Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st April 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Quantum Technology for Securing Maritime Communications

Context: RRI (Raman Research Institute) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy on Quantum Technologies to develop secure maritime communications.

• RRI is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Under this agreement, RRI’s Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab will lead the research efforts towards developing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques that the Indian Navy could leverage in the nation's efforts towards securing free space communications.

What is Quantum Communication?

Quantum Communication:

• Quantum communication is a subfield of quantum technology that focuses on the development of secure communication systems that use the principles of quantum mechanics.
• Quantum communication uses a fundamentally different approach to encryption.
• The most common example of quantum communication is QKD, which allows two parties to generate an encryption key that is virtually uncrackable.

Mechanism of Quantum Communication:

• Encoding Information: Information is encoded onto quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states simultaneously.
• This property is known as superposition.
• Transmitting Information: The encoded qubits are transmitted over a quantum communication channel, such as a fiber optic cable or a free-space link.
• The qubits are typically transmitted one at a time.
• Receiving Information: The receiving party measures the qubits using a quantum measurement device.
• The measurement process collapses the superposition state of the qubit to a single state, revealing the encoded information.
• Detecting Eavesdropping: One of the key features of quantum communication is that any attempt to eavesdrop on the communication will disturb the quantum state of the qubit, making it immediately detectable.
• This is known as the "no-cloning theorem" and is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics.
• Establishing a Secret Key: By exchanging a sequence of qubits, the transmitting and receiving parties can establish a secret key that can be used for secure communication.
• This key can be used with conventional encryption algorithms to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted information.

How Can Quantum Technology be useful In Maritime Communication?

Secure Communication:

• Quantum encryption can be used to ensure secure communication between ships and shore stations, making it difficult for hackers to intercept or eavesdrop on the communication.

High-speed Communication:

• Quantum technology can enable faster communication between ships and shore stations by using quantum entanglement to transmit information instantaneously over long distances.
• This could be particularly useful for communication in remote areas where traditional communication methods are limited.

Precision Navigation:

• Quantum sensors can be used to improve navigation accuracy by measuring the Earth's magnetic field with high precision.
• This could help ships navigate through narrow channels, avoid obstacles, and improve overall safety.

Improved Weather Forecasting:

• Quantum computers can be used to run complex simulations of weather patterns, which can provide accurate and timely information to mariners about impending storms or other dangerous weather conditions.

Way Forward

• Implementing quantum communication technologies, such as QKD at scale is a major challenge as they are still in the early stages of development and implementation.
• Pilot projects can be established to test the technology in real-world settings and refine the implementation process.
• Quantum communication technologies are expensive to develop and deploy. Adequate funding for R&D could lead to more cost-effective solutions.
• Quantum communication technologies are not yet standardized, making it difficult for different systems to communicate with each other.
• Standards and protocols can be developed to enable different quantum communication systems to communicate with each other

Changing Foreign Policy of Saudi Arabia

Context: Saudi Arabia is making a significant shift in its foreign policy as it moves away from its aggressive stance towards Iran and seeks to create balance between great powers while also transforming its own economy.

How is Saudi Arabia's Foreign Policy Changing?

Changing Stance Towards Iran:

• Saudi Arabia's foreign policy had always centered around Iran, resulting in proxy conflicts across the region. It's stance, in the past, has always been aggressive towards Iran.
• However, recently Saudi Arabia announced a deal, after China-mediated talks to normalise diplomatic ties with Iran.
• There has been a shift from strategic rivalry and proxy conflicts to tactical de-escalation and mutual coexistence with Iran.

Balancing Ties with Global Powers:

• Saudi Arabia has also been trying to balance between the US, its largest arms supplier, Russia, its OPEC-Plus partner, and China, the new superpower in the region. 
• Reason for Change in Policy:
• Recent regional bets were either unsuccessful or only partially successful.
• Failed regional policies such as for Syria and Yemen, where the Saudi intervention failed to deter the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
• Also, the Houthis, with their drones and short-range missiles, now pose a serious security threat to Saudi Arabia.
• The US's priority is shifting away from West Asia.
• US's deprioritisation of West Asia, making Saudi Arabia realise that it needs to establish its own autonomy by building loyal alliances with other great powers.
• China, which has good ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, offered to mediate between the two, and the Saudi seized the opportunity.

Implications on US-Saudi Relations:

• Saudi's changing foreign stance, however, does not mean that it is moving away from the US.
• The country remains Saudi Arabia's largest defence supplier and plays a major security role in the region.
• Saudi Arabia is also trying to develop advanced missile and drone capabilities to counter Iran's edge in these areas with help from the US and others.
• It is rather, just trying to use the vacuum created by the U.S. policy changes to autonomize its foreign policy.
• US’ Response: Though the U.S. has publicly welcomed the Saudi-Iran rapprochement, it raised its concerns to the Crown Prince of Saudi about being “blindsided” on the Iran deal.
• The US largely remained as a spectator in China and Russia led mediation talks, especially considering its huge military presence in the region and the fact that the US had been part of almost all major realignments.

How will Saudi's Changing Policy Affect the Region?

