Short notes on Current Affairs 11.12.2025

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National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)

Vision and Objective

  • Launched to achieve self-reliance in supercomputing in India.
  • Focuses on:
    • Providing access to state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities for researchers, academia, and startups.
    • Indigenous manufacturing of critical sub-components for supercomputers.

Mission Overview

  • Launch: April 2015
  • Outlay: ₹4,500 crore
  • Implementation: Jointly by MeitY and DST through C-DAC (Pune) and IISc (Bengaluru).

Deployment and Utilization

  • 37 supercomputers deployed so far, totaling 40 Petaflops computing power.
  • 34 supercomputers deployed in the last 5 years.
  • 6 new systems under deployment with an outlay of ₹680 crore.
  • Locations include IISc, IITs, C-DAC, R&D labs, and Tier-II/III cities.
  • PARAM Rudra series: Supercomputers built with:
    • Indigenously designed Rudra servers
    • Indigenous system software stack
  • Usage:
    • >13,000 researchers, including 1,700+ PhD scholars.
    • >1 crore compute jobs completed.
    • >1,500 research papers published.
    • Active areas: Drug discovery, disaster management, energy security, climate modelling, astronomy, computational chemistry, fluid dynamics, materials research, aerospace engineering, etc.
    • Startups and MSMEs also leveraging HPC for projects.

Indigenous Development & Technological Achievements

  1. Rudra Server Board:
    • Designed and developed by C-DAC.
    • Technology transferred to 3 Indian EMS partners for local manufacturing.
  2. High-speed inter-node communication:
    • Speeds of 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps for efficient data transfer.
  3. Cooling technology:
    • Fully indigenously developed and in deployment stage.
  4. HPC system software stack:
    • Completely developed and integrated with supercomputers.
  5. PARAM Shavak:
    • A “supercomputing-in-a-box” for students and researchers.
  6. HPC Applications of National Importance:
    • Developed for domains like genomics, drug discovery, flood forecasting, disaster management, urban weather modeling, seismic data processing, and material science.
    • Integrated with end-users such as IMD, ONGC, CWC, CPCB, Ministry of Ayush.
  7. Future indigenous initiatives:
    • Design and development of HPC processors, accelerators, and storage systems.

Key Impact

  • NSM has established a complete supercomputing ecosystem in India.
  • Strengthens India’s research capabilities, technological independence, and global competitiveness in high-performance computing and AI.

Sujalam Bharat App

Overview and Purpose

  • Launched by: Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil
  • Objective: Transform rural drinking water governance using real-time digital data.
  • Key Goal: Improve transparency, community ownership, and efficient management of rural water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission.
  • Developed by: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
  • Focus: Advanced geo-referencing, monitoring, and management of water supply infrastructure.

Key Features

  1. Sujalam Bharat Database
    • Centralized platform integrating:
      • Water sources
      • Asset inventories
      • Scheme designs
      • Operational records
      • Water quality reports
      • Supply metrics
      • Community feedback
  2. Sujal Gaon ID
    • Each rural scheme and habitation assigned a unique ID.
    • Enables clear mapping of which scheme supplies water to which households.
  3. Digital Profiling for Villages
    • Drinking water source (local/bulk)
    • Infrastructure condition and nature
    • Supply reliability
    • Water quality status
    • O&M arrangements
    • Promotes transparency and community oversight of Gram Panchayats/VWSCs and service providers.

Implementation and Training

  • Nationwide online participation from all States and Union Territories.
  • Hands-on training provided by BISAG-N for:
    • Operational use of the app
    • Geo-referencing procedures
    • Integration of rural water assets into the system
  • Encourages structured adoption of digital operations at state and district levels.

Integration and Long-Term Planning

  • Integration with PM Gati Shakti GIS for geospatial mapping of water networks.
  • Maintains historical records of infrastructure, maintenance, and service levels.
  • Supports future planning, repair, and expansion with precision.
  • Aims to create a secure, reliable, and technology-enabled rural drinking water ecosystem.

Significance

  • Promotes citizen-centric service delivery.
  • Establishes Sujal Gaon ID as the “Aadhaar of rural water management”.
  • Ensures sustainable and accountable water supply for every household.
  • App will soon be available on Google Play Store for download.

