Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• AAP now national party; NCP, Trinamool lose tag: How is a ‘national party’ in India defined
• As the Ukraine war grinds on, Russia, India seek ways to keep defence trade afloat
• Do the wealthy influence policy-making more across all forms of democracy?
• A crucial six months for India-U.S. ties
• Right lessons – on NCERT Syllabus Revision

GS Paper 3

• Amul vs Nandini threatens to limit choices for consumers
• Small & Green Future – That India needs more nuclear power generation is not in doubt. But it should rely less on big plants
• Burning bright – India must balance conservation efforts with the rights of forest dwellers”

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ issued for Stakeholder Consultation
• Centre told to frame policy for menstrual hygiene in schools
• President marks 30 years of Project Elephant at Kaziranga
• Copernicus programme: Month of climate contradictions: Contrasts noted worldwide in March 2023, finds Copernicus
• How have recent weather events affected the wheat crop?
• How short-beaked echidnas beat the heat
• A greener way to die: How human composting is growing as an alternative to burial or cremation
• Raccoon Stealer: Eight govt entities hit by info-stealing malware

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

AAP now national party; NCP, Trinamool lose tag: How is a ‘national party’ in India defined

News: The Election Commission has recognised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a national party, while revoking that status of the All-India Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI).

What is a national party?

A party with a national presence is known as a national party. These are usually bigger parties like Congress and BJP. However, some smaller parties are also recognized as national parties.

What are the current National Parties?

The BJP, Congress, CPI(M), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National People’s Party (NPP) and the AAP are the national parties now.

How is a party recognized as a national party?

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How is a party recognized as a state party?

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A party needs to have at least one MP for every 25 members, or any fraction allotted to the state in the Lok Sabha.

How did AAP fulfil the criteria of being a national party?

AAP has very large vote shares in Delhi and Punjab. In the Goa Assembly elections last year, it received 6.77% of the vote. This way it already fulfilled the criteria for recognition as a state party in three states.

It then required 6% of the vote in the Assembly elections in either Himachal or Gujarat last year to be recognized in a fourth state.

It received almost 13% vote in Gujarat which was more than double the required to be recognized as a state party there. That made it to four states and qualified for the national party.

As the Ukraine war grinds on, Russia, India seek ways to keep defence trade afloat

News: Russia is currently facing problems with India in resolving payment problems for its defence exports.

What are some of the defence systems being exported by Russia to India?

Russia is now carrying out numerous large contracts with India, including the S-400 systems and two Project 11356 frigates.

The other deals include procurement of additional and modernisation of existing Sukhoi Su-30 MKI and upgrade of MIG-29s.

Moreover, India’s total imports from Russia rose by five times from $8.5 billion in April 2022 to $41.6 billion in February 2023, driven mainly by oil supplies.

As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia’s share of arms imports to India fell from 69% in 2012-17 to 46% in 2017-21, while Russia remained the key defense supplier to India.

However, concern lies with the payment of the imports.

What are the concerns with payment?

Currently, Russian banks create vostro accounts with authorized dealer banks in India and pay in rupees, although Russia wants to pay in rubles.

However, the problems with India in adopting ruble payment are – a) the concerns of the Indian financial sector which is overall slowly adopting new mechanisms, and b) lack of trust on the Russian ruble.

After suffering a major shock last year, India is doubtful about the ruble, and there is an understanding that it is almost impossible to evaluate it correctly.

Therefore, the India has no particular interest in trading in the Russian currency and thus, India relies on payments in the rupee.

What is the way ahead?

Russia is upgrading its weapons after testing them in the real time war with Ukraine. This gives Russia a great advantage in terms of defense exports.

Therefore, the issue of payments needs to be resolved in the upcoming meeting between the two nations.

Do the wealthy influence policy-making more across all forms of democracy?

News– The article explains the study ‘Affluence and Influence in a Social Democracy’ published in American Political Science Review (2023).

What are the issues with democracies?

In the real world, no democracy is perfect. Affluent people enjoy a disproportionately greater influence over policy-making compared to the average citizen.

As per a study, public policy favors the affluent section at the expense of the poor and the middle classes. American democracy has certain unique features like heavy reliance of political parties on private donations. It makes policy-making unresponsive to the non-affluent.

Three different studies were conducted in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. In all these countries, policy was skewed in favour of the affluent.

