerate spacecraft.
At the same time, NASA and other agencies also undertook Project Rover and Project NERVA, efforts that aimed to develop nuclear-thermal engines similar in concept to those now being pursued by the DRACO program.
A series of 23 reactors were built and tested, but none were ever launched to space. Until the end of this program in 1973, NASA had contemplated using nuclear reactors to propel space probes to Jupiter, Saturn and beyond, as well as to provide power at a lunar base.
The technical capabilities, including early safety protocols, remain viable today, Tabitha Dodson, the DRACO project manager, said in a news briefing on 2 August 2023.
A key difference between NERVA and DRACO is that NERVA used weapons-grade uranium for its reactors, while DRACO will use a less-enriched form of uranium. The reactor would not be turned on until it reached space, part of the precautions to minimize the possibility of a radioactive accident on Earth.
#upsc #news #headline #nuclear #rocket #travel #mars #energy #space #propulsion #system #trip #darpa #astronauts #DRACO #demonstration #agile #cislunar #spacecraft #earth #journey #engines #hydrogen #methane #fuel #oxygen #uranium #DARPA #technology #NERVA
Nuclear-powered rocket cut travel time to Mars
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
In less than three years, NASA could be testing a nuclear rocket in space. The space agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, announced that Lockheed Martin had been selected to design, build and test a propulsion system that could one day speed astronauts on a trip to Mars. The program is named DRACO, short for the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations.
What if a spacecraft could get to Mars in half the time it currently takes?
Every 26 months or so, Mars and Earth are close enough for a shorter journey between the worlds. But even then it is a pretty long trip, lasting seven to nine months. For most of the time, the spacecraft is just coasting through space.
But if the spacecraft could continue accelerating through the first half of the journey and then start slowing down again, the travel time could be slashed.
Current rocket engines, which typically rely on the combustion of a fuel like hydrogen or methane with oxygen, are not efficient enough to accomplish that; there is not enough room in the spacecraft to carry that much propellant.
But nuclear reactions, generating energy from the splitting of uranium atoms, are much more efficient.
The DRACO engine would consist of a nuclear reactor that would heat hydrogen from a chilly minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit to a toasty 4,400 degrees, with the hot gas shooting from a nozzle to generate thrust. Greater fuel efficiency could speed up journeys to Mars, reducing the amount of time astronauts spend exposed to the treacherous environment of deep space.
Nuclear propulsion could also have uses closer to home, which is why DARPA is investing in the project. The technology may allow rapid maneuvers of military satellites in orbit around Earth.
Flashback
Nuclear propulsion for space is not a new idea. In the 1950s and 1960s, Project Orion — financed by NASA, the Air Force and the Advanced Research Projects Agency — contemplated using the explosions of atomic bombs to accelerate spacecraft.
At the same time, NASA and other agencies also undertook Project Rover and Project NERVA, efforts that aimed to develop nuclear-thermal engines similar in concept to those now being pursued by the DRACO program.
A series of 23 reactors were built and tested, but none were ever launched to space. Until the end of this program in 1973, NASA had contemplated using nuclear reactors to propel space probes to Jupiter, Saturn and beyond, as well as to provide power at a lunar base.
The technical capabilities, including early safety protocols, remain viable today, Tabitha Dodson, the DRACO project manager, said in a news briefing on 2 August 2023.
A key difference between NERVA and DRACO is that NERVA used weapons-grade uranium for its reactors, while DRACO will use a less-enriched form of uranium. The reactor would not be turned on until it reached space, part of the precautions to minimize the possibility of a radioactive accident on Earth.
#upsc #news #headline #nuclear #rocket #travel #mars #energy #space #propulsion #system #trip #darpa #astronauts #DRACO #demonstration #agile #cislunar #spacecraft #earth #journey #engines #hydrogen #methane #fuel #oxygen #uranium #DARPA #technology #NERVA
Today's Headlines - 11 August 2023
MPC has kept interest rate unchanged
GS Paper - 3 (Economy)
Interest rates in the Indian financial system will remain unchanged following the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep the main policy instrument – the Repo rate – unchanged at 6.50 per cent on 10 August 2023. Equated monthly instalments (EMIs) of home, vehicle and other loans are expected to remain steady for the time being.
Why is the RBI in pause mode?
The pause in the Repo rate – the rate at which RBI lends money to banks to meet their short-term funding needs – on 10 August 2023 is for the third time since the RBI started hiking the Repo rate in May 2022 to check inflation.
