UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 18th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Defence & Security

DDoS Cyberattack Hits Karnataka’s Kaveri 2.0 Portal

Why in News?

In January 2025, Karnataka's property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, experienced significant outages that disrupted essential citizen services. An investigation conducted by the Revenue and E-Governance Departments revealed that these disruptions were not due to technical errors but were the result of a deliberate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. This incident highlights the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure to cyber threats.

• The Kaveri 2.0 portal suffered a DDoS attack, impacting property registration services.
• The attack was orchestrated using multiple compromised systems, indicating a sophisticated level of cyber threat.
• Cybersecurity measures are crucial for preventing future attacks on digital services.

Additional Details

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attack: A DDoS attack aims to disrupt the normal operation of a server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of excessive internet traffic. Unlike a Denial of Service (DoS) attack that originates from a single source, a DDoS attack utilizes multiple compromised systems, known as a botnet, to generate this traffic.
• Types of DDoS Attacks:
  • Bandwidth Saturation: Overloading a site's bandwidth.
  • Protocol Exploitation: Exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols.
  • Application Targeting: Attacking weaknesses in specific applications or services.
• Service Downtime: The primary goal of a DDoS attack is to overwhelm a web portal, rendering it inaccessible, which can lead to operational disruptions and potential revenue loss.
• Future of Kaveri 2.0: The Kaveri 2.0 portal, after suffering a significant drop in property registrations due to the attack, was restored on February 5, 2025. This incident emphasizes the urgent need for government agencies to prioritize cybersecurity.

The DDoS attack on Kaveri 2.0 underscores the critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and advanced traffic filtering are essential to mitigate such attacks and ensure the stability of online services.

GS3/Science and Technology

Matsya-6000: India's Deep Ocean Submersible

Why in News?

The Matsya-6000, India's advanced generation deep-ocean submersible, has successfully completed wet testing at Chennai harbor. This achievement paves the way for shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters, scheduled for 2025.

• Matsya-6000 is designed to withstand extreme oceanic pressures.
• It can accommodate three crew members within a 2.1-meter diameter sphere.
• The submersible operates at a speed of 5.5 km/hr using multidirectional thrusters.
• It features advanced navigation systems including GPS and underwater acoustic positioning.
• Emergency capabilities include a 12-hour operational endurance and 96 hours of emergency support.

Additional Details

• Construction: Made from titanium alloy, Matsya-6000 is specifically engineered to endure high-pressure environments found in deep ocean settings.
• Capabilities: The submersible is equipped with robotic arms for sample collection, resolution imaging, and oceanographic sensors aimed at facilitating deep-sea research.
• Future Trials: Shallow-water tests up to 500 meters are planned for late 2025, with full deep-sea trials at depths of 6,000 meters scheduled for 2026.

The Matsya-6000 is a significant component of India's Deep Ocean Mission (DOM), launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to bolster the country's deep-sea exploration capabilities. The mission aims to support the Blue Economy policy and focuses on resource utilization, climate monitoring, and marine biodiversity conservation.

In summary, the successful testing of Matsya-6000 marks a crucial step towards enhancing India's deep-sea exploration initiatives, aligning with broader objectives related to oceanic resource management and environmental sustainability.

GS3/Environment

The Aravalli Safari Park Project

Why in News?

The Haryana government has proposed an ambitious plan for a 3,858-hectare Aravalli Safari Park, which aims to be the world’s largest safari park, spanning across Gurugram and Nuh districts.

• The project is intended to promote biodiversity and tourism.
• It will feature animal enclosures, botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars, hotels, and an animal hospital.
• Initially managed by the Tourism Department, the project is now under the Forest Department, overseen by an expert committee.

About the Aravalli Range

• Overview: The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges globally, dating back to the Proterozoic era.
• Geography: It stretches 692 km from Gujarat to Delhi, passing through Rajasthan and Haryana.
• Ecological Role: Acts as a natural green barrier, preventing the Thar Desert's expansion into eastern Rajasthan and the Gangetic plains.
• Highest Peak: Guru Shikhar, which stands at 1,722 meters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Rivers: The range is the source of several rivers, including the Banas and Sahibi Rivers (tributaries of the Yamuna) and the Luni River, which flows into the Rann of Kutch.
• Mineral Resources: The area is rich in minerals like copper, zinc, lead, and marble.
• Groundwater Recharge: The Aravalli hills play a crucial role in groundwater recharge, acting as natural aquifers.
• Approximately 80% of the range is located in Rajasthan, with the remainder in Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.