How is Norway different from other democracies?

Public policy is skewed toward the preferences of the affluent. But the opinions of the poor and the middle classes also matter.

On economic issues, the preferences of both the poor and the rich seemed to matter almost equally. The link between money and politics was much weaker than in the U.S.

Why are the wealthy in Norway not able to influence policy-making?

Universal welfarism– The first factor is Norway’s universal welfare schemes and high levels of wealth redistribution. Universal welfare measures benefit every citizen. This contrasts with ‘targeted schemes’ which only benefit needy people.

It generates resentment among the non-needy people about how their tax money is being given away in ‘freebies’. It ensures their legitimacy and endorsement across classes.

Income equality– Norway has one of the lowest levels of income inequality in the world. So, the affluent section does not enjoy resource advantage to influence politics.

Resource rich people are not able to convert money power into political influence through political party funding. Here, the contrast between Norway and the U.S. is sharp.

Political candidates in the U.S. rely on large donations from individuals and organizations to run their campaigns. But parties in Norway get two-thirds of their financing from state subsidies.

Television advertising is a huge campaign expense in American elections. But political advertising on television is banned in Norway. This brings down the campaign costs. It also reduces the effect of disparities in spending power between candidates and makes the campaign process less vulnerable to private wealth.

In India, there is the opposite scenario. Electoral bonds empower wealthy private entities to make donations to political parties with zero transparency.

Strong trade unions– Norway has historically had strong trade unions. They have been able to influence economic and social policy through their close political links with the Norwegian Labor Party. It acts as a counter force to the influence of the wealthy.

Norway has vast reserves of oil and natural gas. It enables the government to maintain generous welfare schemes while imposing lower tax rates. It fulfils the needs of both the poor through subsidies and the wealthy through low taxes.

Less wealthy politicians– The country’s political class is not particularly wealthy. The median wealth among Norwegian MPs is zero.

Norwegian laws require proportionate representation of women in government institutions. Women on average have lower income than men. Their higher levels of representation results in greater political influence for women. It translates into greater political influence for lower-income citizens.

A crucial six months for India-U.S. ties

News– The next six months are going to be crucial for India-U.S. ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to head to the U.S. in June, and U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to visit India for the G20 summit later this year.

What are the areas of divergence between India and the US?

The U.S. wants India to change its stance on the Ukraine crisis. India wants a stronger position by the US against China.

India is reluctant to sever its stable relations with Russia. Moscow has just released its foreign policy strategy in which it has identified China and India as its main allies.

India is also the president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a forum that includes China and Russia. On the other hand, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization wants greater participation from Delhi.

What are the areas of convergence between India and the US?

The India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology is expected to expand strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of the two countries.

The Indo-Pacific partnership is aimed at promoting security and economic growth, increasing trade and investment, and enhancing connectivity in the region.

The partnership is based on the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that is respectful of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

The partnership involves a range of initiatives. It includes joint military exercises, information-sharing on security issues, and collaboration on economic and infrastructure development projects. It also involves cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

One of the key objectives of the Indo-Pacific partnership is to counter the growing influence of China in the region. Both countries share concerns about China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, its expanding military presence in the region, and its Belt and Road Initiative.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in diversifying supply chains away from China. The reasons are geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and concerns about over-reliance on a single country.

India’s growing consumer market makes it an attractive destination for U.S. businesses. India has a relatively low-cost labour force and an abundance of skilled workers. The government has also implemented policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth.

The U.S. and Indian governments have taken steps to promote closer economic ties and facilitate investment. For example, the U.S.-India Strategic Energy Partnership, aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as energy security and access, and climate change.

How has the India-U.S. relationship seen ups and downs over time?

Ups – The nuclear deal, liberalisation of markets, and the outsourcing of Indian techies for U.S. companies are a few key moments of the relationship.

Indian Americans are among the most successful immigrants in the U.S. India needs the knowledge, skill and investment of the diaspora to regain its global position.

The Green Revolution had transformed India from a shortage economy to one with surplus food with help from the US. The U.S. has also played an important role in making India an IT superpower. Many persons of Indian origin are working in Silicon Valley companies.

The U.S. and India are also partners in combating climate change. This involves a wide range of initiatives. It includes promoting renewable energy, joint research and development projects, and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. The two countries are also aligned on the importance of space technology.