In April policy, the MPC members, in a surprise move, had unanimously decided to pause the rate hike cycle.
Monetary policy transmission is still underway after the RBI slashed the Repo rate by 250 basis points since May 2022 and headline inflation is expected to remain above the five per cent level and even touch even 6.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year.
While the vegetable price shock may reverse quickly, possible El Nino weather conditions along with global food prices need to be watched closely against the backdrop of a skewed southwest monsoon so far.
Why RBI has hiked inflation projection and its impact
On 10 August 2023, the RBI revised its FY2024 inflation projection to 5.4 per cent from 5.1 per cent announced in June.
It said CPI inflation is expected to be at 6.2 per cent in the second quarter, 5.7 per cent in the third quarter and 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of FY2023-24.
This means the high policy rates will remain high for long and, therefore, a rate cut can be expected only in Q1 FY25.
The spike in tomato prices and the rise in cereal and pulses contributed to inflation. However, vegetable prices may see a significant correction.
Retail inflation (measured using the consumer prices index or CPI) had declined to an 18-month low of 4.3 per cent in May from 5.7 per cent in March, remaining under the RBI’s comfort zone of 2-6 per cent for two consecutive months.
However, inflation has picked up since then and it’s likely to rise in the range of 6-6.8 per cent in July from 4.81 per cent in June. The RBI is mandated to keep CPI at 4 per cent with a band of +/- 2 per cent.
Why has RBI retained the stance of withdrawal of accommodation?
The RBI has focused on its stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ until all risks to inflation dissipate. An accommodative stance means the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic growth.
Withdrawal of accommodation will mean reducing the money supply in the system which will rein in inflation further.
#upsc #news #headline #MPC #rate #economy #indian #financial #system #policy #EMI #RBI #bank #hiked #CPI #zone #withdrawal #level #monetary #committee #instalments #mode
MPC has kept interest rate unchanged
GS Paper - 3 (Economy)
Interest rates in the Indian financial system will remain unchanged following the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep the main policy instrument – the Repo rate – unchanged at 6.50 per cent on 10 August 2023. Equated monthly instalments (EMIs) of home, vehicle and other loans are expected to remain steady for the time being.
Why is the RBI in pause mode?
The pause in the Repo rate – the rate at which RBI lends money to banks to meet their short-term funding needs – on 10 August 2023 is for the third time since the RBI started hiking the Repo rate in May 2022 to check inflation.
In April policy, the MPC members, in a surprise move, had unanimously decided to pause the rate hike cycle.
Monetary policy transmission is still underway after the RBI slashed the Repo rate by 250 basis points since May 2022 and headline inflation is expected to remain above the five per cent level and even touch even 6.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year.
While the vegetable price shock may reverse quickly, possible El Nino weather conditions along with global food prices need to be watched closely against the backdrop of a skewed southwest monsoon so far.
Why RBI has hiked inflation projection and its impact
On 10 August 2023, the RBI revised its FY2024 inflation projection to 5.4 per cent from 5.1 per cent announced in June.
It said CPI inflation is expected to be at 6.2 per cent in the second quarter, 5.7 per cent in the third quarter and 5.2 per cent in the fourth quarter of FY2023-24.
This means the high policy rates will remain high for long and, therefore, a rate cut can be expected only in Q1 FY25.
The spike in tomato prices and the rise in cereal and pulses contributed to inflation. However, vegetable prices may see a significant correction.
Retail inflation (measured using the consumer prices index or CPI) had declined to an 18-month low of 4.3 per cent in May from 5.7 per cent in March, remaining under the RBI’s comfort zone of 2-6 per cent for two consecutive months.
However, inflation has picked up since then and it’s likely to rise in the range of 6-6.8 per cent in July from 4.81 per cent in June. The RBI is mandated to keep CPI at 4 per cent with a band of +/- 2 per cent.
Why has RBI retained the stance of withdrawal of accommodation?
The RBI has focused on its stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ until all risks to inflation dissipate. An accommodative stance means the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic growth.
Withdrawal of accommodation will mean reducing the money supply in the system which will rein in inflation further.
#upsc #news #headline #MPC #rate #economy #indian #financial #system #policy #EMI #RBI #bank #hiked #CPI #zone #withdrawal #level #monetary #committee #instalments #mode
Today's Headlines - 14 August 2023
Parachute deployment tests for Gaganyaan
GS Paper - 3 (Space Technology)
ISRO has successfully conducted a series of tests on drogue parachutes, which would play a pivotal role in stabilising the crew module and reducing its velocity to a safe level during re-entry in the planned Gaganyaan human space flight mission.