Concerns Regarding the Project

• Ecological Concerns: The Aravallis are essential for preventing desertification; large-scale construction could disrupt groundwater recharge and biodiversity.
• Threat to Water Security: The region acts as an aquifer, and excessive tourism, vehicular traffic, and construction could exacerbate the existing water crisis in Gurugram and Nuh, which are already classified as "over-exploited" by the Central Ground Water Board.
• Legal Violations:The project encroaches upon protected forest areas governed by:
  • Forest Conservation Act, 1980
  • Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900
  • T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Judgment (1996), which provides legal protection to non-notified forest land.

Previous Year Question (PYQ)

[2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

• (a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth
• (b) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones.
• (c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region.
• (d) It has less human interference.

This project represents a significant initiative but raises various ecological and legal challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development.

GS2/International Relations

Georgia and the Resurrection of the Colour Revolutions

Why in News?

The 21st century has seen a resurgence of uprisings in post-Soviet states known as the colour revolutions. These movements aimed to replace pro-Moscow regimes with pro-Western leadership, advocating for democratic reforms, but their long-term impacts and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding them raise questions about the effectiveness of externally influenced democratic transitions.

• The colour revolutions, including Georgia's Rose Revolution (2003), Ukraine's Orange Revolution (2004), and Kyrgyzstan's Tulip Revolution (2005), were largely symbolic movements against corrupt governance.
• Western institutions, such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), significantly supported these revolutions, indicating external influences in these supposedly organic uprisings.
• While the revolutions were initially viewed as victories for democracy, they often led to disillusionment as new leaderships frequently fell into similar patterns of corruption and authoritarianism.

Additional Details

• Geopolitical Significance: From a Western viewpoint, these revolutions were seen as steps towards democracy. However, Russia perceived them as threats to its influence, leading to increased geopolitical tensions.
• Challenges in Democratic Transitions: Many post-revolution governments, like that of Mikheil Saakashvili in Georgia, faced criticism for corruption and authoritarian practices, highlighting the difficulty of sustaining democratic gains.
• Georgia's current political instability, marked by accusations of electoral fraud and Western interference, reflects the ongoing struggle between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.
• Russia remains a significant player in the region despite its challenges, and the effectiveness of Western soft power strategies is diminishing amid global shifts.

In conclusion, while the colour revolutions promised reform and democratization, their outcomes have often led to public disillusionment. The resurgence of instability in Georgia illustrates the continued geopolitical contest between Eastern and Western influences, questioning the future viability of the colour revolution model as a mechanism for political change.

GS2/Polity

Constitutional Morality: The Origins and Nuances of the Concept

Why in News?

Recently, constitutional courts in India have embraced the notion of constitutional morality to interpret laws and assess their constitutional validity, marking a pivotal shift in jurisprudence.

• Constitutional morality encompasses the values and principles that ensure laws and governance align with constitutional ideals.
• It emphasizes the importance of respecting the rule of law and upholding fundamental rights.

Additional Details

• Definition: Constitutional morality refers to the set of values, principles, and norms that guide constitutional functioning, emphasizing justice, equality, and the protection of rights.
• Key Features:
  • Respect for Constitutional Values: Adhering to core principles of justice and freedom, even amidst political pressure.
  • Commitment to Fundamental Rights: Protecting the rights of marginalized groups, irrespective of societal changes.
  • Judicial Integrity and Autonomy: Courts utilize constitutional morality to ensure decisions reflect constitutional values.
  • Promotion of Civic Culture: Encouraging respect for the Constitution and active participation in democracy.
  • Balancing Tradition and Progress: Providing a framework to reconcile traditional norms with progressive reforms.
• Origins: The term was first introduced by historian George Grote in "A History of Greece," where he highlighted the need for civic responsibility to prevent power usurpation. In India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar popularized the term, emphasizing its necessity for a peaceful democracy.
• Influence on Judiciary:
  • Guides judicial decisions, ensuring they reflect constitutional values, as seen in the Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) case.
  • Facilitates a balance between tradition and progressive reforms, highlighted in the Sabarimala case (2018).
  • Emphasizes adherence to constitutional procedures, ensuring governance aligns with laws, as illustrated in the K.K. Verma v. Union of India (2009) case.
  • Encourages judicial oversight, exemplified in the Keshavananda Bharati case (1973), which upheld the basic structure doctrine.
• Safeguard Against Societal Trends:
  • Bulwark Against Volatility: Constitutional morality ensures consistent legal decisions that protect fundamental rights.
  • Criticism: Some view it as a potential tool for judicial overreach, particularly in contentious cases.

