{"id":3835,"date":"2026-01-12T07:52:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T07:52:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3835"},"modified":"2026-01-17T06:45:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T06:45:31","slug":"current-affairs-10th-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2026\/01\/12\/current-affairs-10th-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 10th January 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1. National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER III-Internal Security<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>Union Home Minister has inaugurated the National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS), a national digital platform to systematically collect and analyse IED and bomb blast data.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is India\u2019s first national digital database and analytics platform on IED\/bomb blast incidents, aimed at strengthening counter\u2011terror investigations and prevention.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is NIDMS?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Full form: National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>It is India\u2019s first national digital database and analytics platform on IED and bomb blast incidents.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Covers all IED and bomb blast cases in India since 1999.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Genesis and Mandate<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Developed under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Aims to integrate fragmented IED\/bomb blast data scattered across States and central agencies.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Mandate includes standardisation of data, secure sharing, documentation, and advanced analysis of blast incidents.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Nodal Agency and Implementation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nodal agency: National Security Guard (NSG).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Operational unit: National Bomb Data Centre (NBDC), NSG.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Located at Manesar, Haryana.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Features and Utility<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Centralised repository of all IED\/bomb blast cases, with uniform data formats across States and agencies.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Uses AI\/ML tools for pattern recognition, trend analysis, and risk forecasting.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Signature analysis to link cases by explosive type, circuits\/timers, modus operandi, and targeting patterns.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Enables post\u2011blast forensic analysis, inter\u2011State case linkage, and development of predictive counter\u2011terror strategies.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Provides secure, single\u2011window access to authorised police and security agencies for faster investigation and coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2. Prasar Bharati has launched \u201cCreator\u2019s Corner<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER II\u2013 Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>Prasar Bharati has launched \u201cCreator\u2019s Corner\u201d, a dedicated slot on DD News for curated content by digital creators across India.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It signals a shift towards platform\u2013creator partnerships in public broadcasting and is part of major reforms in Prasar Bharati.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Aligns with the government\u2019s push for the creator economy and the Prime Minister\u2019s vision of the \u201corange economy\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is Creator\u2019s Corner?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A dedicated programming slot on DD News to broadcast curated content made by digital creators from across India.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Aims to integrate grassroots digital content into mainstream public service broadcasting.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Parent Ministry &amp; Institution<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Parent Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&amp;B).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Public broadcaster: Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan and All India Radio).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Key minister: Ashwini Vaishnaw (I&amp;B, Electronics &amp; IT, Railways).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Genesis &amp; Reform Linkage<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Part of major structural and technological reforms planned for Prasar Bharati.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Seeks to reorient public broadcasting towards industry participation and new-generation creators.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Aligns with the government\u2019s push for the creator economy and the PM\u2019s vision of the orange economy.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About the WAVES Platform<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>WAVES is Prasar Bharati\u2019s OTT platform launched in November 2024.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>One-stop digital hub offering live TV, video-on-demand, digital radio, gaming, and e\u2011commerce in a single app.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Available on Android and iOS; provides family-friendly, multilingual content in 12 languages (expanding).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Has ONDC integration for in\u2011app online shopping and is mostly free to access.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">3. District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT )<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Ministry of Textiles launched District-Led Textiles Transformation (DLTT) to boost textile sector at district level.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aims to make 100 districts global export champions and 100 aspirational districts self-reliant hubs.<\/li>\n<li>Important for UPSC GS-II as it links textiles, MSMEs, exports, and inclusive development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About DLTT Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sector-specific, district-level strategy to transform India\u2019s textile ecosystem.<\/li>\n<li>Implemented by Ministry of Textiles using data-driven district categorisation.<\/li>\n<li>Focuses on inclusive, sustainable, and export-oriented growth in textiles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Aim of the Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the textile sector.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthen MSMEs and formalise the textile workforce.<\/li>\n<li>Create globally competitive clusters through decentralised district-level action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Data-Driven District Scoring<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Districts scored on Export Performance, MSME Ecosystem, and Workforce Presence.