MoU between Ministry of Labour & Employment and Microsoft

Overview

  • Signatories: Ministry of Labour & Employment and Microsoft
  • Key Officials:
    • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya – Union Minister for Labour & Employment & Youth Affairs & Sports
    • Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Purpose: Expand employment linkages, AI-led skilling, and prepare India’s workforce for global opportunities.

Key Features of the Collaboration

  1. Integration with National Career Service (NCS)
    • Microsoft to encourage 15,000+ employers and partners from its global network to join the NCS platform.
    • Aim: Broaden formal job access, support high-growth sectors, and enable international mobility of Indian professionals.
  2. AI-driven Skilling Initiatives
    • Expansion of DigiSaksham to equip millions of youth with future-ready skills in:
      • AI
      • Cloud technologies
      • Cybersecurity
      • Productivity tools
    • Supports alignment with global industry standards.
  3. Employment Digital Public Infrastructure (Employment DPI)
    • Microsoft to support development of interoperable solutions for labour markets at scale.
    • Leverages Microsoft’s Azure and AI capabilities for strengthening NCS, e-Shram analytics, and labour market intelligence.
  4. Social Protection Integration
    • India’s social protection coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting over 94 crore citizens.
    • AI integration into e-Shram and NCS platforms strengthens social security and moves toward the goal of 100 crore citizens by March 2026.
    • Recognized by Microsoft as a benchmark for worker-centric policies using real-time data.
  5. Employer & Partner Outreach
    • Microsoft’s partner ecosystem to enhance employer engagement, NCS adoption, and reach among industry, training partners, and institutions.

Significance

  • Strengthens India’s workforce globally by improving digital skills and AI competencies.
  • Expands formal employment opportunities via NCS.
  • Reinforces social protection and policy design through AI-driven labour market intelligence.
  • Positions India as a global leader in employment digital infrastructure.

Indian Railways Hydrogen Train Project

Overview

  • Purpose: Pilot project to demonstrate the use of hydrogen-powered train technology in India.
  • Development Agency: Research, Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) framed the specifications; Indian Railways executed the project.
  • Location of Hydrogen Plant: Jind, Haryana.
  • Hydrogen Production: Using electrolysis, a green hydrogen generation process.

Key Features of the Hydrogen Train-set

  1. Indigenous Development
    • Designed and developed entirely in India, showcasing Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
  2. Train Specifications
    • World’s longest hydrogen train on broad gauge: 10 coaches.
    • Power: 2400 kW total (two Driving Power Cars (DPCs) of 1200 kW each).
    • Passenger coaches: 8.
    • Zero CO₂ emissions: Only water vapor is emitted.
  3. Significance
    • Major milestone in next-generation fuel technology for railways.
    • Covers designing, prototyping, and first-time development of hydrogen traction technology.
    • Provides a pilot-scale demonstration; cost comparisons with conventional traction are not yet meaningful.
  4. Environmental Impact
    • Supports cleaner and greener transportation.
    • Aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable and alternative energy sources.
  5. Strategic Importance
    • Demonstrates Indian Railways’ commitment to innovation in alternative energy-powered mobility.
    • Paves the way for future hydrogen-based train travel in India.

Deodar Trees and Himalayan Geohazards

Location & Context

  • Site: Batseri, a village in Sangla valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Geographical Feature: Along the Baspa River, in the western Himalayas.
  • Problem: Increasing frequency of extreme climatic events like droughts and floods linked with geohazards (landslides, rockfalls, GLOFs, snow avalanches).

Objective of the Study

  • To reconstruct past hydroclimatic conditions and understand their link with geohazard events.
  • To support future risk assessment and early warning systems in the Himalayan region.
  • Conducted by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under DST.

Methodology

  • Tree-ring analysis (Dendroclimatology & Dendrogeomorphology):
    • Deodar (Cedrus deodara) trees act as natural archives, recording climate and geohazard events over centuries.
    • 378-year reconstruction (1558–2021 CE): Spring moisture history.
    • 168-year record (1853–2021 CE): Rockfall activity.
  • Key Focus:
    • Spring months (February–April) moisture, influenced by Western Disturbances (WDs).
    • Correlation between dry springs and rockfall events.

