Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• India as most populous can be more boon than bane

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

India as most populous can be more boon than bane

News– India is projected to be the most populous country by mid-2023 by superseding China.

United Nation reports suggest that India will have a population of 142.86 crore by mid-2023. It is 2.9 million higher than China’s population of 142.57 crore.

What is the right perspective to look at the population of any country?

Population in itself is not a burden. The nature of population growth, size and its composition decide when a population becomes a “resource” or a “burden”. Population is a resource as long as the country’s carrying capacity is intact.

Carrying capacity is not just per capita availability of natural resources. It is a dynamic concept which changes according to changing technology, the efficiency of production and consumption systems of a country.

There is a need to look at the age composition of the population. It tells us about available support ratios in the form of the number of the working age population (15-64 years) against the dependent population.

What are the key mechanisms to translate a demographic bonus into economic dividend?

Employment or job creation is an important mechanism to translate demographic bonus to economic dividend.

Education, skills generation and healthy lifespan are important to translate demographic opportunity into economic gains. A skilled and healthy workforce is critical not only for better productivity of an economy. It also reduces excessive public spending and helps in greater capital creation.

Good governance is another important aspect for reaping demographic dividends. It helps in creating a healthy environment for increasing efficiency and productivity of the population.

What are the trends of population growth, size and composition?

India had a total fertility rate of 2.0 in 2023. It is already at replacement level fertility. The population is on a path toward stabilization.

It is in decelerated mode until 2064, when it will become negative growth. The peak of India’s population size will be around 169.6 crore in 2063.

There are greater prospects for demographic dividend than a disaster in India. It has 68% of the working age population in 2023. The country continues to have a demographic window of opportunity for the next 35 years to reap an economic dividend.

How is demographic dividend helpful for India?

A relatively younger population of India provides higher support ratios. There is lesser disease, disability and caring burden.

India’s opportunity must be looked at in comparison to the population decline and ageing across some countries that include Japan, China, the United States and other major economies. Most of them have been implementing policies to improve birth rates. However, these actions are largely ineffective.

India has the potential to become a worldwide market for both production and consumption, with lower manufacturing costs due to a relatively cheaper workforce.

Available demographic opportunity has the potential to boost per capita GDP by an additional 43% by 2061.

A total fertility rate of less than 1.8 may not be economically beneficial for India. Therefore, drastic population control methods can induce forced population ageing. It would result in the nation “getting old before getting rich”.

GS Paper 2

Our land records modernization initiative has a major gap to plug

News: The article discusses the steps taken by the government for digitizing land records and lacunae that still exist.

What steps have been taken by the government for digitizing land records?

Read Here: Bhu-Aadhaar or ULPIN will digitise land records for efficient land usage — but incrementally

However, the concern lies with the process of document registration of land.

What are the concerns with the process of document registration of land?

The process of document registration of land has not yet been digitized and it relies on the outdated physical mode of registration.

In India, most property documents must compulsorily be registered under the colonial Registration Act, 1908, failing which they cannot be admitted in court (in case of a dispute) as evidence.

Most states still require participants to present physically at the sub-registrar’s office to produce physical copies of papers and fulfil the offline criteria to acquire physical registration certificates

As a result, registering documents at the sub-registrar’s office is a time-consuming process, taking two days or more just for submitting the paperwork.

What can be done to bring changes in the document registration process?

The physical registration slows down the entire registration procedure. Hence, there is a need to modernize the registration process to facilitate the ease of doing business and of living by leveraging technological advancements.

Some state governments have started amendment of specific provisions of the Registration Act to introduce some form of an electronic registration process. However, there is no uniform approach across the country.

Hence, the following amendments should be done in the Registration Act, 1908 – a) allow online submission of documents and remote online appearance of parties and witnesses, b) provision for the electronic verification of parties, c) allowing online exchanges of queries between parties and the registrar, d) allowing registrars to issue electronic registration certificates and maintain a digital backup of such records.

The amendments must establish minimum standards for remote online registration to ensure that registration throughout India is undertaken in a safe and secure manner.

This would facilitate the creation of an integrated land registry for the country.

Moreover, these amendments should be supported by further legal initiatives, such as remote notarization and clarity on electronic instrument stamping.

Given the digital gap in India, the government should also create a transition strategy of moving from physical to online registration.

What can be the way ahead?

Document registration is a basic legal requirement. Modernising this procedure will be a significant step towards the realisation of Digital India’s Vision of presence-less, paper-less services.

