4 February 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Amid global meltdown, rupee breaches 87 against the dollar

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

Rupee depreciated past 87 against the U.S. dollar due to global uncertainties, impacting imports, exports, and India’s economic stability.

Rupee Breaches 87 Mark

• The Indian rupee fell by 0.6% (49 paise) to close at ₹87.11 per U.S. dollar, after briefly touching ₹87.3.
• The depreciation followed increased tariffs by the U.S. on Canada, Mexico, and China, affecting emerging markets and stock markets globally.

Government’s Stance on the Decline

• The Finance Ministry official stated that India does not use exchange rate policy to boost trade but focuses on managing currency volatility.
• The Indian government remains unconcerned about the rupee’s decline, viewing it as part of global economic uncertainty.

Rising Dollar Index and Global Impact

• The Dollar Index, which measures the dollar’s strength against major currencies, rose to 109.7.
• The rupee’s depreciation makes imports more expensive but improves export competitiveness.

Government’s Economic Strategy

• India aims to handle global uncertainties by enhancing export competitiveness through better quality goods rather than currency manipulation.
• The government’s focus is on self-reliance, developing competitive advantages, and removing cost disadvantages through trade and regulatory policies.
• The Budget includes steps to streamline regulations and reduce trade barriers for long-term economic growth.

Rupee Depreciation

Potential AdvantagesBoosts Exports – Indian goods become cheaper for foreign buyers, increasing demand. Encourages Foreign Investment – Foreign investors find Indian assets more affordable, attracting capital inflows. Tourism Growth – India becomes a cheaper destination for international tourists, boosting tourism revenue.Incentivizes Domestic Manufacturing – Imported goods become costlier, encouraging local production and reducing dependency on imports. Challenges of Rupee DepreciationRising Import Costs – Essential imports like oil, electronics, and machinery become more expensive, leading to inflation. Higher Fuel Prices – A weaker rupee raises crude oil import costs, increasing fuel prices and transportation expenses. Increased Foreign Debt Burden – Loans borrowed in foreign currency become costlier to repay. Capital Outflows – Foreign investors may withdraw investments due to uncertainty, affecting financial markets.

Practice Question:  How does rupee depreciation affect different sectors of the Indian economy? Suggest measures to balance its benefits and challenges. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. How will the govt. produce the required fuel ethanol?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Energy

Context

India is accelerating its ethanol blending program, utilizing diverse sources like sugar, rice, and maize to achieve energy security and reduce oil imports.

India’s Ethanol Blending Target Achieved Early

• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India will achieve the target of 20% ethanol blending with petrol in the next two months, ahead of schedule.
• This achievement will require the production of nearly 1,100 crore litres of fuel ethanol annually.

Sources of Fuel Ethanol

• The 1,100 crore litres of ethanol will come from sugar, high-grade molasses, FCI rice, broken rice, and maize.
• India’s ethanol distillery capacity has increased to 1,600 crore litres, thanks to government incentives and a stable market.
• Sugar production will contribute around 400 crore litres of ethanol this year. Molasses and rice will also play a role.

Maize’s Growing Role

• Until 2020, India was producing little to no ethanol from maize. However, since then, maize imports and cultivation have increased.
• The government has reduced the price of FCI rice for distilleries, leading to the production of 110 crore litres of ethanol from rice.
• Maize production is expected to reach 42 million tonnes in 2024-25, with 9 million tonnes directed to ethanol production.

Economic Impact of Ethanol Production

• Maize cultivation has expanded due to the high demand for ethanol, benefiting farmers.
• Ethanol production is expected to save India ₹6,000 crore on oil imports, contributing to the internal economy and farmers’ income.
• The long-term success of ethanol will depend on balancing its production with other foodgrains. 

Practice Question:  nalyze the role of ethanol production in India’s energy security and agricultural sector, focusing on the use of maize, sugar, and rice as feedstocks. (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power to supercharge its energy transition

Topic: GS3 – Economy – Energy

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)

Context

The news discusses Southeast Asia’s growing interest in nuclear energy as a cleaner, reliable power source. Nuclear power comes with challenges, but technological advances and financing options are improving the feasibility of nuclear projects, making them more affordable and scalable.

Introduction to Nuclear Energy in Southeast Asia

• Southeast Asia’s only nuclear power plant, located in the Philippines, was built in the 1970s but has never operated due to safety concerns and corruption.
• Now, several Southeast Asian countries are exploring nuclear energy to meet growing demand for cleaner, more reliable energy.