Key Findings

  • Shift from wetter conditions during Little Ice Age to progressive drying after 1757 CE.
  • 53 rockfall events recorded; 8 of high intensity, mostly linked to spring droughts, especially after 1960.
  • Mechanism:
    • Dry spring → poor slope vegetation → high vulnerability → heavy summer monsoon → rockfalls/landslides.
  • Climate variability plays a critical role in triggering geohazards in the Himalayas.

Significance

  • Provides high-resolution long-term records of hydroclimatic and geohazard events.
  • Supports forest management, slope stabilization, and early warning systems.
  • Helps local communities and policymakers plan sustainable land-use and disaster preparedness.
  • Enhances understanding of climate-geohazard interactions, crucial for adaptation to climate change.

Publication

  • Published in the journal Catena.

GlowCas9: A Breakthrough in Real-Time Gene Editing Visualization

Background

  • CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that cuts DNA at precise locations using a guide RNA.
  • Traditional methods cannot observe Cas9 inside living cells in real time; they require fixing or lysing cells.
  • Real-time monitoring is essential for understanding gene-editing dynamics and ensuring safety, precision, and effectiveness in gene therapy.

New Breakthrough: GlowCas9

  • Scientists at the Bose Institute, Kolkata (DST) developed GlowCas9, a Cas9 enzyme that emits light while editing genes.
  • Led by Dr. Basudeb Maji, with PhD researcher Arkadeep Karmakar designing the protein.

How GlowCas9 Works

  • GlowCas9 is a bioluminescent Cas9 enzyme created by fusing Cas9 with split nano-luciferase, derived from deep-sea shrimp.
  • The two inactive enzyme fragments reassemble only when Cas9 folds correctly, producing a visible glow—like firefly light.
  • This allows non-destructive, real-time tracking of gene editing inside:
    • Living cells
    • Whole tissues
    • Even plant leaves

Advantages of GlowCas9

  • Real-time monitoring of CRISPR activity — “theratracking,” a new direction in visual gene therapy.
  • High stability — retains its structure and activity even at elevated temperatures.
  • Improves precision of Homology-Directed Repair (HDR) used to correct hereditary mutations (e.g., sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy).
  • Safer delivery for gene therapy due to enhanced enzyme robustness.
  • Works in plant systems → potential for non-transgenic crop improvement.

Symbolic Demonstration

  • Researchers programmed GlowCas9 to insert the DNA sequence spelling “ACHARYA” into the genome—honoring J.C. Bose, founder of the Bose Institute.
  • Demonstrates the enzyme’s high precision in targeted gene insertion.

Significance

  • Opens new possibilities for visualizing genetic edits as they occur.
  • Helps scientists understand:
    • How gene editing unfolds in real time
    • When and where repairs occur
    • Whether edits are precise and successful
  • Advances gene therapy toward becoming safer, more controlled, and more transparent.

Indian Navy’s DSC A20 Diving Support Craft

Commissioning Details

  • The Indian Navy will commission DSC A20—the first vessel in the Diving Support Craft (DSC) class—on 16 December 2025 at Kochi.
  • The commissioning will occur under the Southern Naval Command, with Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena presiding.
  • The induction strengthens the Navy’s operational capability in underwater and diving operations.

Construction & Indigenous Development

  • DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five indigenously designed and built Diving Support Crafts.
  • Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata.
  • Represents a major achievement for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative in the maritime sector.
  • Developed through collaboration among:
    • Indian Navy
    • Indigenous shipbuilders
    • National R&D agencies like NSTL (Naval Science and Technological Laboratory)

Design & Technical Features

  • Catamaran hull form for:
    • Superior stability
    • Larger deck area
    • Improved seakeeping
  • Displacement: Approx. 390 tons.
  • Equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems for multiple underwater missions.
  • Designed and constructed under the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Naval Rules.
  • Underwent hydrodynamic modelling and testing at NSTL, ensuring high performance and reliability.

Operational Capabilities

DSC A20 is purpose-built for:

  • Diving support operations
  • Underwater inspection
  • Salvage assistance
  • Coastal deployment and underwater missions
  • General maritime support in shallow and coastal waters

The vessel will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command.