Downs – In the past, there was a trust deficit between India and the U.S. India feels that the U.S. has not given support to it and has instead provided support to Pakistan.

The American pull-out from Afghanistan does not inspire confidence in the U.S. as a trusted partner. The U.S. has been flagging issues related to terrorism, human rights and democracy in India.

Right lessons – on NCERT Syllabus Revision

News– Recently, controversy has been created by revision in NCERT textbooks.

Read more – NCERT Textbook Revision

Why do textbooks and pedagogy need to be revised periodically?

Knowledge expands continuously. Syllabus revision is essential for a robust education system. Teaching to the younger generation is a collective decision of a society. Formal education is a critical part of it. The values and ethics of the collective are reflected in education.

As any society matures, it might be able to see the darker episodes of the past. It is important to decide the appropriate levels at which learners are introduced to various levels of knowledge.

When does the change in syllabus become problematic?

Sometimes, this exercise is carried out in a politically partisan manner, and in disregard of expertise. It turns out to be toxic when strife, not harmony, is promoted through formal education.

What is the way forward for syllabus change?

India’s growth and development depends almost entirely on educating the young population with vocational and social skills.

Youngsters should turn into caring citizens of a pluralistic nation. They should learn history with the aim of not repeating its tragedies in order to build a harmonious future.

There should be wider, more transparent consultations in shaping the curriculum at all levels.

GS Paper 3

Amul vs Nandini threatens to limit choices for consumers

News: Recently, Amul, a Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, announced on social media that it will make online deliveries in Bengaluru. This supposedly threatens the local Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF) alias Nandini.

Why milk cooperatives are fighting with each other for markets?

Share for the market: India is the world’s largest milk producer, with 222. 1 million tonnes production in 2021-22. Almost half the milk produced is consumed locally. The rest enters the urban market, which is the growth area.

Role of state governments: Co-ops impart a unique dimension to milk and milk product markets. For example, the Karnataka government provides incentives for them. So, they have little flexibility over procurement or end-product pricing. In a difficult phase such as the lockdowns, the government was reluctant to raise product prices.

To fulfil farmer’s interest: Dairy is often the primary source of income for many landless households and marginal farmers. So, it’s in their best interest, successful brands like Amul and Nandini procure and sell across markets. In short, Karnataka’s dairy farmers, like their Gujarat counterparts, need to find new markets.

Surplus procurement: As per the government, milk cooperatives and private players share the liquid milk market. This market is expected to touch 54% by 2026, from 41% now. Milk cooperatives procure more from farmers with their attractive collection strategies. For example, Nandini Cooperative provide Rs 6-per-litre incentive to farmers. This led the KMF unions to procure milk far in excess of what can be absorbed within Karnataka. This surplus is, then, being “dumped” as milk powder, butter and ghee in other states.

Why blocking competition between milk cooperatives is wrong?

Neither producers nor consumers benefit from such protectionism and beggar-thy-neighbour policies. Competition can enable consumers to take the form of better quality or product differentiation.

By favouring one brand over the other might trigger a similar response in other states. For example, by blocking Amul in Bengaluru, politicians are risking similar retribution when it comes to Nandini selling outside Karnataka.

Blocking competition can frame a political economy challenge. Hence, the government has to consider electoral necessities before embarking on market reforms.

Small & Green Future – That India needs more nuclear power generation is not in doubt. But it should rely less on big plants

News: India, by 2047, aims to produce 9% of its electricity from nuclear power, up from the current 3%. By 2031, installed nuclear power capacity is set to increase from 6,780 MW to 22,480 MW with 20 new nuclear plants. In that process, ten new reactors were approved recently.

About the nuclear power plants around the world

Rich countries that have had 20 years of nuclear power generation. A 2019 IAEA report of nuclear plants’ age-profile highlighted the challenges of ‘nuclear fade’.

Note: Nuclear fade means the nations are giving up on nuclear power as plants age and costs rise.

About 83% of plants across Europe are over 30 years old, in the US more than 90% are over 30. Though nuclear plants had licences for decades more, several retired early. This stalls the transition to non-carbon energy. 

In contrast, almost 80% of China’s plants are less than 10 years old; the corresponding number for India is 40%.

What does India need to do while planning nuclear power plants?