Nuclear Energy as a Climate Solution

• Nuclear energy does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, unlike coal, gas, or oil.
• Advances in technology have made nuclear power safer, cheaper to build, and smaller, making it more accessible.

Global and Regional Nuclear Energy Trends

• Nuclear power generates about 10% of global electricity, with 413 gigawatts of capacity across 32 countries.
• Southeast Asia’s energy demand is rapidly increasing, and many countries are interested in nuclear energy to reduce air pollution and increase power capacity.

Challenges of Nuclear Energy Development

• Nuclear plants are expensive, take years to build, and take time to become profitable.
• Financing for nuclear energy is limited, but some financial institutions support growth.
• Developing strong policies and regulations could attract more investment.

Small Modular Reactors and Technological Advances

• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are cheaper, quicker to build, and safer than traditional reactors.
• SMRs can produce up to one-third of the power of a traditional reactor, fitting local energy needs.

Concerns and Future Challenges

• Nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima raised concerns about safety.
• Other challenges include the high cost of waste disposal and reliance on a few countries for uranium supply.

PYQ: With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)

Practice Question:  Examine the challenges and technological advancements in nuclear power generation. How can financing options help in addressing these challenges and promoting nuclear energy development? (250 Words /15 marks)

4. Rajasthan’s Anti-Conversion Bill

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Govt & Politics – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context

The Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill to curb forced religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or allurement.

Analysis of the news:

Strict Regulations for Voluntary Conversion

• Individuals opting for voluntary conversion must follow an elaborate process. 
• They are required to submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance, with additional scrutiny conducted by law enforcement. 
• Their details will be displayed publicly to invite objections, and they must personally appear before the DM for verification.

Legal Justification and Government’s Stance

• According to the Bill’s ‘Statement of Objects and Reasons,’ the Constitution guarantees religious freedom but does not permit forced proselytization. 
• The government cites past incidents where vulnerable individuals, particularly tribals, were allegedly converted through fraudulent means. 
• Law Minister Jogaram Patel has also linked the Bill to preventing “love jihad.”

Punishments and Burden of Proof

The Bill mandates severe penalties based on the nature of the conversion:

• General cases: 1-5 years in jail, with a minimum fine of ₹15,000.
• Conversion of minors, women, or SC/ST individuals: 2-10 years in jail, with a minimum fine of ₹25,000.
• Mass conversions: 3-10 years in jail, with a minimum fine of ₹50,000.
• Repeat offenders: Double the prescribed punishment.

The burden of proof lies on the person conducting the conversion, who must demonstrate that it was not done through coercion or fraud.

Marriage and Conversion Clause

• The Bill explicitly states that any marriage conducted solely for conversion—or vice versa—will be declared void, reinforcing the government’s stance against conversions through interfaith marriages.

Comparison with Other States

• Once enacted, Rajasthan will join 11 other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka, that have similar anti-conversion laws. 
• These laws have faced legal and political challenges, raising concerns about their impact on religious freedom and personal choice.

Conclusion: 

• While the Rajasthan government justifies the Bill as a measure to protect vulnerable groups from forced conversions, critics argue that it may infringe upon personal freedoms and religious rights. 
• The extensive bureaucratic process and harsh penalties raise questions about the balance between individual liberty and state control over religious practices. 
• The Bill’s passage is expected to spark further legal and political debates.

What are the Challenges to Anti-Conversion Laws in India?

Constitutional Concerns: The primary challenge to anti-conversion laws in India revolves around their constitutionality, particularly concerning fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.  Critics argue that these laws infringe upon the rights to freedom of religion, expression, and privacy, as enshrined in Articles 19, 21, and 25. In 2012, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled certain provisions of the state’s 2006 anti-conversion law as unconstitutional. It upheld the right to privacy, stating that the requirement of giving a month’s notice to the district magistrate violated this right. In 2021, Gujarat High Court stayed the provisions of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, which were amended to include marriage as grounds for prohibiting conversions.  The court upheld the right to choice of an individual, stating that the Act gave the impression that inter-faith marriages followed by conversion could be deemed illegal.Burden of Proof: Anti-conversion laws often shift the burden of proof onto the accused to demonstrate that conversions were not carried out through prohibited means.  Impact on Interfaith Marriages: Recent state law amendments declare marriages null if they involve conversion solely for the purpose of marriage. Critics argue that these provisions interfere with individuals’ rights to freely marry and choose life partners regardless of religious differences. Allegations of Misuse and Targeting: Critics argue that anti-conversion laws are often misused to target religious minorities and dissenting voices, leading to concerns about exacerbating communal tensions and discriminating against vulnerable groups such as Dalits, Adivasis, and women.

