Daily Current Affairs Update – 28 May 2025

1. NavIC Used by India in Operation Sindoor

Context:
 India successfully employed its indigenous navigation system, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), across several layers of combat operations, including missile guidance, drone navigation, and battle damage assessment during Operation Sindoor.

About NavIC:

• Developer: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
• Satellite Constellation: Comprises 7 satellites:
  
  • 3 satellites in geostationary orbit.
    
  • 4 satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbit.
• Coverage: Provides accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services up to 1500 km beyond the Indian subcontinent.
• Signals: Operates on dual-band frequencies:
  
  • L5 Signal: Encrypted and restricted for military applications.
    
  • S-band Signal: Available for civilian use.

Strategic Advantages of NavIC:

• Independence from GPS: Crucial for national security, especially after the denial of GPS by the USA during the 1999 Kargil War.
• Encrypted Military Channel: Protects navigation from jamming and spoofing during military missions.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Provides quicker and more accurate signal lock within the Indian subcontinent compared to foreign systems like GPS.
• Tactical Expansion: Future plans involve integrating NavIC Second Generation Satellites (NVS) to extend coverage comprehensively over the Indian Ocean Region.

Future Vision:

• Hypersonic Weapon Integration: Will guide future hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs).
• Defense Space Network: Set to serve as the digital backbone for India’s Defense Space Agency and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellites.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Defence Technology, National Security, Space Technology.
  
  

2. Bharat Forecast System (BFS) Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences

Context:
 The Ministry of Earth Sciences introduced the Bharat Forecast System (BFS), positioning India as the only country currently operating a global forecast model at a high resolution (6 km grid accuracy).

Key Features of BFS:

• Indigenously Developed: Created by women scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
• Supercomputer ‘Arka’: Facilitated by the new high-performance computing system at IITM.
• High-Resolution Forecasting: Provides forecasts with a 6 km resolution for tropical regions (between 30°S and 30°N latitudes), surpassing global models of Europe, the UK, and the US (9-14 km grids).
• Local-Level Forecasting: Operational forecasts available down to the panchayat level.
• Accuracy Improvement: Achieved 30%-64% greater accuracy in extreme rainfall prediction through the ‘Triangular Cubic Octahedral Grid model’.
• Deterministic Model: Offers precise, singular outcomes rather than probabilistic forecasts.

Role of Doppler Weather Radars (DWR):

• Network of 40 radars (set to increase to 100) provides robust, real-time data input.
• Doppler Effect: Detects weather systems like thunderstorms and cyclones accurately, aiding real-time forecasting (nowcasting).

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Disaster Management, Technology Applications in Weather Forecasting, Climate Change.
  
  

3. Autonomous Satellites Transforming Space Operations

Context:
 Globally, the focus is shifting towards developing autonomous satellites, exemplified by China launching the world’s first self-driving satellites in 2024.

About Autonomous Satellites:

• Equipped with advanced AI algorithms and satellite edge computing for decision-making without human intervention.
• Capabilities Include: Independent orbital maneuvers, self-diagnosis, in-orbit repairs, and optimized trajectory planning.

Key Applications:

• Automated operations (docking, inspections, debris removal).
• Real-time disaster detection, geospatial intelligence, and combat support.

Concerns and Challenges:

• AI Hallucinations: Potential misclassification of satellites as hostile, risking unintended confrontations.
• Regulatory Gaps: Current space laws (Outer Space Treaty 1967, Liability Convention 1972) presume human oversight, lacking frameworks for AI-controlled operations.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Increased threat landscape with autonomous systems.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Space Technology, Science and Technology, International Laws.

4. Policy Recommendations for Medium Enterprises (NITI Aayog Report)

Context:
 NITI Aayog released the report “Designing a Policy for Medium Enterprises”, emphasizing tailored policy interventions to address the structural imbalance in India’s MSME sector.

Key Facts (MSME Sector):

• Contributes approximately 29% to India’s GDP, 40% of exports, and employs over 60% of the workforce.
• Medium enterprises constitute only 0.3% of MSMEs but contribute nearly 40% to MSME exports.

Identified Challenges:

• Outdated technology: 82% lack integration with Industry 4.0 technologies (AI, IoT).
• Under-utilization of skill-development schemes: 88% do not benefit from existing government programs.
• Limited access to finance: Only 37% successfully secure loans.
• High compliance burden and limited engagement in R&D activities (only 22% engage in R&D).

