Context: With the Aditya-L1 spacecraft expected to reach the Lagrangian Point (L1) on Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will attempt a crucial manoeuvre to bind the spacecraft to an orbit around L1.

About the mission:

- Aditya-L1 marks India's inaugural space-based observatory-class solar mission designed to scrutinize the Sun from a considerable distance of 1.5 million kilometers.

- The spacecraft is projected to take approximately 125 days to reach its destination, positioned at the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.

- Aditya-L1 is significant as it represents ISRO's second venture into astronomy observatory-class missions, following the successful launch of AstroSat in 2015.

- In terms of travel time, Aditya-L1 boasts a notably shorter journey compared to India's prior Mars orbiter mission, Mangalyaan.

- The spacecraft is slated to be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1), a unique position in the Sun-Earth system offering an optimal vantage point for solar observations.

-Mission Objective:

- The principal objective of the Aditya-L1 mission is to furnish significant insights into various components of the Sun, encompassing the solar corona, photosphere, chromosphere, and solar wind.

- The mission is specifically geared towards acquiring a more profound understanding of the Sun's behavior. This includes an in-depth exploration of its radiation patterns, heat emissions, particle flow, and magnetic fields.

- A crucial facet of Aditya-L1's mission objective is to comprehend how the Sun's dynamic attributes, as studied, influence Earth. This encompasses exploring the effects of solar radiation, heat, particle interactions, and magnetic fields on our planet.

Lagrange Points:

- Lagrange points are specific positions in space where the gravitational forces between two substantial orbiting bodies, like the Sun and the Earth, reach an equilibrium.

- At Lagrange points, a small object, such as a spacecraft, can remain in a relatively stable orbit due to the balanced gravitational forces. This allows the object to maintain its position with minimal fuel consumption.

- There are five Lagrange Points, each characterized by unique attributes. They facilitate the stable orbit of smaller masses between two more massive celestial bodies.

1. L1: Recognized as the most crucial for solar observations, L1 is ideal for continuous viewing of the Sun without eclipses. It currently hosts the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO).

2. L2: Positioned directly 'behind' Earth concerning the Sun, L2 offers excellent conditions for observing the broader Universe without interference from Earth's shadow. The James Webb Space Telescope orbits the Sun near L2.

3. L3: Located behind the Sun and beyond Earth's orbit, L3 presents opportunities for observations of the far side of the Sun.

4. L4 and L5: Objects at L4 and L5 maintain stable positions, forming an equilateral triangle with the two larger bodies. These points are often utilized for space observatories studying asteroids and other celestial phenomena.

Context: Nepal signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW power to India in the next 10 years and an MoU for cooperation in renewable energy .

Status of India-Nepal Relations:

Defense Cooperation:

- India supports Nepal Army in modernization through equipment, training, and joint military exercises.

- The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army recruit soldiers from Nepal, with around 32,000 Gorkha soldiers serving in the Indian Army.

Disaster Management:

- India provided rapid assistance during the 2015 earthquake, including rescue teams, relief materials, and medical support.

- Total relief assistance exceeded $67 million, and India announced a $1 billion post-earthquake reconstruction package.

Infrastructure Development:

- India actively contributes to Nepal's development in infrastructure, health, water Resources, education, and rural development.

- Collaboration on border infrastructure, roads, and rail links is significant, and Indian companies are major investors in Nepal.

Water Resources Cooperation:

- Agreements for power exchange and transmission exist, with India supplying around 600 MW of power to Nepal.

- Mechanisms for discussing water Resources and hydropower cooperation are established.

Education:

- India contributes to human Resource development in Nepal, offering scholarships and seats for various courses.

Cultural Exchange:

- Cultural exchanges and people-to-people initiatives are integral, with agreements between Indian and Nepalese cultural and media organizations.

Challenges:

1. Issues with Peace and Friendship Treaty.

2. Territorial Disputes in areas like Kalapani.

3. Chinese Influence.

4. Security Threats due to a porous border.

5. Trust Deficit over project delays and perceived interference.

Way Forward:

- Resolve water issues through diplomatic talks based on international law.

- Increase investments and expedite project completion for a positive image.

- Counter China's influence by addressing economic cooperation challenges.

- Explore realistic solutions for the border dispute, drawing lessons from India-Bangladesh resolution.

Conclusion:

India-Nepal's historic ties are crucial for economic and strategic interests. A friendly Nepal acts as a buffer between India and China. Constructive engagement and enhanced cooperation are vital for long-term mutual benefits.