Practice Question:  The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill seeks to prevent forced religious conversions through stringent regulations and penalties. Critically analyze its implications on individual freedom, religious rights, and the broader socio-political landscape in India. (150 Words /10 marks)

5. Nuclear Power in Union Budget 2025-26

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2099244&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

The Union Budget 2025-26 emphasizes nuclear energy as a key element of India’s energy transition strategy, with a focus on innovation, capacity building, and private sector participation.

Introduction to Nuclear Energy in India

• India has set a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, which aligns with the broader goals of Viksit Bharat, ensuring energy reliability and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• The government is focusing on indigenous nuclear technology and public-private collaborations to achieve this target.

Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat

• The government has launched the Nuclear Energy Mission to enhance domestic nuclear capabilities, promote private sector involvement, and speed up the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• The initiative has allocated ₹20,000 crore for research and development (R&D) of SMRs, with the goal of developing at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
• To implement this mission, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be made to encourage private sector investments in nuclear power.

Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and SMRs

• Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), a key part of the government’s nuclear energy plan, are 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) known for their safety and performance.
• The government plans to upgrade BSRs to make them suitable for deployment near industries like steel and aluminum, serving as captive power plants.
• Private companies will be involved in providing land, cooling water, and capital, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) will manage the design, quality assurance, and operations.
• The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is also developing SMRs, which will be used for repurposing coal-based plants and providing power to remote areas.

Government Initiatives to Enhance Nuclear Capacity

• India is focused on expanding its nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, with ten reactors under construction and ten more in pre-project stages.
• The government has given in-principle approval for a 6 x 1208 MW nuclear power plant in collaboration with the USA at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh.
• A significant milestone was achieved with the criticality of Unit-7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project, marking the country’s growing capability in building and operating indigenous nuclear reactors.

Safety and Regulatory Framework

• Safety remains a top priority in India’s nuclear energy policy, with strict protocols ensuring that radiation levels in Indian nuclear plants are well below global standards.
• The government’s efforts to promote nuclear energy align with the goal of providing clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for the country.

Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy

• India has discovered new uranium deposits in the Jaduguda Mines, extending the life of the mine by over 50 years.
• The first two units of the indigenous 700 MWe PHWR at Kakrapar, Gujarat, began commercial operations in 2023-24.
• The country’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) achieved key milestones, and the government has signed a joint venture with NTPC to develop new nuclear power plants.

Conclusion

• The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a transformative shift towards nuclear energy, aiming to enhance India’s energy security and meet long-term economic and environmental goals.
• With the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, India is poised to become a global leader in advanced nuclear technology by 2047. 

PYQ: Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of the fast breeder reactor programme in India? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2017)

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of the Nuclear Energy Mission in achieving India’s energy security goals by 2047. How do Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) contribute to this strategy? (250 Words /15 marks)

6. Benefits Accorded to Classical Language

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2099152&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS1 – Indian art and culture

Context

The news discusses the Government of India’s support for classical languages, including recognition, establishment of Centers of Excellence, and the recent addition of five new classical languages.

Support for Classical Languages

• The Government of India provides various forms of support to languages notified as classical languages, such as awards, centers of excellence, and professional chairs in central universities.
• This initiative aims to preserve and promote India’s rich linguistic heritage.

Languages Recognized as Classical

The following languages have been notified as classical languages by the Government of India:

• Tamil (2004)
• Sanskrit (2005)
• Telugu (2008)
• Kannada (2008)
• Malayalam (2013)
• Odia (2014)

Institutions and Centers of Excellence

The Ministry of Education, through the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, is actively promoting these languages. Various Centers of Excellence have been established to support research and scholarly activities:

• Tamil: Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai (established in 2008).
• Sanskrit: Central Sanskrit University, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University, and National Sanskrit University.
• Telugu: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu, Nellore.
• Kannada: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada, Mysuru.
• Malayalam: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Malayalam, Tirur.
• Odia: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia, Bhubaneswar.