<\/li>\n<li>Helps classify districts into Champion and Aspirational categories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Two-Pronged District Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Champion Districts (Scale &amp; Sophistication)<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Turned into Global Export Champions.<\/li>\n<li>Mega Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and Industry 4.0 adoption.<\/li>\n<li>Advanced logistics and direct export market linkages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aspirational Districts (Foundation &amp; Formalisation)<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li>Upgraded into self-reliant textile hubs.<\/li>\n<li>Basic skilling, certification, and Raw Material Banks.<\/li>\n<li>Support to SHGs, cooperatives, and micro-enterprises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Purvodaya Convergence (East &amp; North-East Focus)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Special focus on Eastern and North-Eastern India, especially tribal belts.<\/li>\n<li>Improves connectivity and promotes GI tagging of unique handicrafts.<\/li>\n<li>Positions local products for premium global markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Collaborative Implementation Model<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Converges government schemes with industry and academia.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens textile clusters and scales proven cluster models across districts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Significance of DLTT<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moves India up the textile value chain and diversifies export baskets.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens MSMEs and promotes formalisation of textile labour.<\/li>\n<li>Boosts women- and SHG-led enterprises for inclusive growth.<\/li>\n<li>Accelerates development in aspirational, eastern, and north-eastern districts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">4. The phaltan cas is also about a victims dignity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS\u2011II: Polity &amp; Governance, GS\u2011III: Internal Security &amp; Social Justice<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>The Phaltan case (Maharashtra, October 2025) \u2014 a young doctor\u2019s suicide after alleging rape and harassment by a police official \u2014 has reignited debate on victim dignity and systemic failure in India\u2019s criminal justice system.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It highlights the gap between progressive laws (like BSA, BNS) and their implementation, especially in protecting victims from secondary trauma, victim-blaming, and institutional betrayal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Core Issue: The Two Crimes<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First crime: Alleged rape and harassment by a police official and another man, followed by the victim\u2019s suicide.<\/li>\n<li>Second crime: Systemic failure \u2014 police, administration, and protective institutions ignored her pleas for help.<\/li>\n<li>Third crime: Public sphere \u2014 victim\u2019s family faced character assassination, moral judgment, and media scrutiny instead of support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Institutional Failure and Public Shaming<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>State mechanisms failed to act on the victim\u2019s complaints, showing apathy and lack of urgency.<\/li>\n<li>A woman Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women publicly disclosed private details of the victim\u2019s personal life and communications.<\/li>\n<li>Such disclosures, even as \u201ccontext,\u201d fuel victim\u2011blaming and reinforce patriarchal notions of a woman\u2019s dignity being tied to sexual purity and moral behaviour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Legal Safeguards for Victim Dignity<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Section 53A of the Indian Evidence Act (now Section 50 of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023) bans using a woman\u2019s personal history or sexual life to argue consent.<\/li>\n<li>Section 146 (now Section 48 of BSA) restricts cross\u2011examination on a victim\u2019s general immoral character or previous sexual experience.<\/li>\n<li>Identity protection: Section 228A IPC (now Section 72 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) prohibits disclosing the identity of sexual assault victims to prevent stigma and public humiliation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Judicial View: Dignity as Constitutional Right<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh (1996), SC held that a woman\u2019s prior sexual history is irrelevant to consent and her testimony should not be discounted on moral grounds.<\/li>\n<li>Courts have repeatedly condemned hyper\u2011scrutiny of victims, calling it an \u201cinsult to injury\u201d and a violation of dignity.<\/li>\n<li>Publicising the Phaltan victim\u2019s dying declaration to media violated both identity protection and the spirit of judicial doctrine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Institutional Betrayal and Limits of Reform<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, aims for a more women\u2011centric criminal justice system, but social mindset remains patriarchal.<\/li>\n<li>When a constitutional or political authority engages in character assassination, it betrays the solidarity needed for gender justice.<\/li>\n<li>Consequences: victims stop reporting, families withdraw from legal battles, and public discourse shifts blame from perpetrators to victims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Bridging the Gap: Implementation as Justice<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Police, prosecutors, and judges need trauma\u2011informed training to handle sexual violence cases sensitively.<\/li>\n<li>Public discourse must reject victim\u2011blaming and focus on the accused\u2019s actions, not the victim\u2019s character.<\/li>\n<li>Expand forensic\/digital infrastructure, legal aid, women\u2019s help desks, AV statement systems, and psychological support to enforce new laws effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion: Law, Institutions, and Social Consciousness<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Phaltan case forces India to ask: can criminal law protect women when society, media, and institutions still police their morality?<\/li>\n<li>Laws may evolve, but justice requires alignment between statute, institutional practice, and social consciousness.<\/li>\n<li>Women in authority must not only hold power but also embody constitutional morality \u2014 dignity, equality, and empathy as non\u2011negotiable values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>5. Beyond economy, Iran stir reflects rage against regime<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>GS PAPER -II<strong>: <\/strong>International Relations<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Iran&#8217;s largest protests in 3 years span all provinces, evolving from economic woes to anti-regime fury.