Context: A Chinese student who was a victim of ‘cyber kidnapping’ has been found in rural Utah, unharmed. The 17-year-old, Kai Zhuang, was reported missing on December 28. By the time the police traced him, his parents back in China had paid $80,000 in ransom.

What is cyber kidnapping?

• Cyber kidnapping is a criminal activity wherein the perpetrators persuade the victim to go into hiding and subsequently reach out to their family or friends to demand a ransom.
• The victim is coerced into sending images portraying a false scenario, such as being bound or gagged, to create the illusion of captivity.
• These manipulated images are then shared with the victim's family, instilling fear that harm will befall their loved ones unless the ransom demands are met.
• Despite not being physically present, the perpetrators closely monitor the victim's online activities through video-call platforms.

Process:

Cyber kidnapping, also known as virtual kidnapping, is a form of cybercrime where perpetrators deceive victims into believing that they or their loved ones are in danger or have been kidnapped. The perpetrators then demand ransom in exchange for the safety of the supposed victim. The process typically involves the following steps:

Deception: Scammers contact the victim and their family separately, persuading the victim that their family is being threatened or that they have been kidnapped.

Isolation: The victim is coerced into isolating themselves, often in a remote location, and providing proof of their captivity, such as sending photos that make it appear as though they are being held captive.

Ransom Demand: The cybercriminals then use these photos to convince the family that their loved one has been kidnapped and demand ransom, using fear and emotional manipulation to pressure the family into complying with their demands.

Extortion: The scammers continue to extort the family by using fear, tactics, photos, and voice recordings of the victim to maintain the pressure on the family to pay the ransom.

Factors responsible for such crimes:

Several factors can make individuals more vulnerable to cyber kidnapping crimes. Some of these factors include:

Lack of Awareness: Individuals who are not aware of the tactics used in cyber kidnapping and the warning signs are more susceptible to falling victim to these crimes.

Technological Advances: The use of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies by perpetrators can make their schemes more sophisticated and difficult to trace, increasing the risk for potential victims. Experts believe that with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), such crimes can rise, as scammers can send people voice notes that sound exactly like a loved one in distress.

Social Media Exposure: Perpetrators often use social media platforms to gather information about potential victims, allowing them to gain valuable insight into an individual's life and making their schemes more convincing.

Isolation: Cyber kidnappers force victims into isolating themselves, making it more challenging for them to seek help or verify the authenticity of the threats.

Emotional Manipulation: Perpetrators use emotional manipulation and threats to coerce victims and their families into complying with their demands, particularly by creating a sense of urgency and fear.

Language and Cultural Barriers: Perpetrators can target individuals in different languages and from various cultural backgrounds, making it easier for them to exploit vulnerabilities and create convincing scenarios

Solutions:

Digital Hygiene: Use strong passwords, unique usernames, and two-factor authentication to protect your accounts from hackers. Do not share confidential information with anyone, and use a password manager to keep track of your passwords

Phishing Awareness: Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls, especially those requesting personal information or prompting urgent action. Do not click suspicious links or attachments

Secure Internet Connection: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your online activities

Verify Identities: Confirm the identity of the person sending the messages or making the calls. Do not trust unsolicited messages or calls, and verify the identity of the person before sharing any personal information

Stay Informed: Stay informed about common cyber threats and scams. Awareness is a key defense against falling victim to manipulation and extortion attempts

Consult Professionals: If you believe you have become a target of cyber kidnapping, consider consulting with cybersecurity professionals or law enforcement for assistance

By taking these proactive steps, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to cyber kidnapping.

Context: recently Kochi–Lakshadweep submarine optical fibre cable project was inaugurated , implemented at a cost of ₹1,072 crore, which will connect the islands to high-speed internet for the first time, after years of relying on limited satellite bandwidth.

About the project:

Objective

•   The KLI project involves extending submarine cable connectivity from Kochi to eleven Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, etc.
• Previously, communication with the islands depended solely on satellites, resulting in limited bandwidth capacity that couldn't meet the growing demand.
• The project aims to provide the population of Lakshadweep Islands with high-speed wireline broadband connectivity through FTTH and 5G/4G mobile networks.
  Funding
• The project is funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), under the Department of Telecommunication.
  Link Distance
• The total link distance covered by the project is 1,868 kilometers.

