12 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. INDIAN AIR FORCE EX PITCH BLACK 2024 AT DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2032522 )

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

Exercise Pitch Black 2024, hosted by the RAAF from 12 July to 02 August, is a large-scale multinational air force exercise with 20 countries participating, including India’s IAF, focusing on night-time flying and international cooperation in warfare operations.

Analysis of the news:

• Exercise Pitch Black 2024 is a biennial, multinational air force exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• This edition is the largest in its 43-year history, featuring participation from 20 countries.
• Over 140 aircraft and 4400 military personnel are involved.
• The exercise emphasises night-time flying over large, unpopulated areas, hence the name “Pitch Black.”
• The focus is on Large Force Employment warfare to enhance international cooperation and operational experience.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent includes over 150 personnel, including pilots, engineers, technicians, and experts.
• IAF will operate Su-30 MKI fighters, with C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in support roles.
• Participating aircraft include the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen, and Typhoon.
• The exercise enhances force integration, mutual exchange of best practices, and supports integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific.
• IAF has participated in previous editions in 2018 and 2022.

2. Securing our future – a huge ‘quantum’ leap in data encryption

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2032507 )

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

Indian scientists at Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, achieved a breakthrough in cybersecurity by using quantum mechanics to generate highly secure random numbers, vital for encryption and digital security applications, published in Physical Review Letters.

An artistic schematic diagram of random number

generation from three time LGI violation.

Analysis of the news:

• Indian scientists at Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, achieved a breakthrough in cybersecurity by creating a method to generate truly unpredictable random numbers.
• This innovation, based on violating Leggett Garg Inequalities (LGI) in quantum systems, ensures randomness secure against device tampering.

What is quantum data encryption:

Quantum data encryption involves using principles from quantum mechanics to secure digital information. Unlike classical encryption methods, which rely on mathematical complexity, quantum encryption uses quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement to encode data. This ensures that any attempt to intercept or eavesdrop on quantum-encrypted data would disturb the quantum state, alerting both sender and receiver to potential tampering, thus providing highly secure communication channels.

• Random numbers generated are crucial for applications like cryptographic key generation, secure passwords, and digital signatures.
• Professor Urbasi Sinha led the research, ensuring loophole-free violation of LGI for certified randomness.
• The method replaces conventional entangled particle systems with a single-particle setup, improving efficiency and reliability.
• Over 900,000 random bits were generated at a rate of nearly 4,000 bits per second, suitable for rapid applications in cybersecurity and data encryption.
• Potential applications include enhancing password security, resisting brute-force attacks, and ensuring data integrity and authentication in digital interactions.

Practice Question:  Discuss the concept of quantum data encryption and its significance in enhancing cybersecurity. How does quantum encryption differ from classical encryption methods? (150 Words /10 marks)