22nd April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Jal Jeevan Mission: Progress, Funding Challenges, and the Road Ahead – Governance

Overview of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Funding Status

Role of Local Bodies and Community Participation

Major Challenges

Future Focus Areas (Post-2024)

• Ensure sustainability of water sources and systems.
• Continuous monitoring of water quality.
• Operation and Maintenance (O&M) funding for long-term success.
• Expansion of water conservation practices, like rainwater harvesting and recharge structures.

Summary

Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. As of 2025, 73% coverage has been achieved, but funding gaps and delays in states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh pose risks. Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) play a key role in local water management. The mission faces challenges such as water source sustainability, contamination, and infrastructure issues in diverse terrains. Long-term success depends on community involvement, water conservation, and sustained financing.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Jal Jeevan Mission aims to achieve which of the following by 2024?
a) Universal coverage of health insurance
b) 100% functional household tap connections in rural India
c) Electrification of all rural households
d) Financial inclusion of rural women through SHGs

Answer: b) 100% functional household tap connections in rural India

2. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which local body is primarily responsible for managing village water supply systems?
a) Panchayat Samiti
b) Gram Sabha
c) Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
d) Zilla Parishad

Answer: c) Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC)

Mains :

1. The success of Jal Jeevan Mission hinges not only on infrastructure creation but also on community participation and sustainable practices. Discuss.
   (GS Paper II – Governance / Social Sector Schemes)
2. Highlight the major challenges faced in implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission across India. Suggest measures to make rural water supply systems sustainable.
   (GS Paper II – Governance / Developmental Challenges)

2. 50 Years Since the Launch of Aryabhata – Science and Technology

About Aryabhata

Key Features and Scientific Objectives

• Solar physics experiments
• X-ray astronomy observations | | Symbolism | Demonstrated India’s technical capabilities and national pride in science and innovation. |

Background: Inception of India’s Space Program

Significance of Aryabhata’s Launch

• Technological Leap: Showcased India’s growing competence in satellite engineering.
• Strategic Importance: Gave India a foothold in satellite technology, vital for communication, weather forecasting, and defense.
• International Recognition: Cemented India’s reputation as an emerging space power.
• Inspirational Legacy: Encouraged the next generations of scientists and engineers in India’s space ecosystem.

Summary

The launch of Aryabhata in 1975 marked India’s entry into space technology, with support from the Soviet Union. Despite a short operational life due to a power failure, it symbolized India’s scientific ambition and laid the foundation for future space missions like INSAT, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan. Aryabhata showcased India’s engineering capability and gained international recognition, inspiring generations of scientists and solidifying ISRO’s role in national development and technological self-reliance.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched with the help of which country?
a) United States
b) France
c) Soviet Union
d) United Kingdom

Answer: c) Soviet Union

2. Aryabhata’s primary scientific objectives included:

1. Solar Physics
2. X-ray Astronomy
3. Lunar Surface Imaging
4. Mars Exploration

Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Mains :

1. Discuss the significance of the launch of Aryabhata in shaping India’s space research and development capabilities. How has India’s space program evolved since then?
   (GS Paper III – Science and Technology / Space Technology)
2. Space technology has increasingly become a critical component of national development and security. Analyze India’s achievements in this sector over the past five decades.
   (GS Paper III – Science and Technology / Defence and Development)

3. Indian Air Force Joins Exercise Desert Flag-10 – Defence & Security

About Exercise Desert Flag-10

• MiG-29 (air superiority fighter)
• Jaguar (ground attack, deep strike aircraft) |

Participating Nations

Objectives of the Exercise

Significance for India

• Operational Exposure: Provides the IAF with the experience of fighting alongside and against some of the world’s best air forces.
• Force Modernization: Helps in adapting tactics for 4.5 and 5th generation warfare environments.
• Strategic Diplomacy: Enhances India’s defence diplomacy, especially in the West Asian region.
• Showcasing Capability: Displays India’s indigenous capabilities and global stature in aerial warfare.