The advancement of constitutional morality is crucial for fostering a culture of respect and adherence to constitutional values, ultimately strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

GS2/International Relations

Renewed India-US Nuclear Cooperation

Why in News?

The renewed nuclear cooperation between the US and India represents a significant diplomatic achievement for India, especially amidst challenging trade negotiations with the new US administration.

• A reaffirmed commitment to the 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.
• Recognition of previous stagnation in cooperation.
• A focus on maximizing the benefits of the Indo-US nuclear deal established two decades ago.

Additional Details

• Large-Scale Localisation & Technology Transfer: The renewed pact emphasizes the joint construction of American-designed reactors in India, promoting local manufacturing and potential technology transfer, which contrasts with the US's typical preference for domestic manufacturing.
• Upgrading Reactor Specialisation: The agreement offers India a chance to modernize its reactor technology, aligning with global standards and accelerating the expansion of capacity.
• Advancing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): India aims to utilize private sector expertise to enter the burgeoning SMR market, moving beyond its reliance on outdated heavy water reactors.
• Exploring Global Collaborations: Discussions are underway between India’s Department of Atomic Energy and Holtec International for potential SMR collaborations, addressing technological and economic challenges.
• Reviving Nuclear Cooperation: The 123 agreement signed in 2007 aimed to enhance civil nuclear energy collaboration but faced legislative hurdles. Amendments to Indian laws may pave the way for joint manufacturing and SMR projects.

The renewed cooperation between India and the US in the nuclear sector not only opens new avenues for technological advancement and economic growth but also strengthens India's position in the global nuclear market, enabling it to compete more effectively with other countries, particularly China.

GS3/Economy

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

Why in News?

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), alongside AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports, has successfully executed India's inaugural commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates to Australia via sea. This significant development marks a milestone in India's agricultural export capabilities.

• APEDA was established in 1985 under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act.
• The authority succeeded the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC).
• APEDA operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Its main objective is to enhance and promote the export of scheduled products.

Additional Details

• Scheduled Products: These are specific goods that require exporters to register under APEDA to facilitate their export. Examples include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry products, dairy products, confectionery, biscuits, bakery products, honey, and jaggery.
• Functions of APEDA:
  • Setting standards and specifications for scheduled products.
  • Registering exporters of scheduled products upon payment of requisite fees.
  • Enhancing packaging and marketing strategies for scheduled products.
  • Conducting inspections to ensure product quality.
  • Providing training related to various aspects of industries associated with scheduled products.
  • Developing industries related to scheduled products and conducting surveys and feasibility studies.
  • Collecting statistics from factory owners and publishing relevant data.
• APEDA also acts as the Secretariat for the National Accreditation Board (NAB) to implement accreditation for Certification Bodies under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), specifically for organic exports.

This initiative not only showcases India's agricultural export potential but also emphasizes the role of APEDA in facilitating international trade, ensuring product quality, and supporting exporters in the competitive global market.

GS3/Environment

Lighten the Pollution Burden of Thermal Power States

Why in News?

India's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in August 2022 aimed to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and increase non-fossil fuel electricity capacity to 50%. Despite this commitment, thermal power remains a major contributor, generating 50% of the total electricity and creating significant environmental burdens for power-producing States.

• India has substantial coal reserves, with 378.21 billion tonnes as of April 2023.
• Thermal power plants contribute over 73% of electricity generation in 2022-23, primarily from coal.
• Power-producing States face severe pollution without receiving compensation for their environmental impact.

Additional Details

• Environmental Burden: Thermal power generation leads to high carbon emissions, with India producing approximately 20,794.36 kg of carbon from electricity generation.
• Disparity in Generation and Consumption: States like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha generate more electricity than they consume, exporting surplus to other States while facing pollution challenges.
• Case Study - Tripura and Bihar: Tripura has a thermal power share of 96.96%, while Bihar has 95.57%, selling significant amounts of electricity to other States.
• Compensation Issues: Power-producing States lack compensation mechanisms for environmental costs, as current tax structures do not account for pollution from electricity production.