Recent Additions

In October 2024, the Government notified five more languages as classical languages:

• Marathi
• Pali
• Prakrit
• Assamese
• Bengali

Practice Question: Evaluate the significance of the recent inclusion of five languages as Classical Languages in India. How can this contribute to cultural preservation and academic growth? (250 Words /15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh lost 110 glaciers in 32 years: study

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

A new study reveals that 110 glaciers in the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh have vanished in 32 years (1988-2020).

Analysis of the news:

• The glaciers lost covered an area of 309.85 sq. km, retreating at a rate of 16.94 sq. km per year.
• The melting glaciers exposed bedrock and led to the formation of glacial lakes, increasing the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
• This retreat is a significant indicator of global climate change.
• The study used remote sensing and GIS to track the glaciers, covering several districts from Tawang to Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The region is warming faster than the global average, with temperatures rising at 0.1°–0.8°C per decade.

Important glaciers in this region:

Bichom Glacier:Located on the India-China border in the eastern Himalayas.Plays a key role in the region’s hydrology, feeding nearby rivers.Facing threats due to climate change, contributing to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Kangto Glacier:Situated in the eastern Himalayas, near the Yarlung Tsangpo River.The Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into Tibet, originates from this glacier.A crucial water source for the surrounding region, endangered by warming temperatures. Mazgol Glacier:Located in the eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh.Plays a significant role in the freshwater supply for local communities.Rapid melting is a concern, impacting the region’s water resources and ecosystem. Tawang Glacier:Located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.Supplies water to the Tawang River, which supports local agriculture and communities. Pangi Glacier:Situated in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.Contributes to the river systems that flow into the Brahmaputra.It is retreating, resulting in concerns for water flow stability and potential GLOF events.

2. Remote tribal village in A.P. gets electricity for first time

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Context

Tribal families in Neelabandha, Andhra Pradesh, celebrated receiving electricity for the first time since Independence.

A Case Study:

• People expressed their joy through ‘Dhimsa’, a traditional tribal dance.
• The local administration identified villages lacking basic amenities, including electricity, as part of a state government initiative.
• The electricity supply was provided free of charge by the local power distribution company.
• Due to the village’s remote location, power poles had to be transported nearly 6 km, as the village lacked road connectivity.
• The provision of electricity marks a significant step towards improving living standards in the tribal community.

3. On amplifiers: how do they work and what are the different kinds?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Context

This article explains the functioning of microphones, amplification processes, types of amplifiers, and how loud sound is produced through transducers, preamps, and loudspeakers.

Microphones and Their Function

• A microphone is a transducer that converts sound into electrical signals.
• Condenser microphones use capacitors to transduce audio signals, where a vibrating diaphragm changes capacitance, converting sound to electrical signals.

Amplification Process

• After the audio signal is collected, it goes to a preamplifier (preamp), which boosts the signal’s energy while minimizing noise.
• The preamp’s gain is determined by the ratio of output to input.

Impedance-Matching

• Impedance-matching ensures that the preamp’s circuit matches the impedance of the audio signal’s source to avoid noisy signals and maximize gain.

Voltage Amplification

• A transistor amplifies the voltage by using a small input voltage to control a larger current.
• The amplified signal’s voltage swing is higher than the original input.
• The signal passes through driver and power stages, with transistors maintaining voltage and increasing both current and voltage.

Types of Amplifiers

• Different amplifier classes are used for various applications, such as Class A/B for basic sound systems, Class AB for home theatres, and Class D for public announcement systems.

Loud Sound Production

• In a loudspeaker, the voice coil interacts with an external magnet to create motion.
• The coil’s movement vibrates the diaphragm, producing sound, and louder sounds are produced with higher power input.

4. Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 17)

Context

UNION FINANCE Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget, announced a five year mission to “facilitate significant improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promote extra-long staple (ELS) cotton varieties”.

Analysis of the news:

What is Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton?

• ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, primarily from the species Gossypium barbadense, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton. 
• In contrast, India predominantly grows Gossypium hirsutum, a medium staple variety with fibre lengths of 25-28.6 mm. 
• ELS cotton is known for its superior quality and is primarily cultivated in China, Egypt, Australia, and Peru, with limited production in India’s Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Why is ELS Cotton Not Grown in India?