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India issues travel advisory for nationals amid clashes, deaths, and instability.<\/li>\n<li>Key BRICS\/SCO\/OPEC member with 2nd-largest gas, 4th-largest oil reserves faces turmoil.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Nationwide Protest Surge<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sparked by Tehran Grand Bazaar merchants over soaring inflation.<\/li>\n<li>Evolved into broad anti-regime clashes with security forces, causing casualties.<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3836 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132120-300x173.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"316\" height=\"182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132120-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132120.png 405w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 316px) 100vw, 316px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Unrest now hits every province, biggest wave in three years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Iran&#8217;s Key Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Capital<\/strong>: Tehran.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Land Borders<\/strong>: N (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan); E (Afghanistan, Pakistan); W (Iraq, Turkey).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sea Borders<\/strong>: Caspian Sea (N); Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman (S).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Geography<\/strong>: Lake Urmia, Middle East&#8217;s largest endorheic salt lake.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resources<\/strong>: 2nd in natural gas; 4th in proven crude oil reserves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Vulnerable Timing<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inflation surged &gt;30% in 2025, topping 52%; food up 7% monthly.<\/li>\n<li>Rial lost &gt;50% value, hitting record low of ~1,480,500\/USD.<\/li>\n<li>US\/Israel bombings last year damaged regime&#8217;s domestic image.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Economic Triggers<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>5-year forex crises, high inflation, low purchasing power hit hard.<\/li>\n<li>US\/UN sanctions worsen import shortages and daily hardships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Regime Change Unlikely<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IRGC profits from corruption; unlikely to defect en masse.<\/li>\n<li>No public push to upend bureaucracy handling daily services.<\/li>\n<li>Revolution would deepen economic misery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Deeper Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Geopolitics: Weakest since 1979\u2014lost Syria ally, Hezbollah hit, Israel dominant with Trump backing.<\/li>\n<li>Succession: Elites prep for Khamenei&#8217;s transition, a volatile shift.<\/li>\n<li>Protests disorganized but snowballing, threatening stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>6. Somaliland is no longer a diplomatic endnote <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>GS paper II<strong>: <\/strong>International Relations<strong>,<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Israel&#8217;s Dec 2025 recognition of Somaliland marks its first major diplomatic breakthrough, challenging China&#8217;s One China policy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Creates strategic dilemma for China amid Horn of Africa rivalry over ports, Red Sea security, and influence.<\/li>\n<li>Ties into global competition: Taiwan ties, Ethiopia&#8217;s port deal, US\/UAE interest amplify tensions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Somaliland Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Location<\/strong>: Horn of Africa.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Borders<\/strong>: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Puntland; Gulf of Aden coastline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Capital<\/strong>: Hargeisa.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Asset<\/strong>: Berbera Port, developing as trade hub for landlocked Ethiopia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Strategic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Controls Gulf of Aden\/Red Sea route for global trade, energy flows.<\/li>\n<li>First major recognition by Israel (Dec 2025) boosts diplomatic prospects.<\/li>\n<li>Taiwan ties since 2020 clash with China&#8217;s One China stance.<\/li>\n<li>Horn rivalry: China, Israel, Gulf states, US vie for ports\/bases.<\/li>\n<li>Vital for Bab-el-Mandeb maritime security amid Red Sea threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>China&#8217;s Potential Counters<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hybrid Tactics<\/strong>: Economic coercion, elite lobbying, media campaigns (e.g., Star Times) on integrity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>UN Leverage<\/strong>: Block recognition via Security Council seat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pro-Palestinian Play<\/strong>: Oppose Israel to champion Palestine, risks Middle East entanglement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Factors Heightening Dilemma<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ethiopia&#8217;s MoU: Trades recognition for Berbera port access.<\/li>\n<li>US Push: Congress eyes Somaliland as democratic partner.<\/li>\n<li>UAE Backing: Tacit support erodes isolation efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Core Chinese Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Curb Taiwan&#8217;s regional visibility.<\/li>\n<li>Limit Israeli\/Western Red Sea foothold.<\/li>\n<li>Prevent rival security setup near Djibouti base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>7. UIDAI launches mascot Udai to simplify communication on public understanding of Aadhaar<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>GS Paper II-Indian Polity and Governance <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot &#8216;Udai&#8217; on January 10, 2026, following a nationwide design contest on MyGov platform in 2025 that received 875 entries.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This move highlights UIDAI&#8217;s push for citizen-centric digital services amid India&#8217;s expanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), making Aadhaar\u2014used by over 1.4 billion residents\u2014more approachable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Introduction to the Initiative<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3837 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132159-300x282.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132159-300x282.