More about the Mission
The Gaganyaan mission hopes to safely transport astronauts to Space and back. Drogue parachutes are deployed to decrease speed and stabilise rapidly moving objects.
ISRO's Thiruvananthapuram-based Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) successfully conducted a series of Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh during 8-10 August.
The tests were conducted in collaboration with Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE)/DRDO.
The drogue parachutes, packed within pyro-based devices known as mortars, are cleverly designed to eject the parachutes into the air upon command.
These conical ribbon-type parachutes, boasting a diameter of 5.8 metres, employ a single-stage reefing mechanism, ingeniously minimising canopy area and mitigating opening shock, ensuring a smooth and controlled descent.
During the three comprehensive tests conducted at the RTRS facility, a range of real-world scenarios were simulated to rigorously evaluate the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes.
The first test simulated the maximum reefed load, marking a groundbreaking introduction of reefing in a mortar-deployed parachute within India.
The second test emulated the maximum dis-reefed load, while the third test showcased the deployment of the drogue parachute under conditions mirroring the maximum angle of attack experienced by the crew module during its mission.
These successful RTRS tests serve as a critical qualification milestone for the drogue parachutes, confirming their readiness for integration into the upcoming Test Vehicle-D1 mission.
Notably, earlier this year, theRTRS tests of Pilot and Apex cover separation parachutes were also conducted, further accentuating the progress of the Gaganyaan mission's parachute system development.
Theintricate parachute sequence for the Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration system encompasses a total of 10 parachutes.
#upsc #news #headline #parachute #gaganyaan #space #technology #mission #flight #ISRO #deploment #VSSC #RTRS #ADRDE #DRDO #rail #diameter #mortars #mechanism #drogue #Pilot #system #world #ribbon #speed #vikramsarabhai #centre #conical #crew
Parachute deployment tests for Gaganyaan
GS Paper - 3 (Space Technology)
ISRO has successfully conducted a series of tests on drogue parachutes, which would play a pivotal role in stabilising the crew module and reducing its velocity to a safe level during re-entry in the planned Gaganyaan human space flight mission.
More about the Mission
The Gaganyaan mission hopes to safely transport astronauts to Space and back. Drogue parachutes are deployed to decrease speed and stabilise rapidly moving objects.
ISRO's Thiruvananthapuram-based Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) successfully conducted a series of Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh during 8-10 August.
The tests were conducted in collaboration with Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE)/DRDO.
The drogue parachutes, packed within pyro-based devices known as mortars, are cleverly designed to eject the parachutes into the air upon command.
These conical ribbon-type parachutes, boasting a diameter of 5.8 metres, employ a single-stage reefing mechanism, ingeniously minimising canopy area and mitigating opening shock, ensuring a smooth and controlled descent.
During the three comprehensive tests conducted at the RTRS facility, a range of real-world scenarios were simulated to rigorously evaluate the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes.
The first test simulated the maximum reefed load, marking a groundbreaking introduction of reefing in a mortar-deployed parachute within India.
The second test emulated the maximum dis-reefed load, while the third test showcased the deployment of the drogue parachute under conditions mirroring the maximum angle of attack experienced by the crew module during its mission.
These successful RTRS tests serve as a critical qualification milestone for the drogue parachutes, confirming their readiness for integration into the upcoming Test Vehicle-D1 mission.
Notably, earlier this year, theRTRS tests of Pilot and Apex cover separation parachutes were also conducted, further accentuating the progress of the Gaganyaan mission's parachute system development.
Theintricate parachute sequence for the Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration system encompasses a total of 10 parachutes.
#upsc #news #headline #parachute #gaganyaan #space #technology #mission #flight #ISRO #deploment #VSSC #RTRS #ADRDE #DRDO #rail #diameter #mortars #mechanism #drogue #Pilot #system #world #ribbon #speed #vikramsarabhai #centre #conical #crew
Today's Headlines - 17 August 2023
'PM-eBus Sewa' approved
GS Paper - 2 (Infrastructure)
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister approved the Rs 57,613 crore PM-eBus Sewa initiatives to augment the use of electric buses in 169 cities. The scheme will augment city bus operations, under which priority will be given to cities having no organised bus service.
More about the Initiatives
These include all the capital cities of Union Territories (UTs), north eastern and hill states. The e-buses will be provided under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode for 10 years.