When Law Creates Crimes – on Use of Section 144

News: Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in parts of Bihar and West Bengal amidst violence erupting during Ram Navami processions.

What is Section 144 of the CrPC?

Click Here to Read

What are some of the findings on imposing Section 144 in Delhi?

As per the RTI response, 6,100 orders were passed under Section 144 by Delhi police during the one-year period.

This large number of orders suggests that Delhi police used Section 144 as a tool in general situations as well, instead of using it just as an emergency instrument.

As per the findings, 25% of the 5,400 orders were issued to various private establishments to install CCTV cameras for surveillance purposes, such as ATMs and banks, owners of girls’ schools/PGs/hostels, etc.

Further, 43% of the Section 144 orders were issued to regulate a variety of businesses and services including recording and registering of documents.

These orders mandated landlords/property owners/ factory owners to furnish details regarding tenants/ laborer/servants before providing them with accommodation.

Moreover, 1.5% of the orders focused on imposing a blanket restriction on unlawful assembly.

Some of the orders issued under Section 144 even regulated activities such as the use of “special manjhas” while flying kites, bursting crackers, while other orders prohibited the consumption of tobacco in hookah bars, etc.

What are some of the issues associated with the findings?

First, these orders treated the entire class of the population as potential criminals, who require constant monitoring and surveillance. As a result, everyday situations were brought under the purview of the state.

Second, Section 144 has been used to create a parallel surveillance network, with no legal accountability and zero oversight.

Third, a large number of these orders were issued again after the expiry of the two-month period, leading to a cyclical state of Section 144.

The Supreme Court has passed a series of judgments emphasizing that the use of Section 144 should be restricted and time limited. However, this does not seem to be the reality on the ground, especially in Delhi.

Hence, it is time for a change and a need to rethink the place of Section 144, CrPC in our democratic polity.

A new troika for India’s northeast region

News– Recently, the third India-Japan Intellectual Dialogue was hosted by the Asian Confluence (ASCON), in Agartala. It showed that the current decade may produce path-breaking changes in the northeast, bringing the troika of Bangladesh, India and Japan closer.

What is the current scenario of the northeastern region?

The region comprising India’s eight northeastern States is undergoing dramatic change. It has overcome several security challenges. It is now heading toward economic development. Political changes have been helpful.

There is extensive web of linkages with neighbouring Bangladesh. Japan has emerged as a significant development partner for both India and Bangladesh.

What are some facts about Matarbari Deep Sea Port?

It is an important project on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. It is being constructed with Japanese assistance and is scheduled to be operational in 2027.

A recent ASCON study envisages this port to be “a game changer”.

The long-term vision is for Bangladesh and the northeast to become a hub and key industrial corridor of this region.

What are the steps needed for the development of the northeastern region?

Increased connectivity of roads and railways is important. But it is not enough without the creation of regional industrial value chains. Hence, rapid industrialisation in the sectors where the northeast enjoys competitive advantage assumes significance.

Roads and ports must be accompanied by job opportunities. It can come only from new industrial enterprises.

The northeast is blessed with vast natural resources. Its strategic location is an asset. There is a need to create value chains and manufacture products across diverse sectors. These include agro-processing, man-made fibers, handicrafts, assembly of two-wheelers, mobile phones, and pharmaceuticals.

What is the way forward for regional cooperation in the northeast region?

Japan as a single investor in the northeast is unworkable. Indian companies too must invest. India must ease restrictions on the flow of investments from Bangladesh. The three governments should have closer economic cooperation.

India needs to facilitate the better connectivity of Bangladesh with other neighbours. India can assist Bangladesh in becoming an integral part of the Act East Policy by doing so.

When issues of regional cooperation and integration are discussed, BIMSTEC is neglected. This must change. The group must progress towards its vision of establishing the Bay of Bengal Community.

Second, the goal of connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia requires strong efforts. This leadership can come from the triad of Bangladesh, India and Japan (BIJ). A BIJ Forum should be launched first at the level of Foreign Ministers.

Behind the ‘Russia tilt’ – Unpacking India’s ‘national interest’, more than a year after the invasion

News: More than a year has passed since the armies of the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the past year, Russian ministers regularly interacted with India and vice versa. But similar interactions with Ukraine are rare.

How have India – Russia relations been shaped in the recent past?

-India needs the Russians for oil, weapons and for their Security Council vote. Russia has increased its share of crude oil imports into India.

