Why in news?

• In a major step forward towards satellite-based quantum communication, scientists from ISRO’s Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement. Using real-time Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), they conducted hack-proof communication between two places separated by 300 meters.

About Quantum Communication

• Quantum communication is one of the safest ways of connecting two places with high levels of code and quantum cryptography that cannot be decrypted or broken by an external entity.
• If a hacker tries to crack the message in quantum communication, it changes its form in such a manner that would alert the sender and would cause the message to be altered or deleted.
• The basic properties of quantum computing are superposition, entanglement, and interference.
• Superposition:
• It is the ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states simultaneously.
• The example of superposition is the flip of a coin, which consistently lands as heads or tails—a very binary concept. However, when that coin is in mid-air, it is both heads and tails and until it lands, heads and tails simultaneously. Before measurement, the electron exists in quantum superposition.
• Entanglement:
• It means the two members of a pair (Qubits) exist in a single quantum state. Changing the state of one of the qubits will instantaneously change the state of the other one in a predictable way. This happens even if they are separated by very long distances.
• Interference:
• Quantum interference states that elementary particles(Qubits) can not only be in more than one place at any given time (through superposition), but that an individual particle, such as a photon (light particles) can cross its own trajectory and interfere with the direction of its path.
• China already has a satellite dedicated to quantum information science, Micius, and demonstrated quantum communication in a laboratory over a coiled optical fibre up to 404 kilometres long.

Why in news?

• Chauri Chaura incident is said to have given a new direction to the country’s freedom struggle.
• Chauri Chaura is a town in Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh.

Chauri Chaura Incident:

• On 4^thFebruary, volunteers congregated in the town, and after the meeting, proceeded in a procession to the local police station, and to picket the nearby Mundera bazaar.
• The police fired into the crowd killing some people and injuring many volunteers.
• In retaliation, the crowd proceeded to set the police station on fire.
• Some of the policemen who tried to escape were caught and battered to death. A lot of police property, including weapons, was destroyed.
• Mahatma Gandhi condemned the crime of the policemen’s killing. The volunteer groups in nearby villages were disbanded, and a Chauri Chaura Support Fund was set up to demonstrate “genuine sympathy” and seek atonement.
• Gandhi decided to stop the Non-Cooperation Movement, which he saw as having been tainted by unforgivable violence.

Why in news?

• The Government of India has appointed Sonali Singhto hold the additional charge of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, with effect from February 01, 2022.
• She has been appointed in place of Dipak Dash,who superannuated on January 31, 2022.
• Sonali Singhis a 1987 batch officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).
• She is serving as the Additional Controller General of Accounts since October 2019.
• Prior to that, she had also served as Additional Secretary at Central Vigilance Commission. 

About Controller General of Accounts (CGA)

• The Controller General of Accounts (CGA), in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, is the Principal Accounting Adviser to Government of India and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound Management Accounting System. The Office of CGA prepares monthly and annual analysis of expenditure, revenues, borrowings and various fiscal indicators for the Union Government.

Why in news?

• India defeated England by four wickets to clinch a record-extending fifth title at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
• India added the fifth title to their collection, having previously won the trophy in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018.
• Yash Dhull becomes the fifth Indian captain to win the title after Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand and Prithvi Shaw.
• Earlier, England opted to bat after winning the toss but they were shot out by India for 189 in 44.5 overs. India chases down the target of 190 with 2.2 overs to spare.

Why in news?

• Legendary singerLata Mangeshkar has passed away at the age of 92 after suffering a multi-organ failure. The Bharat Ratna awardee was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the coronavirus disease in January. She is survived by her 3 sisters – Usha Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Meena Khadikar and brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar.

About the Lata Mangeshkar career:

• She began her career as a singer back in 1942and never looked back. She recorded innumerable songs in over 36 Indian and foreign languages.
• She gave us musical gems such as Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo, Lag Jaa Gale, Yeh Kahan Aage Hain Hum and Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, among others.
• Having led an eventful and rich life of several milestones, Lata Mangeshkar was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1990.For her contribution to Indian music, she also was bestowed with Padma Bhushan in 1969 and Bharat Ratna in 2001.

Why in news?

• International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilationis observed on 6^th February 
• This day is sponsored by the United Nations for their efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation. It was first introduced in 2003.
• This year theme of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female: Accelerating Investment to End Female Genital Mutilation.

About the Female genital mutilation:

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women.
• Girls who undergo female genital mutilation face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, infections, and difficulty in passing urine, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.

Why in News

• Chamba district has achieved 100 per cent targets under the Jal Jeevan Mission
• Under the mission, 99.41 per cent of the targets had been achieved while the remaining houses would be connected with the facility of ‘Har ghar nal se jal’ soon.

About Jal Jeevan Mission

• Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
• The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water and will include extensive Information.

Why in news?

• In line with National Hydrogen Mission, State gas utility GAIL (India) has commenced India’s first-of-its-kind project of mixing hydrogen into the natural gas system in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• The hydrogen blended natural gas will be supplied to Avantika Gas Ltd, one of GAIL’s joint venture with HPCL, for retailing of CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to households in Indore, the company said in a statement.
• GAIL started injection of grey hydrogen at the city gate station (CGS), Indore.
• The grey hydrogen would subsequently be replaced by green hydrogen.

• Types of hydrogen
• Blue hydrogen is when natural gas is split into hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is captured and then stored.
• Grey hydrogen is a similar process to blue hydrogen but the CO2 is not captured and is released into the atmosphere.
• Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by splitting water by electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar. This produces only hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is used and oxygen is vented into the atmosphere with no negative impact.

Why in news?

• Senior scientist GA Srinivasa Murthyhas been appointed director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Hyderabad.
• He joined DRDL in the year 1987 and made significant contributions in the area of structural dynamics, ground resonance testing, electrical integration and checkout for various projects of the missile complex.

About DRDL

• DRDL is responsible for the design and development of state-of-the-art Missile Systems and technologies required for the deterrence and defence of the country. Systems and Technologies developed by DRDL are deployed on underwater, sea, land as well as air based platforms.
• DRDL is working on several technologies required for the Missiles and Strategic Systems including; Aerodynamics and Airframe Design, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Solid, Liquid, Ramjet and Scramjet Propulsion, Precision Fabrication, Systems Analysis, as well as the Command and Control systems for missile based weapon systems.

Why In News

• The Uttar Pradesh state tableau was adjudged as the best state tableau of Republic Day Parade 2022.
• The UP tableau 2022 showed Kashi Vishwanath Dham’s glorious history and achievements of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
• Maharashtra state tableau was selected as the best in the popular choice category.
• The Maharashtra tableau depicted the five bio-diversity symbols of the state – state bird ‘Hariyal’, state animal ‘Shekru’ or the Indian giant squirrel, state tree ‘Mango’, state butterfly ‘Blue Mormon’ and state flower ‘Jarul’.
• The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was adjudged as the best marching contingent among the CAPF, while the Indian Navy was selected as the best marching contingent among the Services. The Indian Air Force contingent won in the popular choice category.
• The tableau of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Civil Aviation were declared as best tableau among Ministries.
• Every year, the defence ministry announces the best tableau among states and ministries and best marching contingent and the best cultural performance.
• A total of 21 tableau had participated in Republic Day Parade 2022 from 12 states and nine ministries and government departments.