Summary

The Indian Air Force participated in Exercise Desert Flag-10, a multinational air combat drill hosted by the UAE at Al Dhafra Air Base. Deploying MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, the IAF engaged in complex war simulations alongside air forces from countries like the U.S., UK, France, and South Korea. The exercise enhanced India’s operational readiness, interoperability, and defence diplomacy, while showcasing its aerial combat capabilities and strengthening strategic ties in West Asia.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Exercise Desert Flag-10, recently seen in the news, is hosted by which country?
a) Saudi Arabia
b) United Arab Emirates
c) Qatar
d) Oman

Answer: b) United Arab Emirates

2. In Exercise Desert Flag-10, the Indian Air Force participated using which aircraft?

1. MiG-29
2. Jaguar
3. Rafale
4. Tejas

Select the correct answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Mains :

1.In the context of India’s evolving global military profile, analyze the role of air exercises like Desert Flag in improving interoperability and tactical modernization of the Indian Air Force.
(GS Paper III – Defence and Security)

2. Discuss the strategic importance of multinational military exercises like Desert Flag for enhancing India’s defence capabilities and diplomatic relations.
(GS Paper III – Defence & Security / International Relations)

4. Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons – Defence & Security

What are Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Weapons?

Types of ASAT Weapons

• Physically destroys satellite by direct collision.
• Example: India’s Mission Shakti (2019) – missile-based destruction at 300 km altitude. | | Non-Kinetic ASAT |
• Uses cyber-attacks, jamming, spoofing, lasers, or microwave weapons to disable or blind satellites without physical damage.
• Example: Directed Energy Weapons. |

🇮🇳 India’s ASAT Capability: Mission Shakti

Global Scenario of ASAT Development

• Countries with Demonstrated ASAT Capabilities:
  • United States
  • Russia
  • China
  • India
• Concerns:
  • Space Debris Generation: Threatens operational satellites and space missions.
  • Weaponization of Outer Space: Escalates the risk of conflicts extending to outer space.
  • Lack of Global Treaty: Outer Space Treaty (1967) prohibits weapons of mass destruction in space but is silent on conventional ASAT weapons.

New Related Concept: Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)

• Involves maneuvering a spacecraft close to another.
• Dual-use:
  • Civilian: Docking, satellite repair (e.g., ISS missions).
  • Military: Espionage, disabling or capturing satellites covertly.

Need for Global Regulations

Summary

ASAT weapons are designed to neutralize satellites, with types including kinetic (direct collision) and non-kinetic (jamming, lasers) systems. India demonstrated its ASAT capability in 2019 through Mission Shakti, joining the U.S., Russia, and China as space-capable military powers. While vital for national security, ASAT tests raise global concerns about space debris and the militarization of space. The growing need for international norms and treaties is critical to ensure peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. “Mission Shakti”, recently seen in the news, is related to:
a) India’s first Mars mission
b) Development of a hypersonic missile
c) India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test
d) India’s Cyber Security Initiative

Answer: c) India’s Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile test

2. Which of the following statements is correct about ASAT weapons?

1. They can only be launched from ground-based platforms.
2. ASAT weapons can be kinetic or non-kinetic in nature.

Select the correct answer:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b) 2 only

Mains :

1. Discuss the significance of Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapons in modern warfare. Highlight India’s approach towards ensuring responsible behavior in outer space.
   (GS Paper III – Defence and Security / Space Technology)
2. Space is emerging as the new domain of warfare. Critically evaluate the need for an international regulatory framework for activities such as ASAT weapon development and testing.
   (GS Paper III – Security Challenges / International Relations)

5. India’s Push for Higher Value Addition in Electronics Manufacturing – Economy

Key Highlights

• ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission.
• ₹3,000 crore scheme for passive electronic components. | | Major Companies | Apple, Samsung, and others expanding production in India. | | Motivation |
• Reduce overdependence on China.
• Leverage India’s skilled workforce.
• Take advantage of government incentives. |

Major Schemes Supporting Electronics Manufacturing

Why is Higher Value Addition Important?