Note: A large proportion of this oil, after all, is being processed and then re-exported.

What are the concerns associated with India-Russia ties in recent times?

Sustainability of India’s energy purchase from Russia: The People’s Republic of China is building up the infrastructure required to increase its use of Russian fossil fuels. Once it is done, it can hurt India’s heavy reliance on Russian supplies, especially in a crisis.

India’s excess reliance on Russian Weaponry: According to experts, the current stock of Indian weapons platforms that are of Russian origin is over 80%. The major concerns of this are, a) India’s military procurements might be threatened if Russia decided to replenish their domestic arsenal due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, b) Experts questions the actual quality of Russian weaponry as their performance in the Ukraine war is not up to the expected level.

Russia’s support in the Security Council: The closer Russia gets to China the less reliable a vote it will be in security council.

Despite these concerns, Russia can and will be central to India’s military preparedness in the decades to come.

What are the challenges in maintaining India’s ‘national interest’ at present?

Issues in maintaining Non-alignment: Non-alignment worked during the Cold War because India was not a direct target of either Russia or The US. But, in a 21st-century Cold War might happen between The US and China. China is seen as a strategic rival by India, so it is harder to stay non-aligned.

Limited Western help to India: The West can and will do only a little for India in a moment of crisis. For instance, the Western countries did not collaborate well with India when Indian soldiers died on the Chinese border a few years ago.

NCERT Textbook team members write: Curriculum has been rationalised for the times

News: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made 1,334 changes in 182 books to its syllabus for various classes.

About the present revision of NCERT textbooks

NCERT rationalisation exercise took place in 2020-2021. The NCERT took feedback from teachers from KVS and other schools and CBSE practitioners on the rationalised content across subject areas.

The details were made public for the benefit of schools in 2022-23. Schools accepted these changes and modified their curricula and assessment policies. After the books were released in the market for the year 2023-24.

What are the recent changes in the NCERT syllabus? 

What is the rationale behind the changes in NCERT textbooks?

Addressing the learning gaps created during the Covid pandemic: Various experts and committees, including the Parliament Standing Committee, have revealed that learning gaps have developed among students. Hence, to compensate for time loss and facilitate the speedy recovery in students’ learning curves a revision of NCERT textbooks is necessary.

What are the criteria used by NCERT for the recent revision of textbooks?

a) Removing the overlapping of content amongst different subjects in the same class, b) Removing similar content in the lower or higher class in the same subject, c) Enable content that is easily accessible to children and does not require much intervention from the teachers can be learned through self-learning or peer learning, d) Removing content that is not relevant in the present context and e) Reducing difficulty levels.

What is the response of the NCERT expert team to various media debates?

Allegations about deleting the Mughal period are wrong: Whatever is removed or rationalised has been included – either in the same subject in different classes or in a different subject in the same class. For example, the Class XII History textbook, “Themes in Indian History Part-II”, has another theme on the Mughals, ‘Peasant, Zamindars and the State, Agrarian Society and the Mughal Empire (16th and 17th centuries)’. This chapter covers important facets related to the society and economy of the medieval period. Similarly, the Class XI textbook, “Themes in World History” book refers to Babur, Akbar, and the construction of the Taj Mahal as well.

Changes are not politically motivated: The mention of Nathuram Godse’s caste in the Class XII History textbook was deemed inappropriate by the expert committee. The section “Controversies regarding Emergency” was also dropped.

The committee considered the developments related to the imposition of the Emergency, retained in the reprinted version, sufficient to give students the basic knowledge about the crisis of democratic order and abuse of power.

What are the areas missed in the recent revision of NCERT textbooks?

The Industrial Revolution is a key historical development, but it is not mentioned comprehensively. Similarly, today’s climate crisis is also not mentioned exhaustively.

GS Paper 3

Is the supremacy of the U.S. dollar under threat?

News- The topic of dedollarisation seems to be in discourse. Dedollarisation refers to the deposing of the U.S. dollar from the reserve currency status it enjoys globally.

What are the arguments given in support of dedollarisation?

The U.S. dollar has depreciated against most major currencies. It has declined by more than 10% in the past six months against the euro. Also, the price of gold has increased in the past six months despite the fact that the Federal Reserve raised interest rates relentlessly.

Russia and China are buying large amounts of gold. It has been cited as the reason for the increase in its price. The sanctions levied by the U.S. and its allies against Russia are responsible for it.

Countries would prefer to distance themselves from a currency weaponized by the government to serve a geopolitical agenda.