Implementing Agencies:

• BSNL serves as the Project Executing Agency.
• The contract for the project work was awarded to M/s NEC Corporation India Pvt Ltd.

Major Activities:

• The project involves significant tasks such as Marine Route Survey, Submarine Cable laying, Civil Construction of CLS stations, as well as the Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of End Terminals (SLTE).

Benefits of the Project:

1. The project will make significant contributions to the objectives of 'Digital India' and the 'National Broadband Mission,' enabling the Government of India to implement various e-governance projects in the Lakshadweep Islands.
2. The initiative will play a crucial role in advancing E-Governance, Tourism, Education, Health, Commerce, and Industries in the region. This, in turn, is expected to elevate living standards and accelerate social and economic development on the islands.
3. The bandwidth established through this project will be accessible to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), empowering them to enhance and strengthen their telecom services in the Lakshadweep Islands.

Context: NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation, will launch GSAT-20 (renamed GSAT-N2), on board SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket during the second quarter of 2024.

About GSAT-20 Satellite:

Features:

• GSAT-20 is a high-throughput Ka-band satellite equipped with 32 beams, providing comprehensive coverage across India, including remote regions like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
• Weighing 4,700 kg, the satellite boasts a High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity of nearly 48 Gbps.
• Specifically designed to address the service requirements of remote and unconnected areas.
• Fully owned, operated, and funded by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

Purpose:

• GSAT-20, as part of the GSAT series, serves to enhance data transmission capacity in support of India's Smart Cities Mission.

Significance:

• Aims to fulfill broadband service needs and other demands such as In-Flight & Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) and cellular backhaul services.
• Aligns with space sector reforms, where NSIL operates in a "demand-driven mode" to cater to user requirements.

Technological Advancements:

• Notably, GSAT-20 features the first fully Electric Propulsion (EP) system, offering significantly greater efficiency (5-6 times) compared to chemical-based propulsion.
• Pioneers the use of Electric Propulsion for orbit maneuvering, transitioning from Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO).

Japan recently landed a spacecraft called SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) on the lunar surface, becoming the 5th country after the Soviet Union, the US, China and India to achieve a soft landing on the moon.

About SLIM

• SLIM was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in September 2023 aboard the H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima spaceport.
• It aims to demonstrate precision landing within 100 metres through new technologies.
• It also carried two mini robotic rovers developed by Sony and Tomy for reconnaissance.
• The mission aims to revitalise Japan's space program which suffered setbacks like the failure of the flagship H3 rocket in March 2023.

Objectives

• The mission aims to observe X-rays coming from deep space and to identify their wavelengths with unprecedented precision.
• It will use state-of-the-art spectroscopy to measure changes in the brightness of celestial objects at different wavelengths.
• It detects X-rays with energies ranging from 400 to 12,000 electron volts. (For comparison, the energy of visible light is 2 to 3 electron volts.)
• This range will provide astrophysicists with new information about some of the universe's hottest regions, largest structures, and objects with the strongest gravity.

Future Moon Missions

• ISRO (India): LUPEX with JAXA, Chandrayaan-4
• NASA (USA): Lunar Trailblazer Mission, Viper Rover, Artemis 2-6 (Manned mission).
• ROSCOSMOS (Russia): LUNA 26-28, ORYOL
• CNSA (China): Chang'e 6-8
• JAXA (Japan): Destiny+

Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. The minimum support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

• At present, the Central Government sets MSP for 23 crops.
• These include:
  • 7 cereals (bajra, wheat, maize, paddy barley, ragi and jowar);
  • 5 pulses (tur, chana, masur, urad and moong);
  • 7 oilseeds (safflower, mustard, niger seed, soyabean, groundnut, sesame and sunflower);
  • 4 commercial crops (raw jute, cotton, copra and sugarcane).

MSP is price fixed by Government of India to protect the producer - farmers - against excessive fall in price during bumper production years. The minimum support prices are a guarantee price for their produce from the Government.

The major objectives are to support the farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution. In case the market price for the commodity falls below the announced minimum price due to bumper production and glut in the market, government agencies purchase the entire quantity offered by the farmers at the announced minimum price.