To address the environmental and economic inequities faced by power-producing States, a structured compensation mechanism and fair taxation on thermal power generation are essential. This will ensure that these States receive adequate support for their contributions to India's energy security.

GS3/Environment

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve Enhancements

Why in News?

A recent faunal survey conducted by the Forest Department at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has successfully identified and added 15 new species to the area’s biodiversity checklist, enhancing the ecological significance of this protected area.

• The Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is located in the Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala.
• It was designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2009 under Project Tiger, covering an area of 391 sq.km.
• The reserve is characterized by its diverse river systems, including the Parambikulam, Sholayar, and Thekkady rivers.
• Home to four different tribal communities: Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar, and Mala Malasar.

Additional Details

• Flora: The reserve features a mix of deciduous, evergreen, and semi-evergreen forests, along with unique montane and marshy grasslands known as 'vayals'.
• Fauna: The reserve is noted for having one of the highest densities of gaur populations and is home to 49 species of mammals, such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, Indian leopards, and more uncommon species like lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri marten.
• Two species are endemic to the reserve: the Parambikulam Frog (Tomopterna parambikulamana) and the sucker fish (Garro surendranathanii).

This enhancement of the biodiversity checklist is a significant step towards the conservation and protection of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, highlighting its ecological importance and the ongoing efforts to preserve its rich biodiversity.

GS2/International Relations

Exercise Dharma Guardian

Why in News?

The Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan, is scheduled to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9, 2025. This annual exercise aims to strengthen military cooperation and enhance operational capabilities between the two nations.

• The exercise is conducted alternately in India and Japan each year.
• It focuses on enhancing interoperability in urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a United Nations mandate.

Additional Details

• 2025 Exercise Focus: The exercise will emphasize a high level of physical fitness, joint planning, and tactical drills.
• Drills will include advanced special forces skills along with various tactics, techniques, and procedures aligned with current operational paradigms.
• The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour validation phase to practice tactical drills for counter-terrorism operations in desert and semi-desert terrains.
• It aims to foster stronger cultural and professional ties between the participating contingents.

This exercise will provide an opportunity for both nations to share best practices in tactical operations, enhancing collaboration and strategic understanding between the Indian and Japanese armed forces.

GS3/Science and Technology

Earthquake Swarm

Why in News?

A state of emergency has been declared on Greece’s Santorini and the nearby islands of Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi following a series of undersea earthquakes this month.

• Earthquake swarms consist of multiple seismic events of similar intensity occurring in quick succession.
• These swarms can involve thousands of low-intensity earthquakes without a clear main shock.
• Seismic energy accumulation and release from specific points can lead to these phenomena.

Additional Details

• Causes of Swarm Sequences:
  • Fluid movement: In volcanic regions, fluids may be released from deeper magma or circulate within active geothermal areas, triggering earthquakes as fault slips occur along the cracks and faults.
  • Active volcanism: Movement of magma can act as a driving force for swarms, creating earthquakes when magma-filled cracks push through the Earth's crust, often near or beside the crack tip.
• Slow-slip events: These are essentially slow-motion earthquakes involving centimeters to tens of centimeters of movement along a fault, typically occurring over weeks to years. An example is the Hikurangi subduction zone, where one or two slow-slip events are observed annually.

In summary, earthquake swarms are a complex geological phenomenon that can occur under specific conditions, often related to volcanic activity, with significant implications for the affected regions.

GS3/Science and Technology

Project Waterworth: Meta's Ambitious Subsea Cable Initiative

Why in News?

Meta has recently unveiled its most extensive subsea cable project to date, known as Project Waterworth. This initiative aims to enhance global connectivity through a vast network of undersea cables.

• The subsea cable will span over 50,000 km, connecting key regions including India, the US, Brazil, and South Africa.
• It will be deployed at depths reaching up to 7,000 meters in deep sea environments.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be utilized to improve the infrastructure and reliability of the subsea cabling system.

Additional Details

• AI Integration: The project employs advanced machine learning models to predict and address potential disruptions, thereby enhancing the resilience of the subsea networks.
• The initiative aims to foster economic cooperation, promote digital inclusion, and create opportunities for technological development across the connected regions.
• By providing industry-leading connectivity, Project Waterworth will support various AI projects across five major continents.

Project Waterworth represents a significant step toward improving global internet access and connectivity, highlighting Meta's commitment to leveraging technology for better communication infrastructure.