• Reduces Import Dependency: Especially crucial given India’s $100 billion trade deficit with China (2024–25).
• Boosts Employment: Creates skilled, high-quality jobs in design, R&D, and manufacturing.
• Improves Trade Balance: Local manufacturing and component sourcing will cut import bills.
• Strengthens Global Competitiveness: India can move from “Make in India” to “Designed and Made in India” in electronics.
• Builds Resilience: Reduces vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

Progress So Far

Challenges Ahead

• Underdeveloped Component Supply Chains
• Dependence on Imported Semiconductor Chips
• Need for Skilling in Electronics Design and Manufacturing
• Global Competition from Vietnam, Mexico, and Malaysia

Summary

India aims to boost domestic value addition in electronics manufacturing from the current 15–20% to 40–50% through initiatives like the ₹76,000 crore India Semiconductor Mission and PLI schemes. This move is driven by the need to reduce import dependence, especially on China, improve trade balance, create skilled jobs, and enhance global competitiveness. While progress is visible in mobile exports and PCB localization, challenges like underdeveloped supply chains and global competition remain key hurdles

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. The India Semiconductor Mission, recently seen in the news, primarily aims to:
a) Promote electronic waste recycling
b) Support indigenous semiconductor and display manufacturing
c) Incentivize mobile phone assembly units
d) Encourage software service exports

Answer: b) Support indigenous semiconductor and display manufacturing

2. Which of the following is/are correct regarding Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?

1. It is applicable only to the textile sector.
2. It aims to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports.

Select the correct answer:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: b) 2 only

Mains :

1. Discuss the significance of increasing domestic value addition in electronics manufacturing for India’s economic growth and strategic autonomy.
   (GS Paper III – Economy / Industry and Infrastructure)
2. Critically evaluate the role of schemes like the India Semiconductor Mission and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme in reducing India’s trade deficit with China.
   (GS Paper III – Economic Development / International Trade)

6. CROP: Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress – Science and Technology

Key Highlights

Technological Framework of CROP

Advantage: CROP is semi-automated and scalable — a real-time decision support tool for agriculture planners.

Major Wheat-Producing States Under CROP Monitoring

Importance of CROP Framework

• Enhanced Food Security: Helps in accurate yield prediction, ensuring national food security planning.
• Efficient Resource Management: Real-time monitoring helps in targeted interventions like irrigation and fertilizer application.
• Disaster Management: Quick damage assessment after floods, droughts, or storms.
• Policy Support: Assists governments in early procurement planning and price support measures.
• Boosts Export Planning: Timely yield forecasts support better agricultural trade strategies.

Challenges in Implementing Satellite-Based Crop Monitoring

• Cloud Cover Issues: Optical sensors may be limited during monsoon or winter fog.
• Ground Validation: Field-level calibration is necessary to verify satellite data.
• Data Management: Handling massive satellite datasets needs robust computational infrastructure.
• Farmer Awareness: Translating remote sensing data into actionable information for farmers is still a gap.

Summary

The CROP framework, developed by the NRSC, uses satellites like EOS-04, Oceansat-3, and Resourcesat-2A to provide near real-time monitoring of wheat crop progress across major Indian states. It integrates radar and optical data to overcome weather-related limitations, enabling accurate yield forecasting, disaster response, and informed policymaking. While it enhances food security and planning, challenges such as cloud cover, data validation, and farmer outreach remain to be addressed for its full-scale effectiveness.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. The CROP framework, recently seen in the news, is related to:
a) River Basin Monitoring
b) Forest Fire Detection
c) Crop Progress Monitoring using Remote Sensing
d) Soil Health Mapping

Answer: c) Crop Progress Monitoring using Remote Sensing

2. Which of the following satellites are used under the CROP initiative?

1. EOS-04
2. Oceansat-3
3. Resourcesat-2A

Select the correct answer:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Mains :

1. Discuss how satellite-based technologies like the CROP framework can revolutionize agricultural productivity and food security in India.
   (GS Paper III – Science and Technology / Agriculture)
2. Evaluate the role of remote sensing in ensuring accurate agricultural forecasts and enhancing climate resilience for Indian farmers.
   (GS Paper III – Science and Technology and Environment)