• Saudi Arabia's talks with Syria and the Houthis are part of a bigger picture of Saudi-Iran rapprochement.
• Ending the Yemen war through a settlement with the Houthis would give Saudi a calmer border and allow Iran to retain influence in Saudi's backyard.
• These agreements could bring some stability across the Gulf, but tensions between Israel and Iran could impact this.
• Saudi also needs to maintain autonomy without irking the US, who may not be happy with Syria being re-accommodated into the West Asian mainstream.

What is at Stake for India?

• Saudi Arabia is an important player in the Middle East, and any significant changes in its foreign policy could impact India's relations with other countries in the region.
• It can lead to creation of China-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia.
• India maintains cordial relations with both Iran and Saudi Arabia and plays a role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
• Normalizing ties between these two countries could help India in its efforts to promote peace and security in the region.
• However, Chinese mediation between Iran and Saudi will create challenges for India as it will contribute to increasing Chinese influence in the region.
• India needs to be vigilant about the increasing Chinese influence in the region and work towards securing its strategic interests in the Middle East.

Dark Matter

Context: Recently, researchers have created a detailed map of the invisible dark matter that makes up 85% of the universe.

What do the Findings Suggest?

• The new findings align with the standard model of cosmology based on Einstein's theory of gravity.
• The researchers used the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) to map dark matter using light from the early universe, known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation.
• They used the CMB radiation to map dark matter by observing how it interacts with the gravity of massive objects like galaxy clusters and lumps of dark matter.
• The gravitational field generated by these objects bends and distorts the light that passes through them, which helps in detecting dark matter.

What is Dark Matter?

About:

• Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is believed to exist in the universe but is invisible and does not interact with light.

Importance of Dark Matter:

• Dark matter is essential to explaining the observed structure of the universe.
• It helps to account for the distribution of matter in galaxies and the cosmic web. Understanding dark matter is important for developing a complete understanding of the universe and its evolution.

Dark Energy:

• It is a type of energy that is thought to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe.
• It is a form of energy that fills the entire universe and exerts a negative pressure, pushing galaxies and other matter away from each other.
• Dark energy is estimated to make up about 68% of the total energy content of the universe.

Evidence Related to Dark Matter:

• There is strong indirect evidence, as reflected in various levels like distance scales:
• For example, as we move from the centre of the galaxy to its periphery, there is a significant disparity between the observed plot of star speeds and their estimated figure.
• This implies that the galaxy has a significant amount of dark matter.

Other Distance Scale Evidence:

• There are Bullet clusters of galaxies that are formed through the merging of two galaxies, as per scientists their merger could only be explained through the presence of some dark matter.

Chinese Dual-Use Facilities Raise Security Concerns in India

Context: Recent satellite images showing the construction of a military facility on Coco Islands in Myanmar and a proposed remote satellite receiving ground station system in Sri Lanka, both coming up with Chinese help, have raised concerns in India of possible surveillance across the region.

What are the Causes of Concern?

• Coco Islands of Myanmar located very close to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Island chain are strategically important for India.
• China, which has been eyeing to encircle India in the Indian Ocean Region with its aggressive ‘String of Pearls’ policy is developing a military facility on the islands.
• The island is being connected to the southern landmass using a new bridge which can anytime be used by the Chinese military.
• Because of its critical location, the proposed remote satellite receiving ground station in Sri Lanka can be used to spy on Indian assets and intercept sensitive information across the region.
• Satellite tracking facilities are inherently dual-use in nature which means they can be used for both civil and military activities.
• It’s also apprehended that India’s satellite launch facilities in Sriharikota and the missile test range in Odisha could come under the scanner of the ground station and launches from there could be tracked to obtain sensitive data.
• Ground stations are surface-based facilities which are designed to provide real-time communication with satellites.
• Recently, a Chinese ship was seen docking at Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, the forementioned stations are likely to work in coordination with such vessels to gather vital information in the region.

What are the Other Instances that Raise Doubts on China’s Intentions?

• In August 2022, the docking of Chinese spy ship ‘Yuan Wang-5’ at Hambantota created a major diplomatic showdown between India and Sri Lanka.
• Later in November, another vessel ‘Yuan Wang-6’ had entered the Indian Ocean Region, coinciding with a planned Indian long-range missile launch.
• At that time, the launch was deferred, and the vessel had re-entered the IOR in December when the missile test was rescheduled.

What is China’s “String of Pearls” Strategy?

• The "String of Pearls" is a geopolitical theory that refers to China's increasing efforts to develop and expand its ports and naval bases throughout the Indian Ocean region, from the Strait of Malacca to the Horn of Africa.
• The theory suggests that China is seeking to establish a series of strategic naval bases and commercial ports along key sea-lanes in the Indian Ocean, to protect its vital energy imports and enhance its maritime influence.
• These "pearls" include ports such as Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Djibouti in Africa, which provide China with greater access and influence in the region.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), sometimes referred to as the New Silk Road is another infrastructure project by China. It is also seen as part of China’s debt trap diplomacy.

What is India doing to Counter China?