Strategic Significance

  • Enhances the Indian Navy’s underwater operational readiness.
  • Adds a critical asset for coastal security and underwater maintenance.
  • Strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem and maritime self-reliance.

e-Courts Project Phase-III

1. Financial Outlay & Expenditure

  • Total outlay for e-Courts Project Phase-III: ₹7,210 crore over four years.
  • Expenditures:
    • ₹768.25 crore in FY 2023-24
    • ₹1,029.11 crore in FY 2024-25
    • ₹907.97 crore released in FY 2025-26 (current year)

2. Vision & Objectives

  • Transform Indian courts into digital and paperless courts.
  • Digitization of legacy and current case records.
  • Expansion of video conferencing across all courts, jails, and selected hospitals.
  • Expansion of online courts beyond traffic violations.
  • Universal rollout of e-Sewa Kendras.
  • Creation of cloud-based national data repository for digitized court records.
  • Use of AI and OCR technologies for case analysis, forecasting, and document processing.
  • Deployment of Digital Courts 2.1, enabling judges to access all digital case documents, evidence, and filings.

3. Key Achievements Under Phase-III

Digital Infrastructure
  • 99.5% of court complexes connected through WAN (10–100 Mbps bandwidth).
  • Case Information System (CIS) 4.0 implemented in all courts.
  • Digital courts generating:
    • 4+ lakh SMS/day, 6+ lakh emails/day
    • 35 lakh daily hits on e-Courts portal
    • 14+ crore SMS to litigants and advocates so far
Virtual Courts & Online Adjudication
  • 29 Virtual Courts operational (as of 30.09.2025).
  • Received 8.96 crore challans:
    • 7.84 crore challans disposed.
    • 86.59 lakh challans paid.
    • Payments amounting to ₹895.59 crore collected.
Digital Services for Citizens
  • e-Courts Mobile App:
    • 3.38 crore downloads; provides case status, cause lists, orders.
  • JustIS App:
    • 21,955 downloads; enables judges to monitor judicial work.
  • e-Sewa Kendras:
    • 1,987 centres operational for citizen/legal service facilitation.
Digitization of Records
  • High Courts have digitized 224.66 crore pages.
  • District Courts have digitized 354.87 crore pages.
Video Conferencing & Online Hearings
  • VC facilities available in 3,240 courts and 1,272 jails.
  • 3.81 crore online hearings conducted (till 30.09.2025).
  • Live streaming currently active in 11 High Courts.
e-Filing & e-Payments
  • 5,187 court establishments enabled on e-Filing portal.
  • 92.08 lakh cases e-filed (till 30.09.2025).
  • e-Payments system:
    • 49.2 lakh court-fee transactions worth ₹1,215.98 crore.
    • 4.86 lakh fine payments worth ₹61.97 crore.
Solar Power & Infrastructure Support
  • Solar systems installed in 1,471 out of 1,530 targeted courts.
Process Automation
  • Under NSTEP (National Service and Tracking of Electronic Processes):
    • 6.21 crore e-processes issued.
    • 1.61 crore e-processes successfully delivered.
Digital Platforms & Repositories
  • Judgment Search Portal hosts 1.69 crore judgments.
  • S3WaaS platform hosts 730 District Court websites.
  • Pilot testing of Digital Courts 2.1 underway.

4. Innovations Under ICJS & Additional Platforms

  • Nyaya Shruti App (2024):
    • Enables virtual appearances of accused, witnesses, police, prosecutors, experts, and prisoners.
    • 17 High Courts have notified Nyaya Shruti Rules for integration.
  • e-Sakshya Platform:
    • Facilitates digital recording of evidence for accuracy and transparency.
  • e-Summons Platform:
    • Ensures faster and more reliable delivery of summons and notices.

5. Capacity Building & Training

  • Out of ₹7,210 crore, ₹208.52 crore earmarked for training and change management.
  • 6-tier training model: national, state, regional levels.
  • 910 training programmes conducted.
  • 3,22,740 stakeholders trained, including:
    • Judges and court staff
    • Technical personnel
    • Specialised training for visually challenged officers
    • Training in cybersecurity and digital forensics

6. Overall Impact

  • Rapid progress towards paperless, transparent, and digitally integrated courts.
  • Enhanced access to justice through:
    • e-filing
    • online hearings
    • virtual courts
    • digital evidence
    • real-time case information
  • Improved efficiency, reduced dependency on physical infrastructure, and faster case processing.

Field Trials Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

1. Launch of Pilot Project

  • Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi launched the Pilot Project for field trials on the use of hydrogen in the mobility sector.
  • Described as a major milestone in India’s clean and green energy transition.
  • Toyota’s Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) handed over to NISE for real-world testing.

