09 April | Daily Current Affairs : Scientists demonstrate clear quantum advantage using simple game And More

GS PAPER 1

Science and Technology

In the quest for quantum supremacy—the point where a quantum computer outperforms classical computers on a specific task—researchers from the University of Oxford and Universidad de Sevilla have demonstrated a significant breakthrough using a simple, understandable game rather than complex algorithms. Their results were published in Physical Review Letters (Feb 2025), marking a step towards accessible verification of quantum advantage.

Key Concepts

• Quantum Supremacy
  • Refers to a quantum computer performing a task that a classical computer cannot solve in reasonable time.
• Previous demonstrations:
  • Google’s Sycamore processor (2019) using random circuit sampling.
  • China’s Jiuzhang quantum computer using Gaussian boson sampling.
• The Odd-Cycle Game
  • A logic puzzle based on graph theory.
  • Setup: A circle with an odd number of points (e.g., 3, 5, 7…).
  • Objective: Colour the points using only two colours such that no two adjacent points have the same colour.
  • Mathematically impossible for odd cycles — this makes it ideal for testing the difference between classical and quantum logic.

How the Game Demonstrated Quantum Supremacy

• Classical Scenario
  • Two players (Alice and Bob) agree on a strategy.
  • Cannot communicate during the game.
  • Maximum win rate: 83.3% for a 3-point circle.
• Quantum Setup
  • Two strontium atoms entangled and placed 2 meters apart.
  • A referee sends questions to Alice and Bob.
  • Each player performs quantum operations (rotations via laser pulses) based on the question.
  • Measurement results (0 or 1) are mapped to colours (red/blue).
• Results
  • Over 101,000 trials, quantum implementation achieved 97.8% win rate.
  • Demonstrated clear quantum advantage up to 19-point circles.
  • Verified the strongest entanglement correlation observed between two spatially separated systems.

Why This Matters

• Simplicity & Accessibility
  • Unlike earlier demonstrations, the odd-cycle game uses only two qubits, making it:
    • Easier to implement
    • Easier to verify
    • More scalable for future practical uses
  • Practical Implications
    • Useful in coordination problems like the rendezvous task, where agents must coordinate without communication.
    • Quantum entanglement can reduce computational complexity drastically, e.g., via Grover’s algorithm:
      • Classical search: O(N)
      • Quantum search: O(√N)

Step Towards Real-World Applications

• Shows how minimal quantum resources can still outperform classical logic.
• Lays foundation for building simpler and efficient quantum-based protocols in communication and cryptography.

Conclusion

• The odd-cycle game marks a pivotal moment in making quantum supremacy demonstrable, verifiable, and understandable. It signals a future where quantum solutions are both powerful and practical, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world application — a space where India must actively participate and invest.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :What is quantum supremacy? Discuss the significance of the recent demonstration of quantum advantage using a simple odd-cycle game. How does it differ from previous demonstrations, and what are its potential applications? (250 words)

GS PAPER 2

Indian Polity

The article underscores a critical but often overlooked dimension of India’s judicial system — the enforcement of judicial orders. While landmark verdicts are frequently celebrated, many fail to deliver intended outcomes due to weak or absent implementation frameworks.

Core Issue

Despite existing laws and judicial directives, enforcement agencies often neglect “minor” violations, such as noise pollution from air horns in Jaipur, resulting in persistent non-compliance. This illustrates the disconnect between judicial intent and administrative action.

Why Enforcement Fails

1. Lack of Judicial Foresight
   • Courts often pass judgments without anticipating practical enforcement hurdles.
   • Example: In State of Tamil Nadu v. K. Balu (2017), a liquor ban within 500m of highways led to administrative loopholes like highway reclassification.
2. Institutional Apathy
   • Agencies like traffic police or pollution control boards fail to act on “non-priority” directives.
3. Structural Weaknesses in Execution Mechanisms
   • Although Order 21 of CPC and Section 38 give courts execution powers, implementation remains weak due to bureaucratic inertia and lack of accountability.

Successful Examples of Enforcement

• Common Cause v. Union of India (2018)
  • Legalised passive euthanasia with clear guidelines, monitoring, and institutional clarity.
• Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) Case
  • Enforced environmental protection through inter-agency collaboration and regular monitoring.

These illustrate that well-structured, multi-agency enforcement mechanisms lead to real-world outcomes.