Importance of Minimum Support Price:

1. Fixed Remunerations: The farmers are financially secured against the vagaries of price instability in the market. It provides security to farmers from the risk of crop failure and less production.
2. Informed decision making: MSP are announced at the beginning of the sowing season, this helps farmers make informed decisions on the crops they must plant. This advance information helps the farmer to make an informed decision about which crop to sow for maximum economic benefit within the limitations of his farm size, climate and irrigation facilities.
3. Diversification of crops: The MSP announced by the Government of India for the first time in 1966-67 for wheat has been extended to around 24 crops at the present. This has encouraged the farmers to grow these diverse crops to maximise their income.
4. Benchmark for private buyers: MSP sends a price-signal to market that if merchants don’t offer higher than MSP prices the farmer may not sell them his produce. Thus it acts as an anchor or benchmark for the agro-commodity It ensures the market prices will not be drastically lower than MSP.
5. Targeted crops: MSP is used as a tool to incentivize production of specific food crops which is short in supply. MSP motivates farmers to grow targeted crops and increased production.
6. Enhance purchasing power: Slow farm growth and increasing farmer’s distress demand for more MSP for farmers. It helps in enhancing the purchasing capacity of farmers.

Various Committees on Minimum Support Price (MSP) 

• The Agricultural Prices Commission (APC) was founded in 1965 with the purpose of recommending MSPs for agricultural commodities. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) was later given its new name. For 23 different crops, including wheat, rice, pulses, oilseeds, and cotton, the CACP suggests MSPs.
• National Commission on Farmers (NCF): The NCF was established in 2004 under the leadership of M.S Swaminatha, to address the problems of farmers and recommend policies for their welfare. The NCF recommended a minimum of 50% profit over the cost of production as MSP.
• Shanta Kumar Committee: The Shanta Kumar Committee was set up in 2014 to review the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and suggest reforms. The committee recommended a shift from price-based to income-based support for farmers. 

Various issues associated with Minimum Support Price:

1. Non-proportional increase: The support prices that are being provided do not increase at par with increase in cost of production. A rating agency, CRISIL pointed out that the increase in MSP has indeed fallen during 2014-17.
2. Reach: The benefits of this scheme do not reach all farmers and for all crops. Not all farmers have been able to get the benefits of MSP because of lack of awareness. There are many regions of the country like the north-eastern region where the implementation is too weak.
3. Excess storage: MSP without sufficient storage has resulted in huge piling of stocks in the warehouses. The stock has now become double the requirements under the schemes of PDS, Buffer stock etc.
4. Market distortion: It distorts the free market by favouring some particular crops over other crops.
5. Fiscal burden: Open-ended procurement of paddy and wheat at MSPs is completely out of sync with market prices and lead to fiscal burden.
6. Impact agricultural exports: Hikes in MSP also adversely affect the exports by making Indian farm goods un-competitive especially when international market prices are lower.
7. Ecological problem: MSP leads to non-scientific agricultural practices whereby the soil, water are stressed to an extent of degrading ground water table and salinization of soil.
8. Crop diversity: MSP affects the crop diversity of india. With MSP cropping patterns get affected as it leads to production of MSP supported crops as it guarantee returns.

Determination of MSP

In formulating the recommendations in respect of the level of minimum support prices and other non-price measures, the Commission takes into account, apart from a comprehensive view of the entire structure of the economy of a particular commodity or group of commodities, the following factors:-

• Cost of production
• Changes in input prices
• Input-output price parity
• Trends in market prices
• Demand and supply
• Inter-crop price parity
• Effect on industrial cost structure
• Effect on cost of living
• Effect on general price level
• International price situation
• Parity between prices paid and prices received by the farmers.
• Effect on issue prices and implications for subsidy

The Commission makes use of both micro-level data and aggregates at the level of district, state and the country. The information/data used by the Commission, inter-alia include the following :-

• Cost of cultivation per hectare and structure of costs in various regions of the country and changes there in;
• Cost of production per quintal in various regions of the country and changes therein;
• Prices of various inputs and changes therein;
• Market prices of products and changes therein;
• Prices of commodities sold by the farmers and of those purchased by them and changes therein;
• Supply related information - area, yield and production, imports, exports and domestic availability and stocks with the Government/public agencies or industry;
• Demand related information - total and per capita consumption, trends and capacity of the processing industry;
• Prices in the international market and changes therein, demand and supply situation in the world market;
• Prices of the derivatives of the farm products such as sugar, jaggery, jute goods, edible/non-edible oils and cotton yarn and changes therein;
• Cost of processing of agricultural products and changes therein;
• Cost of marketing - storage, transportation, processing, marketing services, taxes/fees and margins retained by market functionaries; and
• Macro-economic variables such as general level of prices, consumer price indices and those reflecting monetary and fiscal factors.