• “Necklace of Diamonds” Strategy: This strategy aims at garlanding China or in simple words, the counter encirclement strategy. India is expanding its naval bases and is also improving relations with strategically placed countries to counter China's strategies. India’s strategic bases are:
  • Chabahar port – Iran
  • Sabang port – Indonesia
  • Sittwe port – Myanmar
  • Mongla port – Bangladesh
  • Changi naval base – Singapore
• Forming groups with Like-minded Nations: India has made agreements for military cooperation in the region with Japan, Australia and the USA. The four countries carry out joint military exercises in the IOR region and are known as the ‘Quad’.
• Building Coastal Radar Networks: India is installing coastal systems in the countries in Indian Ocean region such as Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles and Bangladesh. These radars will relay live images, videos, and location information of Ships moving in the Indian Ocean Region.
• The project is implemented by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
• Act East Policy: This was launched as an effort to integrate India’s economy with South-East Asian nations. It has been used to make important military and strategic agreements with Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand helping India to counter China.
• Military and Naval Relationships: To upgrade and train its navy, India has developed a strategic naval relationship with Myanmar which gives India an increased footprint in the area.
• Strategic Investments: India has invested a lot diplomatically in countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia - all surrounding China. It also has recently extended over USD 1.75 billion in grants and credit to Myanmar.

Way Forward

• Increase Naval Capabilities: India must enhance its naval capabilities by incorporating more and more vessels and submarines. India's naval capabilities are limited, particularly in terms of the number of warships and submarines it possesses. This limits India's ability to patrol and secure its maritime borders and project its naval power in the Indian Ocean region.
• Enhance the Investment in other countries: India has tried countering China through diplomatic investments, but it needs to enhance these investments as China as China is way ahead of India in making such investments. India’s investments look miniscule before China.
• Economic Competition: Along with all other steps, India must focus on economic growth to project itself as an alternative to China in global economy. Aatmanirbhar Bharat abhiyan has been a good initiative towards this.
• Technological Advancements: China is investing heavily in developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G networks. India needs to match these investments to stay ahead of China in the technological race and ensure its own security and economic development.

Guidelines for Assessment of Child Suspects

Context: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued guidelines for the assessment of child suspects in heinous offenses to determine whether a child should be treated as a minor or not in criminal cases which come under the “heinous” offences category of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

What are the Guidelines?

• Child suspects should be assessed by a team of experts, including a child psychologist or psychiatrist, a medical doctor, and a social worker.
• The assessment should take into account the child's age, developmental stage, and maturity level, as well as any history of trauma or abuse.
• The team should also consider the child's cognitive abilities and capacity to understand the charges against them.
• The child suspects will be provided with legal aid and support from child welfare agencies.
• The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) will be responsible for conducting a preliminary assessment of the child suspect.
• The JJB must complete this assessment within three months from the date the child is first brought before it.
• If the JJB determines that there is a need for a trial of the child as an adult, it will then transfer the case to the Children's Court. Essentially, the JJB plays a key role in the assessment process and in determining whether the case should be tried in juvenile court or adult court.

What are the Categories of Offences under the JJ Act, 2015 and their Differentiation?

• The JJ Act, 2015 categorizes offences committed by children into three categories: Petty offences, Serious offences and Heinous offences.
• Petty Offences include those for which the maximum punishment under any law is imprisonment up to three years
• Serious offences include crimes for which the punishment is a minimum imprisonment for a term of more than three years and not exceeding seven years.
• Heinous offences include those for which the minimum punishment under the Indian Penal Code or any other law is imprisonment for seven years or more,
• There is a specific provision under which initiation of an inquiry into a heinous crime is differentiated based on the age of the child, and two essential conditions need to be met for this preliminary assessment to take place:
  • The offence must be in the category of "heinous" as defined in the Act, and
  • The child who allegedly committed the crime must be in the age group of 16-18 years.

What is the Need for such Guidelines?

Ensure their Well-Being:

• Children who are accused of committing heinous offenses are vulnerable and may require special care and attention to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.
• An assessment can help identify any underlying mental health issues, trauma, or abuse that may require intervention.

To determine their Cognitive Capacity:

• Children have varying levels of cognitive development, which can affect their ability to understand the charges against them and participate in legal proceedings.
• An assessment can help determine their level of understanding and ensure that they are not unfairly held responsible for actions they may not fully comprehend.

Legal Decisions:

• Assessments of child suspects can provide valuable information to judges and legal professionals, who may need to make decisions about how to proceed with a case.
• For example, an assessment may help determine if a child is fit to stand trial or if alternative measures, such as rehabilitation or counseling, would be more appropriate.

What is the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights?

• NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
• The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• It inquiries into complaints relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009.
• It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

What are the Constitutional Provisions Related to Children?

• The Constitution guarantees to every child the right to live with dignity (Article 21), the right to personal liberty (Article 21), the right to privacy (Article 21), the right to equality (Article 14) and/or the right against discrimination (Article 15), the right against exploitation (Article 23 & 24).
• Right to free and compulsory elementary education for all children in the 6–14-year age group (Article 21 A)
• The Directive Principles of State Policy, and in particular Article 39(f), cast an obligation on the State to ensure that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.