Way Forward

1. Institutional Accountability
   • Designate an enforcement officer in every government department to execute court orders, conduct audits, and report back to the judiciary.
2. Technology Integration
   • Use tech-based dashboards and GIS mapping to monitor compliance and map responsibilities.
3. Transparency and Public Engagement
   • Disseminate court directives clearly and promote citizen participation in monitoring compliance.
4. Inter-Agency Coordination
   • Judicial mandates must clearly assign responsibilities to all relevant departments.
5. Positive Enforcement Measures
   • Encourage compliance through incentives, not just punitive actions.

Conclusion

Judicial effectiveness in India is no longer just about pronouncing progressive judgments, but about ensuring that justice reaches the ground. A framework of judicial foresight, administrative accountability, technological tools, and citizen participation is vital to translating court orders into actual change — reinforcing the rule of law and restoring public trust in institutions.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : “Enforcement is integral to justice.” Examine the challenges in enforcing judicial decisions in India. Suggest institutional and systemic reforms to strengthen compliance with judicial orders. (250 words)

GS PAPER 3

Enviroment

With rising urban congestion, pollution, and pedestrian fatalities, active mobility has become a crucial component of sustainable urban planning in India. This mode of transport not only addresses environmental concerns but also improves public health and accessibility.

What is Active Mobility?

• Active mobility refers to human-powered modes of transport such as:
  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Skateboarding
• These are used primarily for travel rather than recreation.
• It is a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon mode of transport gaining traction globally and now increasingly in India.

Why is Active Mobility Necessary in India?

1. Public Health and Safety

• Rise in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities (e.g., Karnataka recorded 13% pedestrian deaths in 2020).
• WHO highlights that active transport reduces chronic diseases and improves mental and cardiovascular health.

2. Environmental Benefits

• Reduces carbon emissions (India’s road transport contributes ~12%).
• Helps meet international commitments like the Paris Agreement.

3. Economic and Social Impact

• Lower household expenditure on transport and health.
• Boosts local economies through higher footfall.
• Reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.

Karnataka Active Mobility Bill, 2022

• Drafted with the support of Bengaluru’s Bicycle Mayor, Sathya Sankaran.
• Aims to:
  • Protect rights of pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Provide legal backing to active mobility infrastructure.
  • Ensure equitable access to public spaces.
  • Recognises active transport as a legitimate urban mobility option.

Efforts Across Indian Cities

• Delhi: Expanding cycling tracks under EV Policy.
• Pune: Implemented Comprehensive Bicycle Plan, 300+ km cycling lanes.
• Chennai: Redesigning roads for pedestrian safety under Smart Cities Mission.
• Kochi: Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) system for last-mile connectivity.

Challenges and Barriers

• Infrastructure Deficit
  • Over 85% of Indian roads are unsafe for non-motorised users.
  • Encroachment by vehicles on designated pedestrian/cyclist lanes.
• Socio-Cultural Barriers
  • Preference for private vehicles due to status symbol and perceived convenience.
  • Weak law enforcement and lack of awareness.
• Climate and Distance
  • Extreme weather conditions and long commuting distances deter active modes.

Global Best Practices

• The Netherlands
  • 35,000+ km of dedicated cycling lanes.
  • Integrated with public transport and urban planning.
• Germany – Berlin Mobility Act
  • Mandates wider sidewalks, cycling lanes, and reduced speed zones.
  • Emphasis on Vision Zero – aiming for zero traffic deaths.
• European Union
  • Promotes active mobility as a core transport strategy to reduce emissions and enhance liveability.

Way Forward

• Policy and Governance
  • National-level Active Mobility Policy to standardise and incentivise non-motorised transport.
  • Integrate active mobility in urban planning, Smart Cities, and AMRUT schemes.
• Infrastructure Development
  • Develop safe, accessible, and shaded pathways.
  • Encourage Public Bicycle Sharing and last-mile solutions.
• Behavioral and Social Change
  • Campaigns to promote cycling culture.
  • School and workplace-based incentives for non-motorised commuting.
• Legal and Institutional Framework
  • Empower local bodies with funds, functions, and functionaries to implement active mobility projects effectively.

Conclusion

• Active mobility is not merely a lifestyle choice but a socio-economic and environmental imperative for India. With the right mix of policy, infrastructure, and behavioural change, India can transform its cities into healthier, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban spaces.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :Examine the challenges faced in promoting active mobility in Indian cities. Suggest measures to overcome them.(250 words)

GS PAPER 4

International Relations

On April 4, 2025, South Korea’s Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol with a unanimous 8-0 ruling, citing unconstitutional use of martial law and breach of democratic norms. This marks a significant political event in East Asia, with wide implications for South Korea’s domestic stability, democracy, and regional geopolitics.