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132159.png 402w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>UIDAI has introduced &#8216;Udai (\u0909\u0926\u092f)&#8217; as an official mascot to humanize Aadhaar services and boost public engagement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Purpose of Udai<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Acts as a relatable character to demystify Aadhaar operations like updates, authentication, offline checks, selective data sharing, and ethical use, targeting diverse users across literacy and language barriers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Involved Body<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Core Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Simplify and standardize messaging on Aadhaar ecosystem.<\/li>\n<li>Foster public trust via participatory design.<\/li>\n<li>Promote accessibility for India&#8217;s billion-plus Aadhaar holders, aligning with inclusive DPI goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Highlighted Aspects<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>User-friendly explanations of technical processes.<\/li>\n<li>Covers full spectrum: from basic updates to advanced features like new authentication tech.<\/li>\n<li>Born from public contest with rigorous selection (multi-stage judging).<\/li>\n<li>Supports multi-lingual, low-literacy outreach for broader inclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Broader Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Builds confidence by embodying &#8220;Aadhaar for the people, by the people.&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Minimizes misuse and errors through clearer info.<\/li>\n<li>Bolsters India&#8217;s DPI stack (e.g., Aadhaar as foundational ID for welfare, banking).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>8. ISRO confirms a \u2018cosmic dust particle\u2019 hits Earth\u2019s atmosphere every 16 minutes:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dust Experiment (DEX)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>GS PPAER III-Science and technology <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>ISRO has confirmed that an interplanetary dust particle hits Earth\u2019s atmosphere roughly every 16 minutes, based on data from India\u2019s first cosmic dust detector, DEX.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This finding is crucial for space safety, satellite operations, and future crewed missions like Gaganyaan and Moon-Mars exploration.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is DEX?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>DEX (Dust EXperiment) is India\u2019s first indigenously developed cosmic dust detector.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>It is designed to detect and measure high-speed interplanetary and orbital dust particles in Earth\u2019s upper atmosphere.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Developed by<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad.\u200b<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3844 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132427-300x219.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"336\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132427-300x219.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-132427.png 434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Flown aboard<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flown on the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Operated on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) at ~350 km altitude.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Aim of DEX<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To directly measure cosmic dust flux in Earth\u2019s atmosphere.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>To generate mission-critical data for space environment monitoring and satellite safety.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Works on hypervelocity principle, detecting dust impacts at &gt;4 km\/s.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Compact 3 kg payload with ultra-low power consumption (4.5 W).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>140\u00b0 wide-view detector for higher hit probability.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Operated in low-Earth orbit at ~350 km altitude, 9.5\u00b0 inclination.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Major Findings<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Earth\u2019s atmosphere is hit by an interplanetary dust particle roughly every 1,000 seconds (~16 minutes).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Measured dust flux: ~6.5 \u00d7 10\u207b\u00b3 particles m\u207b\u00b2 s\u207b\u00b9, validating global dust models.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IDPs are microscopic fragments from comets, asteroids, and meteoroids.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>They constantly rain onto planetary atmospheres, forming the \u201cmeteor layer\u201d.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How IDPs are formed<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cometary debris released when comets heat up near the Sun.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Generated from high-energy collisions in the asteroid belt.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Result from long-term cosmic erosion of celestial bodies.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Tiny hypervelocity particles can cause catastrophic damage to satellites and crewed spacecraft.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>IDPs influence orbital debris dynamics and near-Earth space conditions (space weather).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Provide clues about early solar system evolution and planetary formation.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>DEX-like instruments can enable first-ever dust measurements in Venusian and Martian atmospheres, vital for Moon-Mars human exploration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. National Improvised Explosive Device Data Management System (NIDMS) GS PAPER III-Internal Security CONTEXT :Union Home Minister has<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3851,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-current-affairs"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_.png",1328,1328,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-300x300.png",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-768x768.png",640,640,true],"large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-1024x1024.png",640,640,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_.png",1328,1328,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_.png",1328,1328,false],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-825x575.png",825,575,true],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/b_National_Improvised_-590x410.png",590,410,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Nithin DTPoperator","author_link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/author\/nithindtp\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/category\/daily-current-affairs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS<\/a>","tag_info":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3835"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3845,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3835\/revisions\/3845"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3851"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}