The scheme will cover cities of 3 lakh and above population and priority will be given to cities not having organised bus services.
Ten thousand e-buses will be deployed on public-private partnership (PPP) model in 169 cities.
Infrastructure will be upgraded in 181 cities under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
The Scheme has two segments
Segment A – Augmenting the City bus services (169 cities)
The approved bus scheme will augment city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Associated Infrastructure will provide support for Development/ up-gradation of depot infrastructure; and Creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure (substation, etc.) for e-buses.
Segment B– Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): (181 cities)
The scheme envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, Charging infrastructure, etc.
Support for Operation: Under the scheme, States/Cities shall be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to the bus operators.
The Central Government will support these bus operations by providing subsidies to the extent specified in the proposed scheme.
Boost to E-Mobility:
The scheme will promote e-mobility and provide full support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
Cities will also be supported for development of charging infrastructure under Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
The support to bus priority infrastructure shall not only accelerate the proliferation of state-of-the-art, energy efficient electric buses but also foster the innovation in the e-mobility sector as well as development of resilient supply chain for electric vehicles.
This scheme shall also bring in economies of scale for procurement of electric buses through aggregation for e-buses.
Adoption to Electric mobility will reduce noise and air pollution and curb carbon emission.
Modal shift due to increased share of bus-based public transportation will lead to GHG reduction.
#upsc #news #headline #PM #ebus #sewa #infrastructure #cabinet #electric #cities #operations #service #unionterritories #partnership #population #mobility #scheme #segments #public #private #depot #infrastructure #development #NCMC #collection #system #airpollution #carbonemission #transportation #GHG #adoption #procurement
'PM-eBus Sewa' approved
GS Paper - 2 (Infrastructure)
The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister approved the Rs 57,613 crore PM-eBus Sewa initiatives to augment the use of electric buses in 169 cities. The scheme will augment city bus operations, under which priority will be given to cities having no organised bus service.
More about the Initiatives
These include all the capital cities of Union Territories (UTs), north eastern and hill states. The e-buses will be provided under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode for 10 years.
The scheme will cover cities of 3 lakh and above population and priority will be given to cities not having organised bus services.
Ten thousand e-buses will be deployed on public-private partnership (PPP) model in 169 cities.
Infrastructure will be upgraded in 181 cities under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
The Scheme has two segments
Segment A – Augmenting the City bus services (169 cities)
The approved bus scheme will augment city bus operations with 10,000 e-buses on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Associated Infrastructure will provide support for Development/ up-gradation of depot infrastructure; and Creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure (substation, etc.) for e-buses.
Segment B– Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (GUMI): (181 cities)
The scheme envisages green initiatives like bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, NCMC-based Automated Fare Collection Systems, Charging infrastructure, etc.
Support for Operation: Under the scheme, States/Cities shall be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to the bus operators.
The Central Government will support these bus operations by providing subsidies to the extent specified in the proposed scheme.
Boost to E-Mobility:
The scheme will promote e-mobility and provide full support for behind-the-meter power infrastructure.
Cities will also be supported for development of charging infrastructure under Green Urban Mobility Initiatives.
The support to bus priority infrastructure shall not only accelerate the proliferation of state-of-the-art, energy efficient electric buses but also foster the innovation in the e-mobility sector as well as development of resilient supply chain for electric vehicles.
This scheme shall also bring in economies of scale for procurement of electric buses through aggregation for e-buses.
Adoption to Electric mobility will reduce noise and air pollution and curb carbon emission.
Modal shift due to increased share of bus-based public transportation will lead to GHG reduction.
#upsc #news #headline #PM #ebus #sewa #infrastructure #cabinet #electric #cities #operations #service #unionterritories #partnership #population #mobility #scheme #segments #public #private #depot #infrastructure #development #NCMC #collection #system #airpollution #carbonemission #transportation #GHG #adoption #procurement
Today's Headlines - 01 September 2023
First indigenous electric tractor
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
India has launched the country's first indigenous fully-electric tractor, named CSIR-PRIMA ET11. The tractor was developed by India's state-owned Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Mechanical Research Engineering Institute (CSIR-CMERI). The CSIR-PRIMA E11 is designed to cater to small and marginal farmers with around two hectares or less of farmland.
Salient features of the CSIR PRIMA ET11
The first very important point is that entire tractor has been designed and manufactured with indigenous components and technologies.
