UPSC EXAM QUIZ 08.01.2025

Explanation:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on 1st January and paid tributes to former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the Missile Man of India.The event highlighted the significant strides DRDO has made in bolstering India’s defense capabilities.

Key Facts About DRDO

• DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
• DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• DRDO initially had 10 laboratories, it currently operates 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs).
• Philosophy: The guiding principle of DRDO is "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (Strength lies in science), driving the nation in both peace and war.
• Mission: Achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems while equipping the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment, as per the requirements of the three Services.

Explanation:

• Tamil Nadu CM announces prize for experts and organisations deciphering Indus Valley Civilisation scripts.

Key points of Indus Valley Civilisation script

Announcement by Tamil Nadu Government

• Tamil Nadu CM announces a prize of $1 million to experts and organisations deciphering Indus Valley Civilisation scripts.

Study by Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department

• 90% of ancient symbols recovered from 140 archaeological sites in the state, such as Keeladi, show similarity with Indus Valley Civilisation symbols.
• Researchers studied 15,184 symbols, of which some symbols were exactly the same and some had close resemblance.

Explanation:

• The government released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025 for public

consultation. Once these rules are notified, effective implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) will be ensured.

Key Provisions of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025 Draft Rules

Parental consent for children’s data

• Verification required: Social media and online platforms will have to take parental consent before creating children’s accounts.
• Identity verification: Proof of age and identity of parents will be done through government-issued identity card.
• Exceptions: Health, mental health institutions, educational institutions, and daycare centers are exempt from this rule.

Explanation:

• The Prime Minister of India has highlighted the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for its transformational impact on e-commerce and its role in empowering small businesses.
• ONDC recently completed 3 years with over 15 million monthly transactions, making progress in combating platform monopolies and promoting a level playing field.

Open Network for Digital Commerce

• ONDC: Launched in April 2022 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. It aims to democratize digital commerce through an open, inclusive and interoperable platform.
• ONDC was incorporated as a non-profit company in December 2021, with founding members including the Quality Council of India and Proteus e-Gov Technologies Ltd.

Objectives

• Democratisation of Commerce: To promote interoperability to reduce the dominance of monopolistic e-commerce platforms.
• Cost Efficiency: To reduce the cost of customer acquisition and transaction processing.
• Market Expansion: To bridge regional and linguistic gaps for wider market participation.
• Consumer Empowerment: To provide diverse product and service options to buyers at lower prices through discounts and promotions, increasing choices and promoting competitive pricing.

Explanation:

• Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel for the treatment of localized cancer.
• The hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, minimizing side effects by targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
• The hydrogel, made of biocompatible and biodegradable ultra-short peptides, responds to increased levels of glutathione (GSH), a molecule found in abundance in cancer cells.
• The hydrogel ensures localized drug delivery to the tumor site, improving the precision of treatment.
• Conventional chemotherapy and surgery damage healthy cells while treating cancer cells.
• Hydrogels are water-based, three-dimensional polymer networks that are able to absorb and retain fluids.
• Their unique structure replicates living tissues, making them suitable for biomedical applications.