Background: Why was Yoon impeached?

• On December 3, 2024, President Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and “pro-North Korean elements.”
• This was the 17th martial law in South Korea’s post-independence history.
• Within hours, the National Assembly (dominated by the opposition Democratic Party of Korea) voted to lift martial law and initiated impeachment proceedings.
• On December 14, 2024, Yoon was officially impeached by 204 out of 300 members.

Constitutional Court Verdict

• The Court held that Yoon’s martial law declaration violated constitutional norms and threatened military neutrality.
• It ruled that the action was not to protect the nation, but to bypass a legislature dominated by the opposition.
• His claims of election fraud were dismissed as unfounded.
• Verdict: Yoon gravely betrayed the trust of the citizens and abandoned his constitutional duty.

Post-Impeachment Developments

• Public opinion is deeply polarized:
  • ~2,00,000 citizens protested in support of impeachment.
  • Thousands also rallied in support of Yoon.
  • On January 17, the Corruption Investigation Office sought and received an arrest warrant for Yoon.
  • Violent attacks occurred outside the courthouse by pro-Yoon protesters.
  • Yoon now faces multiple criminal charges, no longer protected by presidential immunity.

Implications for South Korea

1. Political

• South Korea will hold Presidential elections on June 3, 2025.
• Opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung (DPK) is currently the front-runner.
• The ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) is in disarray, caught between moderates and Yoon loyalists.
• The event marks the second presidential impeachment in 8 years, raising questions about executive accountability and democratic resilience.

2. Social

• The impeachment has divided public opinion, with implications for social cohesion.
• Rising polarization may lead to long-term ideological rifts in South Korea’s democracy.

3. Institutional

• The Constitutional Court and National Assembly have asserted their roles as guardians of democratic order.
• It strengthens the checks and balances in South Korea’s political system.

4. Economic & Strategic

• The country faces economic challenges, including new 25% reciprocal tariffs by the U.S., straining trade.
• Regional concerns persist amid North Korea tensions and the U.S.-China rivalry.

International Significance

• South Korea’s democratic institutions acted decisively in contrast to rising authoritarian trends globally.
• The development may influence democratic movements in Asia, reinforcing the importance of rule of law and civil oversight.
• Its outcome will be closely watched by regional allies and adversaries alike.

Conclusion

• The impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol underscores the strength and volatility of democratic processes in South Korea. It is a textbook case of constitutional checks prevailing over executive overreach. As South Korea prepares for a new leadership, its experience offers valuable lessons for democracies worldwide in maintaining institutional integrity amidst political crises.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Ques :What led to the impeachment of South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol? Discuss the constitutional and political implications of this crisis for South Korean democracy. (250 words)

 In News :  Soyuz Spacecraft

A Soyuz spacecraft, adorned to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion, departed from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome recently, transporting an American and two Russians to the International Space Station (ISS).

About Soyuz Spacecraft

• The Soyuz spacecraft is a Russian (formerly Soviet) spacecraft that has been used since the 1960s to transport astronauts and cosmonauts to and from space.
• The Soyuz programme is the longest operational human spacecraft programme in the history of space exploration.
• The first crewed flight into space was on 23 April 1967.
• Soyuz means “union” in Russian.
• Although they were conceived by the Soviet Union at the start of the sixties, the Soyuz spacecraft are still used today, but with important modifications.
• It has served mainly as a crew ferry to and from Earth-orbiting space stations, specifically the Salyut stations, Mir, and the International Space Station (ISS).
• The Soyuz vehicles are launched by Russian rockets of the same name, which have already had over 1680 successful launches in total, including satellites and manned spacecraft.
• Neither the Soyuz rockets nor the Soyuz vehicles are reusable.
• The journey of the Soyuz to the ISS can last six hours or two days depending on the mission profile. The return journey, in contrast, lasts only 3 hours.

Soyuz Spacecraft Features

• The Soyuz spacecraft weigh 7 tonnes; they measure 7.2 m in length and 2.7 m in diameter.
• With the solar panels open (they remain closed during launch), the Soyuz measures 10.6 m across.
• A Soyuz vehicle can carry up to three astronauts.
• A Soyuz is made up of three modules: the service, the orbital, and the reentry modules.
• The orbital module (the “tip” of the spacecraft) carries the equipment necessary to dock with the International Space Station.
• The service module (the lower part) transports, among other things, telecommunications and altitude control equipment and the coupling of the solar panels.
• The descent module (in the middle) is where the astronauts travel, and it is the only section that reenters the atmosphere – the orbital module breaks up during reentry.