The main purpose of the tractor is to cater the demand of agriculture field application, it has been designed in such a way that its dynamics, weight distribution, transmission engagements, then lever and pedal position everything has been well designed and considered.
Another USP of the developed technology is that it Women friendly. For this we have given special attention in the ergonomics, for eg: All the levers, switches etc have been placed for easy approach to the women.
The farmers can charge the tractor using conventional home charging sockets in 7 to 8 hours and operate the tractor for more than 4 hours at the field. Otherwise, a tractor can run more than 6 hours in case of normal Haulage operation.
Coming to Transmission: The tractor is being designed with a robust and efficient transmission system by using the semi Synchronized type gearing system. The design helps to achieve the desired efficiency in min cost.
The tractor is equipped with best in class hydraulic with lifting capacity of 500 kg or more. It implies that the tractor can lift implements required not only for field operation but also hauling operation. It is also to be mentioned that the tractor can tow 1.8-ton capacity trolley with a max speed of 25 kmph.
Coming to electric aspects the battery we have chosen as the state of art Lithium ion battery with Prismatic cell confirmation. It has deep discharge capability for farming application and has a life of more than 3000 cycles.
Another distinct feature, we have provided that there is a port called V2L i.e. vehicle to load, this means when the tractor is not in operation, it battery power can be utilized for other secondary applications like pump and irrigation etc.
#upsc #news #headline #firstindigenous #electric #tractor #energy #india #CSIR #PRIMA #marginal #farmers #hectares #farmland #salient #dynamics #agriculture #USP #developed #technology #womenfriendly #ergonomics #sockets #haulage #operation #system #capacity #trolley #battery #prismaticcell #pump #irrigation #ton
First indigenous electric tractor
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
India has launched the country's first indigenous fully-electric tractor, named CSIR-PRIMA ET11. The tractor was developed by India's state-owned Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Mechanical Research Engineering Institute (CSIR-CMERI). The CSIR-PRIMA E11 is designed to cater to small and marginal farmers with around two hectares or less of farmland.
Salient features of the CSIR PRIMA ET11
The first very important point is that entire tractor has been designed and manufactured with indigenous components and technologies.
The main purpose of the tractor is to cater the demand of agriculture field application, it has been designed in such a way that its dynamics, weight distribution, transmission engagements, then lever and pedal position everything has been well designed and considered.
Another USP of the developed technology is that it Women friendly. For this we have given special attention in the ergonomics, for eg: All the levers, switches etc have been placed for easy approach to the women.
The farmers can charge the tractor using conventional home charging sockets in 7 to 8 hours and operate the tractor for more than 4 hours at the field. Otherwise, a tractor can run more than 6 hours in case of normal Haulage operation.
Coming to Transmission: The tractor is being designed with a robust and efficient transmission system by using the semi Synchronized type gearing system. The design helps to achieve the desired efficiency in min cost.
The tractor is equipped with best in class hydraulic with lifting capacity of 500 kg or more. It implies that the tractor can lift implements required not only for field operation but also hauling operation. It is also to be mentioned that the tractor can tow 1.8-ton capacity trolley with a max speed of 25 kmph.
Coming to electric aspects the battery we have chosen as the state of art Lithium ion battery with Prismatic cell confirmation. It has deep discharge capability for farming application and has a life of more than 3000 cycles.
Another distinct feature, we have provided that there is a port called V2L i.e. vehicle to load, this means when the tractor is not in operation, it battery power can be utilized for other secondary applications like pump and irrigation etc.
#upsc #news #headline #firstindigenous #electric #tractor #energy #india #CSIR #PRIMA #marginal #farmers #hectares #farmland #salient #dynamics #agriculture #USP #developed #technology #womenfriendly #ergonomics #sockets #haulage #operation #system #capacity #trolley #battery #prismaticcell #pump #irrigation #ton
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialised agency of the United Nations, was one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference in Rome.
The conference was organised by the United Nations in response to the food crises of the early 1970s, when global food shortages were causing widespread famine and malnutrition.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Established in 1991 on the eve of the 1992 Rio Summit, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides grant funds to developing countries for projects and activities that aim to protect the global environment.
This is to cover areas like biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, land degradation, primarily desertification, deforestation and persistent organic pollutants.
African Development Bank (AfDB)
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) comprises (i) the African Development Bank, (ii) the African Development Fund and (iii) the Nigeria Trust Fund. It was established in 1963 with membership being open only to regional countries, initially.