India should move away from big plants and plans small modular reactors (SMRs). Though SMRs only generate a third of a nuclear plant’s power, many can be built since the smaller investment is easier to mobilise. SMRs are reportedly safer in design and simpler to construct and require much less land. They are therefore easier propositions to sell to locals.

According to the IAEA, SMRs’ economic viability in operational settings is not proven. But India’s huge electricity demand, need for non-carbon energy, net zero commitment can be aided significantly with SMRs.

Burning bright – India must balance conservation efforts with the rights of forest dwellers”

News: Recently, the government released the 5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census. Based on the survey, the tiger population in India has grown from 1,411 in 1972 to 3,167 in 2022.

What are the key findings of India’s tiger census?

What are the government initiatives that led to an increase in the tiger population?

What are the challenges India faces with the increased tiger population?

The ‘Status of Tiger’ report warns that a) All of India’s five main tiger zones, while largely stable, face challenges of deforestation and loss of tiger habitat, b) In Western Ghats, tiger numbers are on the decline, with only populations within protected forests stable, and c) Tiger reserves has increased from nine in 1973 to 53 today. However, the increase in reserves has not resulted in all of these reserves becoming suitable habitats for tigers.

The other challenges include a) Serious conservation efforts are needed in tiger population recovery in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Wildlife habitats in these areas face various threats that include habitat encroachment, hunting, conflicts with humans, unregulated cattle grazing, excessive harvesting of non-timber forest products, fires, mining, and expanding infrastructure, b) According to Experts, India’s tiger reserves, in their present state, can be able to sustain populations of up to 4,000 only.

What more can be done?

-The government has to maintain the delicate balance between conservation efforts and ensuring the right to livelihood and dignified living of forest-dwelling communities.

-The cheetah, the leopard, the lion and the tiger can co-exist in India only with the right incentives in place for all stakeholders.

Prelims-Oriented Articles (Factly)

Draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ issued for Stakeholder Consultation

Source: The post is based on the article “Draft ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’ issued for Stakeholder Consultation” published in PIB on 10th April 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways(MoPSW) issued a draft on ‘Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy’. 

What is the Draft Sagarmala Innovation and Start-up Policy?

Aim: To nurture start-ups and other entities to co-create the future of India’s growing maritime sector. 

Identified areas: The policy identified several key areas for the startups to flourish which include: decarbonisation, optimizing processes through data, maritime education, multi-modal transportation, manufacturing, alternate/advanced materials, maritime cybersecurity, smart communication and marine electronics.

Key Features of the Policy:

Digital Portal-based selection of startups ensuring a transparent process.

Grants to create a minimum viable product/ services (MVP), commercialization of proprietary technology including market entry or scaling up.

Creation of ‘Launch pads’ at Ports for carrying out trials, facilitating pilot projects, establishing working space and adopting products and solutions.

Annual Start-up Awards in the maritime sector recognizing distinguished efforts of innovation.

Provide legal and accountancy backup to start-ups for IP-patent filing, company registration, annual filings and closures.

What are Maritime Innovation Hubs(MIH)?

The promotion of startups will be through the Maritime Innovation Hubs(MIH). It shall perform the following functions:

–  Serve as the hub of the startup ecosystem for national and international collaboration

– Develop a central database for all pertinent information to assist emerging entrepreneurs in the maritime industry.

– Attract investment for eligible start-up businesses and innovative maritime technology

– Entrepreneur development through ‘know-how’ sessions about the various aspects of the maritime industry.

What is the Sagarmala Initiative?

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Centre told to frame policy for menstrual hygiene in schools

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre told to frame policy for menstrual hygiene in schools” published in The Hindu on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) and formulate a national model to be adopted by all the states and Union territories for managing menstrual hygiene for school-going girls. 

Why is there inadequate Menstrual Hygiene?

Inadequate menstrual hygiene management is partly a manifestation of cultural myths and discriminatory traditions which consider this natural phenomenon a taboo. 

Many girls and women continue to be socially ostracized during their periods; their mobility is restricted, and they are considered impure.

The main reasons for this taboo still being relevant in Indian society are the high rate of illiteracy especially in girls, poverty and lack of awareness about menstrual health and hygiene.

According to the recently released fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), the use of unhygienic menstrual methods of protection among women (age 15-24 years) is almost three times that of their urban counterparts. 

– Women in the same age group with no schooling are almost six times more likely to use an unhygienic method. And those from the poorest wealth quintile are ten times more likely to use an unhygienic method.