2. Importance of Green Hydrogen

  • Green hydrogen highlighted as the backbone of future global energy systems.
  • Supports India’s goals of:
    • Energy Aatma Nirbharta
    • Innovative low-emission transport
    • Achievement of Panchamrit climate commitments
  • Government confident that green hydrogen will play a central role in India’s future energy economy.

3. Significance of Toyota ‘Mirai’

  • ‘Mirai’ means “Future” in Japanese, symbolising sustainable mobility aspirations.
  • Represents a new chapter in India’s clean transportation ecosystem.
  • FCEVs emit only water, producing zero pollution.

4. Role of NISE (National Institute for Solar Energy)

  • Under the MoU, NISE will conduct a two-year comprehensive test of the Mirai FCEV.
  • Testing will consider heat, dust, heavy traffic, varied terrain, and other Indian conditions.
  • Aims to build industry confidence, develop technical capability, and generate insights for scaling hydrogen mobility.

5. Statements Highlighting the Project’s Importance

Shri Pralhad Joshi
  • Personally drove the hydrogen vehicle to send a message that hydrogen mobility is ready for India.
  • Praised Toyota Kirloskar Motor for its commitment to carbon neutrality.
  • Appreciated NISE for leadership in clean energy advancements.
  • Described the initiative as launching confidence, cooperation, and commitment for a sustainable future.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik (MoS, MNRE)
  • Called the project a major step toward clean, green, self-reliant energy.
  • Linked it to India’s progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
  • Stated that real-world testing marks India’s progress from policy to experimentation to commercialization.
  • Emphasized the strong collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM)
  • Reaffirmed dedication to the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • Stressed hydrogen fuel-cell tech as vital for net-zero targets and energy independence.

6. About Toyota Mirai FCEV

  • Second-generation hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle.
  • Produces electricity from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Emits only water vapour → 100% clean.
  • Driving range: ~650 km
  • Refuelling time: Under 5 minutes
  • Considered one of the most advanced zero-emission vehicles globally.

India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel

1. Historic Launch

  • Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi.
  • Marks a major milestone in India’s green maritime initiatives and clean mobility transition.

2. Technological Significance

  • First vessel in India to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell propulsion in a maritime setting.
  • Powered by a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system.
  • Converts stored hydrogen into electricity, emitting only water, ensuring zero pollution.
  • Based entirely on indigenous technology, strengthening “Make in India”.

3. Leadership & Vision

  • Minister Sonowal highlighted the launch as aligned with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of:
    • Clean, sustainable, self-reliant transportation
    • Green mobility across all sectors
    • Preservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga
  • Supports India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070.

4. Organisations Involved

  • Owned by: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
  • Built by: Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL)
  • Vessel introduced after completion of successful trial operations.
  • Supports initiatives under:
    • Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030)
    • Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV 2047)

5. Vessel Specifications

  • 24-meter catamaran, designed for urban transit.
  • Fully air-conditioned cabin; 50-passenger capacity.
  • Speed: 6.5 knots service speed; 7–9 knots possible.
  • Operates for up to 8 hours on a single hydrogen fill.
  • Hybrid system integrates hydrogen fuel cells + batteries + solar energy.
  • Certified by: Indian Register of Shipping.

6. Tripartite Agreement for Operations

  • Agreement signed between:
    • IWAI
    • Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL)
    • Inland and Coastal Shipping Ltd
  • Covers:
    • Technical support
    • Safety procedures
    • Financial terms
    • Monitoring & inspections during pilot phase

7. Benefits & Impact

  • Provides noise-free, smoke-free, and zero-emission transportation.
  • Reduces road congestion by promoting water-based mobility.
  • Boosts:
    • Local tourism
    • Employment opportunities
    • Clean urban transport
  • Positions Varanasi among the first cities globally to adopt hydrogen-powered passenger vessels.

8. Maiden Voyage

  • First commercial journey covered 5 km from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat.
  • Carried ministers, senior officials, and dignitaries marking the start of commercial operations on National Waterway-1 (Ganga).

9. Broader Strategic Importance

  • Reinforces IWAI’s long-term strategy to modernise and decarbonise India’s inland water transport network.
  • Complements the earlier deployment of hybrid electric catamarans.
  • Represents a critical step toward green, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime transport.

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