To mobilise external resources for the development of Regional Member Countries, AFDB extended its membership.
#UPSC #headline #news #G20 #summit #newdelhi #internationalrelations #forum #world #bank #group #system #mission #IBRD #JOBS #CORPORATE #investments #WTO
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialised agency of the United Nations, was one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference in Rome.
The conference was organised by the United Nations in response to the food crises of the early 1970s, when global food shortages were causing widespread famine and malnutrition.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Established in 1991 on the eve of the 1992 Rio Summit, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) provides grant funds to developing countries for projects and activities that aim to protect the global environment.
This is to cover areas like biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, land degradation, primarily desertification, deforestation and persistent organic pollutants.
African Development Bank (AfDB)
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) comprises (i) the African Development Bank, (ii) the African Development Fund and (iii) the Nigeria Trust Fund. It was established in 1963 with membership being open only to regional countries, initially.
To mobilise external resources for the development of Regional Member Countries, AFDB extended its membership.
#UPSC #headline #news #G20 #summit #newdelhi #internationalrelations #forum #world #bank #group #system #mission #IBRD #JOBS #CORPORATE #investments #WTO
Today's Headlines - 09 September 2023
Cabinet approves VGF for battery storage system
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme for providing viability gap funding (VGF) for developing battery storage of 4 gigawatt (Gw) by 2030-31. The VGF for the battery energy storage system (BESS) will have an initial outlay of Rs 9,400 crore and this will include a budgetary grant of Rs 3,700 crore.
More about the News
The VGF would be disbursed in five tranches and be linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects. The scheme is aimed at supporting the energy storage needs of the renewable energy sector, especially solar and wind.
Given their restricted hours/seasons of operation, energy storage ensures round-the-clock green energy.
The VGF scheme for BESS projects was first announced in Budget 2023. Through the scheme, the Centre is aiming to bring down the cost of battery storage systems and increase their viability.
By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) ranging from Rs 5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country, said a statement by the ministry of power.
The statement further said that 85 percent of BESS projects under the scheme would be provided to the power distribution companies (discoms).
This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimise wastage while optimising the utilisation of transmission networks. Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Developers for these BESS projects would be selected through a competitive bidding process, to be open for both public and private sector. This approach will foster healthy competition and encourage the growth of a robust ecosystem for BESS, attracting significant investments and generating opportunities for associated industries.
#upsc #headline #news #cabinet #VGF #battery #storage #system #energy #unioncabinet #gigawatt #BESS #budgetary #fivetranches #scheme #projects #LCOS #kilowatt #hour #discoms #minimise #wastage #optimising #utlisation #networks #healthy #competition #robust #ecosystem #privatesectors #upgrades #investments #peakpower #country #ministrypower #support #devloping #crore #seasons #solar #wind #viability
Cabinet approves VGF for battery storage system
GS Paper - 3 (Energy)
The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme for providing viability gap funding (VGF) for developing battery storage of 4 gigawatt (Gw) by 2030-31. The VGF for the battery energy storage system (BESS) will have an initial outlay of Rs 9,400 crore and this will include a budgetary grant of Rs 3,700 crore.
More about the News
The VGF would be disbursed in five tranches and be linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects. The scheme is aimed at supporting the energy storage needs of the renewable energy sector, especially solar and wind.
Given their restricted hours/seasons of operation, energy storage ensures round-the-clock green energy.
The VGF scheme for BESS projects was first announced in Budget 2023. Through the scheme, the Centre is aiming to bring down the cost of battery storage systems and increase their viability.
By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage (LCoS) ranging from Rs 5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country, said a statement by the ministry of power.
The statement further said that 85 percent of BESS projects under the scheme would be provided to the power distribution companies (discoms).
This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimise wastage while optimising the utilisation of transmission networks. Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Developers for these BESS projects would be selected through a competitive bidding process, to be open for both public and private sector. This approach will foster healthy competition and encourage the growth of a robust ecosystem for BESS, attracting significant investments and generating opportunities for associated industries.
#upsc #headline #news #cabinet #VGF #battery #storage #system #energy #unioncabinet #gigawatt #BESS #budgetary #fivetranches #scheme #projects #LCOS #kilowatt #hour #discoms #minimise #wastage #optimising #utlisation #networks #healthy #competition #robust #ecosystem #privatesectors #upgrades #investments #peakpower #country #ministrypower #support #devloping #crore #seasons #solar #wind #viability
DECODING TRINETRA SYSTEM
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