Despite its high quality, Indian farmers have been reluctant to adopt ELS cotton due to several challenges:

• Lower Yields: While medium staple cotton yields 10-12 quintals per acre, ELS cotton produces only 7-8 quintals.
• Market Challenges: Farmers struggle to sell ELS cotton at premium prices due to weak market linkages.
• Import Dependence: India annually imports 20-25 lakh bales of ELS cotton, forming over 90% of its total imports.

How Can the Cotton Mission Help?

The government’s five-year Cotton Mission aims to enhance productivity and sustainability in cotton farming. Key interventions include:

• Scientific and Technological Support: Research and development in cotton breeding, pest resistance, and agronomic practices.
• Genetic Modification (GM) Technology: Farmers demand the legalization of herbicide-tolerant Bt (HtBt) cotton to improve weed management.
• Yield Enhancement: India’s cotton yields (10 quintals/acre) lag behind Brazil (20 quintals) and China (15 quintals). Better seeds, agronomic advice, and technology adoption can help bridge this gap and promote ELS cultivation.

5. Fentanyl

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 17)

Context

The United States imposed tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico, citing the threat of illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.

Analysis of the news:

Fentanyl: A Deadly Opioid

• Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, nearly 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. 
• While used medically for pain relief, illicit fentanyl has fueled the US opioid epidemic, with overdose deaths increasing sixfold between 1999 and 2021. 
• The drug is often mixed with other substances, making it even deadlier.

China and Mexico’s Role in Fentanyl Trafficking

• The US blames China for supplying precursor chemicals and Mexico for manufacturing and smuggling fentanyl. 
• Reports indicate that Chinese companies ship these chemicals to Mexican cartels, which then process them into pills and traffic them across the southern US border. 
• While Canada plays a minimal role, Mexico remains the primary entry point, with nearly 9,600 kg of fentanyl intercepted there compared to just 19 kg at the northern border.

US Government Response

• To curb fentanyl trafficking, the US passed the FEND Off Fentanyl Bill (2024) targeting Mexican cartels and Chinese chemical producers. 
• While China has restricted some precursors, tensions over trade and geopolitics complicate deeper cooperation. 
• Mexico remains hesitant due to concerns over US intervention, though experts hope for better intelligence-sharing under President Claudia Sheinbaum.

6. Asteroid 2024 YR4: A Potential Threat?

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 17)

Context

NASA has identified a newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, which has a slightly over 1% chance of colliding with Earth in 2032.

Analysis of the news:

Discovery and Characteristics

• The asteroid 2024 YR4 was first detected in December 2023 by a Chilean telescope. 
• It measures between 40 to 100 meters in diameter—comparable to a football field. 
• On Christmas Day 2023, it passed within 800,000 kilometers of Earth, approximately twice the distance of the Moon. 
• Scientists have until mid-April to study its trajectory before it becomes too faint to track, with its next visible approach expected in 2028.

Potential for Destruction

• While not as large as the asteroid that caused the extinction of dinosaurs, 2024 YR4 still poses a significant threat if it crashes into a populated area. 
• NASA has rated it a 3 on the Torino Scale (which measures impact hazard on a scale of 0-10). 
• If it were to collide with Earth, it could release 8 to 10 megatons of energy, far greater than the 500-kiloton blast from the 2013 Chelyabinsk event, which injured 1,500 people.

Frequency of Asteroid Impacts

• Asteroids frequently enter Earth’s atmosphere, but most burn up due to friction. 
• Large asteroid impacts are rare, with extinction-level events occurring roughly every 260 million years. 
• Smaller asteroids, however, can still cause regional destruction, depending on their speed and angle of entry.

Planetary Defense Strategies

• To mitigate asteroid threats, space agencies like NASA are working on planetary defense mechanisms. 
• The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) successfully altered the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos in 2022, proving that deflection strategies can be effective. 
• Ongoing efforts continue to focus on tracking and deflecting potentially hazardous space objects.

About DART Mission:

• NASA’s DART mission was a spacecraft designed to test a method of deflecting an asteroid for planetary defense, using the “kinetic impactor” technique (in simplest terms means smashing a thing into another thing).
• DART was the first-ever space mission to demonstrate asteroid deflection by kinetic impactor.
• The target of the spacecraft was a 160-meter-wide asteroid known as Dimorphos, which is a moonlet in orbit around the larger asteroid, Didymos.
• It was launched in November 2021.
• DART spacecraft successfully collided with Dimorphos on 26 September 2022, altering the asteroid’s orbit by 33 minutes.
• It is the first time humanity intentionally changed the motion of a celestial object in space.

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