What are the impacts of Inadequate Menstrual Hygiene?

Impact on Health: The unsanitary use of menstrual products increases the susceptibility of young girls and women to fungal, urinary, and reproductive-tract infections, impacting their overall health and well-being. 

Impact on education: Around 23 million girls in India drop out of school every year due to a lack of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) facilities which include access to sanitary napkins, awareness of menstruation and access to clean toilets with running water and disposal facilities.

What are the steps that should be taken to promote menstrual hygiene?

Building clean toilets with uninterrupted water supply in rural schools.

Ensuring availability and accessibility of sanitary napkins.

Imposing mandatory menstrual health classes for both boys and girls can create an enabling environment for girls and prevent them from potentially dropping out of school.

Movies creating social awareness about such social issues can play an instrumental role in bringing behavioural change in society. The film Pad Man played a pivotal role in spurring conversations around periods and positioning sanitary pads as the saviour.

The government must promote small-scale sanitary pad manufacturing units to make low-cost pads more easily available, it will also help in generating income for women.

President marks 30 years of Project Elephant at Kaziranga

Source: The post is based on the article “President marks 30 years of Project Elephant at Kaziranga” published in The Hindu on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

The President of India took part in Gaj Utsav at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark 30 years of Project Elephant.

What is Project Elephant?

Project Elephant was launched in 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

Objectives: 

– Conservation and protection of the viable populations of wild elephants in their natural habitats in the country; 

– The restoration of natural habitats and traditional corridors/migratory routes or movement paths used by the elephants, wherever necessary, through eco-restoration, acquisition etc; 

– Ensuring safeguards against poaching and other threats; 

– Mitigation and control of human-elephant conflicts; 

– Welfare and management of captive elephants; and 

– Creating a viable mechanism to ensure inter-state and regional and national level coordination in protecting and conserving the elephant and its ranges.

About Elephant Population in India

As per the 2017 census, the current population estimates for Asian elephants in India are about 30,000.  

Asian elephants are confined to South Asia and South East Asia and about 60% of the global population of Asian elephants is found in India.  

In India, elephants were declared as a National Heritage Animal in the year 2010.

IUCN Red List: Asian elephants are listed as “Endangered“. This has been done as most of the range states except India, have lost their viable elephant populations due to loss of habitats & poaching etc.

Indian Elephant has also been listed in Appendix I of the Convention of the Migratory Species in the Conference of Parties of CMS 13 at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat in February 2020.

Copernicus programme: Month of climate contradictions: Contrasts noted worldwide in March 2023, finds Copernicus

Source: The post is based on the article “Month of climate contradictions: Contrasts noted worldwide in March 2023, finds Copernicus” published in Down To Earth on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), March 2023 saw variations on several meteorological fronts. Copernicus programme found that the world had the second joint warmest March on record and Antarctic sea ice was the second lowest on record.

What is the Copernicus programme?

Copernicus is the most ambitious Earth observation programme to date. 

Purpose: It provides accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security.

Launched by: This initiative is headed by the European Commission (EC) in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The services provided by Copernicus fall into 6 categories: Land management, the marine environment, the atmosphere, emergency response, security and climate change.

Satellites: Copernicus is served by a set of dedicated satellites (the Sentinel families) and contributing missions (existing commercial and public satellites). 

– The Sentinel satellites are specifically designed to meet the needs of the Copernicus services and their users. 

– Since the launch of Sentinel-1A in 2014, the European Union set in motion a process to place a constellation of almost 20 more satellites in orbit before 2030.

How have recent weather events affected the wheat crop?

Source: The post is based on the article “How have recent weather events affected the wheat crop?” published in The Hindu on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

The unusual rise in heat in February this year followed by an untimely spell of widespread rain during the month of March in parts of the country’s key grain-producing States have left wheat-growing farmers worried.

About Wheat Cultivation in India

Wheat cultivation in India has traditionally been dominated by the northern region of India.

India produces around 107.59 Million MT of wheat annually with a major chunk of it going towards domestic consumption. 

Major wheat-growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.

India is the second largest producer of wheat with a share of around 14.14% of world total production in 2020.

India accounts for even less than one per cent of world wheat export. However, its share has increased from 0.14% in 2016 to 0.54% in 2020.

Will the rain affect wheat yields?