The increase in MSP for Kharif Crops is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSPs at a level of at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average Cost of Production (CoP), aiming at reasonably fair remuneration for the farmers.

• Cost provided – The MS Swaminathan Commission had recommended C2+50% but the government is providing A2+FL+50%.
• Calculation of Cost of Production
  • A2 – Actual cost of farming including seeds, fertilisers and hired labour.
  • A2+FL – Includes value of unpaid labour of family workers in addition to A2
  • C2 – Includes the cost of land rentals or interest on invested capital in addition to A2+FL

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing alerts with maps from various weather monitoring satellites.

Solar reflectance is a ratio of the amount of solar energy reflected by a surface and the amount of solar energy incident on it.

Brightness temperature is the relationship between the temperature of an object and the corresponding brightness of its surface.

• Daytime Microphysics (DtMicro) RGB – It is the data formed by combining information about the cloud brightness, cloud particle phase and size, and cloud top temperature.
• Aim – To distinguish ice from water phase and to monitor the development of convection, fog and low clouds.

• Observations – Water cloud is more reflective than ice cloud and have a stronger red beam, smaller water or ice particles have a higher reflectivity, resulting in a stronger green beam and warm surface corresponds to strong blue beam component.
• Night microphysics – It is designed for monitoring the evolution of night time fog and stratus clouds.

• Observations – A strong red beam for thick clouds, strong green beam for water clouds with small droplets and a strong blue beam for warm surfaces.

The Kalpana 1 and INSATs 3A, 3D, and 3DR satellites have bolstered India’s weather monitoring and warning services.

The Tamil Nadu government has planned to declare the entire hillocks of Alampadi, Melvalai, and Sethavarai a protected monument.

• All 3 sites are located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu.
• Melvalai – A nondescript village whose paintings dates back to 3000 B.C. and majority of etchings was in red ochre.

The word, Rattapparai, has become synonymous with the rock art painted in red ochre.

• There are 4 sets of paintings that includes human figurines, animals, and symbols.
• 1^st set – There are 3 persons, with a man mounted on a horse; another is pulling the horse with a rope fastened to the animal, while the 3^rd man is depicted with hands stretched, welcoming others.
• 4^th set – 6 men standing and a few others with hands stretched out.
• Link with IVC – Painting depicting a group of men rowing a boat, indicates a link between the Indus Valley and the southern region.

• Challenges – There have been instances of unregulated entry of people and they also face threats from quarrying and vandalism.
• Measures – Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1966 and Tamil Nadu Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules, 1971.

The Global Carbon Project report for 2023 was released during the recent COP28 summit held in Dubai, UAE.

It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and a research partner of the World Climate Research Programme.

• Established in – 2001
• It is prepared every year by a global consortium of scientists.

Aim – To develop a complete picture of the global carbon cycle, including both its biophysical and human dimensions together with the interactions and feedbacks between them.

Focus – On the global biogeochemical cycles which govern 3 greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), including their natural and human drivers, and opportunities for low carbon pathways.

Significance – It produces Global Carbon Budget annually which provides an in-depth look at the amount of fossil fuels that nations around the world burn and where it ends up.

• 2023 report – It projects fossil CO2 emissions of 36.8 billion tonnes in 2023, up 1.1% from 2022.
• Global emissions from coal, oil and gas are all projected to increase with most steep increase from oil.
• Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to average 419.3 ppm in 2023, 51% above pre-industrial levels.

In India – CO2 emissions will cross 3 gigatons (gt) by the end of 2023, about 8% higher than the figure of 2022.

• India’s per capita emissions is only about 1.9 tonnes (against a world average of almost 5 tons) and its cumulative emissions is only 3% (as against 25% for US) of the global emissions.

• On the sidelines of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, PM interacted with prominent business leaders in the Global FinTech Leadership Forum at GIFT city in Gujarat recently.

The Global Fintech Forum is a space for shareholders, customers, and participants to share experiences and experiment.

• Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) is a certification scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• The scheme's goal is to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of MSMEs, and to help them become national and international champions.
• The ZED scheme has 3 levels of certification - Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

The certification is based on parameters such as quality, safety, production, cleanliness, energy, and the environment.

• Swayam Siddha is a financial product from the State Bank of India (SBI) that provides loans to women entrepreneurs from Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The loans can be up to 5 lakh rupees.