Daily Prelims Notes 5 January 2025

January 5, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

5 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Rajagopala Chidambaram: A Legacy of Scientific Excellence and Nuclear Prowess

Sub : Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector

Why in News

Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a stalwart of India’s nuclear program and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.

Key Contributions:

Chidambaram was instrumental in India’s first nuclear test, codenamed Smiling Buddha (1974), conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
As Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Chidambaram led the second nuclear test at Pokhran. Conducted on May 11, 1998, the test involved four nuclear fission devices and one nuclear fusion device.
Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA): Served as the longest-serving PSA to the Indian government from 2002 to 2018.
Made significant contributions to condensed matter physics, a field critical to nuclear technology and strategic innovations.
Padma Shri (1975): For his early contributions to India’s scientific community.
Padma Vibhushan (1999): Recognizing his role in elevating India’s nuclear capabilities.
Played a pivotal role in initiatives like:
- Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG): Empowering rural communities with innovative technologies.
- Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS): Strengthening India’s cybersecurity and hardware infrastructure.

Smiling Buddha (1974):

India’s first nuclear test conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
The nuclear device detonated had an estimated yield of 12–13 kilotons of TNT.
The test led to the formation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), aiming to control nuclear-related exports and prevent proliferation.
India’s test, conducted outside the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), raised global concerns about nuclear proliferation and led to calls for strengthening international non-proliferation measures.
Smiling Buddha – India’s peaceful nuclear explosion.
Made India the sixth nation to conduct a nuclear test.
Plutonium Source: Extracted from the CIRUS reactor supplied by Canada.
Heavy water for the reactor was supplied by the U.S. under a peaceful-use agreement, causing diplomatic backlash.

Operation Shakti (1998):

India’s second nuclear test series conducted on May 11, 1998, at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Operation Shakti – showcased India’s military nuclear capability.
The tests included a thermonuclear device (Shakti-I) with a yield of 45 kilotons and four fission devices with varying yields.
Marked India as a nuclear weapons state.
Invited international sanctions, including from the S., Japan, and other nations.
Prompted Pakistan to conduct six nuclear tests later in May 1998.

2. Cowpea Seeds Sprout in Space

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted two groundbreaking experiments:

Sprouting of cowpea seeds (lobia/thattapayaru) in space.
Operation of India’s first robotic arm in space.

Cowpea Seed Germination in Space:

Experiment Name: CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies).
Objective: To develop capabilities for growing and sustaining flora in extraterrestrial environments.
Conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Eight cowpea seeds were placed in a closed-box environment with active thermal control.
Germination occurred within four days, and leaves are expected to emerge soon.

India’s First Space Robotic Arm:

Experiment Name: Relocatable Robotic Manipulator – Technology Demonstrator (RRM-TD).
The robotic arm is a 7 Degree of Freedom (DoF) manipulator.
Performs relocation tasks using an “inchworm walking” mechanism.
Operates on the POEM-4 platform.
Marks a milestone in India’s Make in India initiative for space technology.

CROPS Payload:

Fully automated system for seed germination and early plant growth in a microgravity environment.
Duration: 5–7 days.
Potential Applications: Developing sustainable food solutions for space habitats. Understanding the impact of microgravity on plant biology.

Cowpea Seeds:

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a drought-tolerant legume widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
Known by various names, such as lobia in Hindi and thattapayaru in Tamil, it plays a vital role in food security and soil fertility.
- Family:
- Genus:
- Species: Vigna unguiculata.
Physical Characteristics: Small, kidney-shaped seeds. Colors vary, including white, cream, black, and brown.
Nutritional Composition: Rich in protein (about 20–25%). Contains essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Low in fat, making it a healthy food option.
Varieties:
- Bush type: Grows as a shrub.
- Creeper type: Spreads as a vine.

3. DPDP Rules 2025 Review

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context: The rules provide guidelines for managing personal data in India, with a focus on safeguarding citizens’ rights. It further gives broad direction for the Industries to prepare for compliance.

Key Highlights of the Draft

Data Localisation for Significant Data Fiduciary

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 in India requires that certain types of personal data be stored within the country, including sensitive data like financial and biometric data.
The DPDP Act also gives the government the power to limit cross-border data transfers.

What the Rules will Clarify and its implications: –

The draft rules leave the door open for the government to restrict overseas processing of Indian citizens’ data.
Experts highlighted gaps in offering clarity on adequacy standards for cross-border data processing.
Raises challenges in balancing broader data protection requirements with promoting innovation.

Parental Consent

The DPDP Act, says that platforms cannot process the data of anyone under 18—who the act classifies as a ‘child’—before obtaining verifiable parental consent from the parent or lawful guardian of such an individual.

What the rules will Clarify and its implications:-

Verification methods may include digital lockers , self identification or other such methods.
Concerns raised about inclusivity for minors without parents or guardians.
Speculation about platforms needing to verify “everyone,” adding operational complexity.

Expert Feedback

Guidance on Emerging Technologies: Experts have called for clearer guidelines on implementing the rules, especially concerning emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Impact on Big Tech: Major companies like Meta and Amazon may face operational challenges due to the new requirements, especially regarding consent mechanisms and data localization, which could require changes at the design and architectural levels.
Vague Terminology: Terms such as “reasonable safeguards” and “appropriate measures” are seen as vague and lacking sufficient elaboration, which may cause difficulties in interpreting and enforcing these rules.
Data Protection Board: The composition and independence of the Data Protection Board is a concern, as it may grant excessive control to the government, raising questions about fairness.
Exemptions for Government Agencies: The rules provide exemptions for government agencies, which has raised concerns about fairness and transparency in how personal data is handled by the state.

In Summary, the draft DPDP Rules, 2025, address critical issues of data localisation and parental consent but leave significant areas open for discussion. The consultation process is expected to refine the framework, ensuring it safeguards privacy while enabling innovation.