GS PAPER 5

Editorial Analysis

Context :

• Governance in any democracy is often evaluated by how swiftly and effectively governments respond to crises.
• Yet, genuine leadership is better measured by the ability to anticipate challenges and reform institutions to prevent future upheavals.
• In India, this transformation is particularly evident in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which has historically been perceived as a reactive body, responding to crises as they emerged.
• However, recent developments indicate a paradigm shift from reaction to reform, marking a new era of governance and internal security.

A Historical Context of Ministry of Home Affairs

• Traditionally, the MHA has been synonymous with crisis management. Whether in quelling riots, responding to insurgencies, or restoring law and order after disasters, its interventions were typically reactive.
• For decades, India’s internal security landscape was defined by violence in Kashmir, insurgency in the North-East, and Naxalite movements in Central India.
• These conflict zones dictated the Ministry’s priorities, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, both civilian and personnel.
• The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) were deployed extensively as many States lacked the capacity to modernise their police forces.
• The MHA’s growing responsibilities during these years shaped its identity as a Crisis Ministry.
• This reactive approach extended into legislation. Key security laws such as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), and the formation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were born out of violent episodes.
• While these legal responses were necessary, they often lacked continuity and long-term vision.
• Frequent changes in leadership during critical political periods also undermined consistent policymaking in internal security.

A Shift Towards Structural Reform

• The narrative began to shift under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose emphasis on ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform’ captured the essence of future-ready governance.
• This vision translated into a fundamental reorientation of the MHA’s objectives, from crisis response to structural preparedness.
• One of the most striking changes has been the Ministry’s focus on building a modern security architecture.
• This includes strengthening counter-terror laws, modernising agencies, integrating technology, and improving intelligence coordination.
• From 2019 onwards, over 27 legislative reforms have been introduced, reflecting a deliberate and strategic shift in internal security jurisprudence.
• The amendments to the NIA Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) not only defined terrorism more clearly but also sought to financially undermine terror networks.
• These legislative changes have been complemented by institutional reforms such as expanding the NIA, revamping the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), and fostering a “duty to share” intelligence culture across agencies.

Key Aspects of MHA and Tangible Impact on the Ground

• Integration of Governance and Security
  • Unlike many global counterparts that separate governance and security, India’s MHA integrates the two.
  • Empowered by constitutional provisions such as Articles 355, 256, and 356, the MHA plays a crucial role in Centre-State coordination, national stability, and federal governance.
  • It has also undergone administrative restructuring, relinquishing responsibilities like North-East affairs and justice while absorbing functions related to disaster management and narcotics control.
  • This structural consolidation allows the MHA to function as the backbone of India’s internal security.
  • Initiatives like the establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), and the promotion of separating forensic and investigative functions in State police forces are reformative steps aimed at professionalising law enforcement.
  • The introduction of three new criminal laws, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, further signify the Ministry’s commitment to overhauling India’s colonial-era criminal justice system.
• Budgetary Support and Institutional Modernisation
  • The transformation of the MHA has also been backed by unprecedented budgetary support.
  • For the first time in 2019, the Ministry’s budget crossed ₹1 lakh crore, and by 2025, it surged to ₹2.33 lakh crore.
  • Spending on paramilitary forces rose from ₹38,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹97,000 crore in 2024-25.
  • These investments underscore the government’s priority in modernising internal security and equipping forces with the necessary infrastructure.
• Tangible Impact on the Ground
  • The reformed approach has yielded significant results. Violence in Kashmir, the North-East, and Naxal-affected regions has declined by 70%.
  • Stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir have subsided; insurgent activity in the North-East has been curtailed through peace deals; and Naxal-affected areas are now witnessing social development and integration into the national mainstream.
  • These outcomes are not merely coincidental but are the result of a dual strategy that combines enhanced security presence with development initiatives.
  • The dilution of Article 370, the integration of Kashmir, and socio-political engagements in the North-East and Central India reflect the Ministry’s holistic approach.

Conclusion

• The evolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs from a reactive crisis management body to a reform-oriented institution marks a pivotal shift in India’s internal governance.
• It illustrates the broader truth that while responses are necessary, it is reforms that secure the future.
• The MHA’s new model, grounded in strategic planning, legislative consistency, inter-agency collaboration, and institutional modernisation, offers a blueprint for resilient and future-ready governance.
• By pre-empting rather than merely reacting to threats, the Ministry has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s internal stability and federal strength.