Recommended Policy Interventions:

• Customized financial solutions (working capital linked to turnover).
• Dedicated sub-portal within the Udyam platform for compliance and scheme discovery.
• Integrate medium-enterprise-centric modules into entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives.
• Promote R&D and establish cluster-based testing infrastructure.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Industrial Policy, MSME sector, Economic Development.

5. Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again in Hawaii

Context:
 Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupted again after a brief pause since December 2024, releasing lava fountains, volcanic ash, gases, and glass-like volcanic fibers known as Pele’s hair.

About Kilauea Volcano:

• Located in the southeastern part of Hawaii Island, U.S.
• One of the most active volcanoes globally, situated within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Classified as a shield volcano, characterized by gentle slopes formed by fluid lava flows.
• Shares the national park region with Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano by mass, which is less active comparatively.

Hazards from the Eruption:

• Volcanic gases: Includes sulfur dioxide (SO₂), potentially forming volcanic smog (“vog”), harmful to humans, animals, and vegetation.
• Lava flows and ash fall: Threatens ecosystems, agriculture, infrastructure, and air travel safety.
• Pele’s hair: Fine volcanic glass fibers pose respiratory and environmental hazards.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS I: Geography (Physical Geography, Volcanoes), Disaster Management.
  

6. Persian Gulf Naming Controversy

Context:
 U.S. President recently halted a controversial proposal to rename the Persian Gulf as the ‘Arabian Gulf’ or ‘Gulf of Arabia’.

Geographical Significance of Persian Gulf:

• A marginal sea of the Indian Ocean located between the Arabian Peninsula and southwestern Iran.
• Connects to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz
• Countries bordering the Gulf: Iran, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq.
• Crucial maritime route for global energy trade, particularly oil transportation.

Environmental Features:

• Limited freshwater inflow primarily from Tigris, Euphrates, and Karun rivers.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS I: Geography (Regional Geography)
• GS II: International Relations, Geopolitics, Regional Conflicts.
  

7. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) – Increase in Stipend**

Context:
 Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship recommended a 36% increase in stipend provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

Key Features of NAPS:

• Initially launched in August 2016; extended as NAPS-2 from FY 2022-23 onwards.
• Operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
• Aim: Encourage establishments to engage apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
• 100% centrally funded, part of the broader umbrella of the Skill India Programme.

Significance:

• Enhances skill development and employability among Indian youth.
• Supports industries through financial incentives to adopt apprenticeship training.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Governance (Skill Development Initiatives)
• GS III: Economic Development, Employment Generation, Human Resource Development.
  

8. CBSE Mandates Sugar Boards in Schools

Context:
 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated all affiliated schools to establish ‘Sugar Boards’ on campuses following recommendations by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

Reasons and Objectives:

• Rising health concerns including Type-2 Diabetes and obesity among school children.
• Boards aim to educate students on:
  
  • Recommended daily sugar intake.
    Sugar content in commonly consumed food items (junk food, cold drinks).
    
  • Health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption.
    

Types of Diabetes Highlighted:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune disorder causing insulin deficiency.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Associated with insulin resistance, often linked to lifestyle and dietary habits.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Education Policy, Health Sector Initiatives.

9. Regenerative Braking Technology Introduced in Indian Railways

Context:
 India unveiled its first 9000 HP locomotive (D-9 engine) equipped with regenerative braking technology, marking a significant advancement in railway energy efficiency.

About Regenerative Braking:

• Traditional electric braking dissipates kinetic energy as heat (energy loss).
• Regenerative braking reverses the motor’s current during braking, converting kinetic energy into electricity.
• Generated electricity is fed back into the power distribution grid, reducing overall energy consumption and enhancing sustainability.

Benefits:

• Significant reduction in energy consumption and operational costs.
• Supports environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS III: Infrastructure (Railways), Science & Technology, Energy Conservation, Environmental Sustainability.
  

10. Launch of Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0

Context:
 Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the improved Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 portal, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

About PAI 2.0:

• A multi-dimensional index designed to evaluate holistic performance and progress of Panchayats.
• Reduced complexity by rationalizing the number of indicators from 516 to 147.
• Aligns evaluation parameters with the Local Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
• Emphasizes themes such as Women-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, etc.
• Facilitates better quality data, streamlined reporting, and actionable insights at grassroots governance levels.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS II: Local Governance, Decentralization, Grassroots Democracy, Policy Implementation.