Wheat is sensitive to both heat stress and rain/ thunderstorms during the terminal grain filling and ripening period. This is the time when the crop’s earheads are heavy with grains. 

The more weight accumulated from grain-filling, the more vulnerable is the crop to rain. These, when accompanied by high-velocity winds, make the stems prone to “lodging” or bending and even falling flat on the ground.

What are agri experts saying on this?

If the country’s wheat production drops below the government estimate it could lead to a hike in prices of wheat and wheat-based products in the domestic market. Any decline in wheat production can also lead to a potential foodgrain security issue.

How short-beaked echidnas beat the heat

Source: The post is based on the article “How short-beaked echidnas beat the heat” published in The Hindu on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

Short-beaked echidnas living in the Dryandra Woodland in Western Australia use a unique method to beat the searing heat during the summer.

What are Short-beaked echidnas?

Short-beaked echidna is one of four living species of echidna. It is covered in fur and spines and has a distinctive snout and a specialized tongue, which it uses to catch its insect prey (ant and termite) at a great speed.

It has extremely strong front limbs and claws, which allow it to burrow quickly with great power. As it needs to be able to survive underground, it has a significant tolerance to high levels of carbon dioxide and low levels of oxygen.

What is the unique method used by Short-beaked echidnas to bear the soaring heat?

Researchers found that blowing snot bubbles can help the Short-beaked echidnas cool down. 

Their nose has about 100 mucous-secreting glands. When an animal blows mucus balloons that burst over its nose, evaporation cools the blood vessels inside the snout. Circulating this blood through the body brings down the body temperature.

What are the mechanisms used by other animals to stay cool?

1) Dog pants(breathe quickly) to cool off, 2) Kangaroos lick their arms so that the evaporating saliva cools the underlying blood vessels and 3) Vultures squirt watery poop on their naked legs.

A greener way to die: How human composting is growing as an alternative to burial or cremation

Source: The post is based on the article “A greener way to die: How human composting is growing as an alternative to burial or cremation” published in Indian Express on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

New York has become the sixth state in the US to legalize human composting as a burial option.

What is Human composting?

Human composting is also known as natural organic reduction. It is essentially the process of transforming the human body into nutrient-rich soil.

The rationale behind Human Composting: With the global temperature soaring, methods like burials and cremations are increasingly being seen as contributors to carbon emissions.

– A CNN report said cremating one body emits an estimated 190 kg of carbon dioxide into the air, which is the equivalent of driving 756 km in a car.

Process of Human Compositing: A body is put in a closed vessel along with selected materials such as wood chips, alfalfa and straw grass, and gradually breaks down under the action of microbes. – After a period of around a month – and a heating process to kill off any contagion – loved ones are given the resulting soil. This can be used in planting flowers, vegetables or trees.

Opposition to Human Composting: The Catholic Church has been the biggest opponent of the process, calling it an “unfortunate spiritual, emotional, and psychological distancing from the deceased.” It argued that human bodies should not be treated like “household waste”.

Raccoon Stealer: Eight govt entities hit by info-stealing malware

Source: The post is based on the article “Eight govt entities hit by info-stealing malware” published in Indian Express on 8th April 2023

What is the News?

The National Technical Research Organisation(NTRO), a specialized intelligence agency, has informed that eight government entities were targeted by the Raccoon Stealer malware.

What is a Raccoon Stealer?

Raccoon Stealer is a kind of malware that steals various data from an infected computer.

The malware is usually delivered through email and is available as Malware-as-a-service (MaaS).

What is Malware-as-a-Service(MaaS)?

Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) is the term used to describe the unlawful leasing of software and hardware for the purpose of conducting cyber-attacks. This service is available for purchase on the Dark Web by hackers. It is often used by cybercriminals to launch attacks against individuals or organizations.

What is the National Technical Research Organisation(NTRO)?

National Technical Research Organisation(NTRO) was established in 2004. It was set up after the 1999 Kargil conflict.

It is a technical intelligence agency under the National Security Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office. 

It has the same “norms of conduct” as the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing.

Organizations under NTRO:

​​The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre has been created to monitor, intercept and assess threats to critical infrastructure and other vital installations from intelligence gathered using sensors and platforms which include satellites, drones etc.

It also has the National Institute of Cryptology Research and Development (NICRD), which is the first of its kind in Asia.