What are the arguments against dedollarisation?

The dollar depreciation against the euro and other currencies was preceded by a significant appreciation in the dollar during recent interest rate increases.

The Federal Reserve considered a pause after the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank. The depreciation in the dollar can be linked to the temporary financial instability and the slowing down of interest rate hikes.

The sanctions levied by the U.S. against Russia are not unprecedented. The U.S. has a history of imposing sanctions on countries. Therefore, it is not logical to assume that the current sanctions against Russia would cause dedollarisation.

Why does the dollar still enjoy the status of reserve currency?

Chinese policies– The argument of the dollar being dumped in favour of the Chinese yuan is cited due to rise in Chinese lending and China’s dominant export sector. Countries borrowing from China are beholden to them. Example is Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, China does not allow the yuan to float freely against other currencies. It is said to engage in exchange-rate manipulation by routinely devaluing its currency.

China has controlled capital flows and does not allow its citizens and firms to leave the country freely. Chinese authorities banned Bitcoin because citizens dumped the yuan in favour of the cryptocurrency.

China’s export dominance stems from its significant labour capital. However, China’s population growth is declining. Thus, China does not currently pose a strong challenge to the U.S. dollar’s dominance.

Openness of the US economy– The United States enjoys unparalleled investor confidence because it is seen as an open society and democracy.

The open market is an attractive haven for investors across the world who prefer liquidity, minimal capital control and minimal political influence.

A real contender for world reserve currency would have to be an open society comprising democratic values.

An autocratic government with strict capital controls, opaque foreign exchange policies and restrictions on conducting business cannot overthrow the U.S. dollar.

India has a crucial role in setting international statistical standards

News– Recently, India was elected to the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) after a gap of two decades. The membership is for a term of four years, beginning from January 2024.

What are some facts about the United Nations Statistical Commission?

The UNSC was established in 1947. It is the highest body of the global statistical system. It brings together the chief statisticians of member states from around the world.

It is the highest decision making body for international statistical activities. It is responsible for setting statistical standards and the development of concepts and methods. It also includes their implementation at the national and international level.

They also enable comparability across countries through various indicators such as Gross

Domestic Product, Gross Value Addition, employment-unemployment statistics, price statistics, health accounts, tourism accounts, environment accounts.

What are the contributions of India to the United Nations Statistical Commission?

Two prominent statisticians from India have chaired the Commission. The first Indian to hold its chair was P.C. Mahalanobis. He was followed by V.R Rao who chaired the 19th session in 1976.

Mahalanobis made path-breaking contributions to the UNSC during its formative years. He created a sub-commission on statistical sampling. It paved the way for the application of sample surveys in various fields of official statistics.

Rao strengthened the statistical organisations of many developing countries, especially for carrying out household sample surveys. He chaired the only session of the UNSC held outside a UN duty station at New Delhi in1976.

Which issues related to the accounting system need the consideration of the United Nations Statistical Commission?

One of the most important items on the agenda will be the finalization and implementation of the System of National Accounts (SNA) 2025.

SNA refers to the framework adopted by UN member countries for the formulation of national accounts. It is the basis for estimation of GDP, GVA and other macroeconomic aggregates.

The current estimates of National Income are based on SNA 2008, with 2011-12 as base year.

Emerging economies like India are in a disadvantageous position because of non-measurement of certain economic activities, like unpaid work by women.

The women’s labour participation rate in India is just about 20%, compared to about 70% in the US, UK and other developed countries.

A majority of women are engaged in economic activities, such as family labour in agriculture. This remains unaccounted for.

With the internet and rapid digitalization, the basic structure of production, consumption and expenditure has changed since the SNA 2008. This has changed the production, consumption and expenditure patterns.

Digitalization has resulted in a shift from physical to online transactions. It has given rise to new types of economic activities that are beyond the old SNA framework.

Digital intermediary platforms have emerged. The Gig economy has independent service providers who source their work from these platforms, such as bicycle couriers, and cab drivers. Currently, their value addition remains outside the system’s accounting ambit.

Similarly, there are a few products and services which are beyond SNA 2008, like data and digital services provided by enterprises.

There are other important issues relating to the measurement of our well-being and the impact of climate change. There is a need to incorporate these economic activities into the revised SNA of 2025.

Quantum leap – New mission can lead to benefits across sectors

News: The government’s recent announcement for National Quantum Mission (NQM) for 2023-24 through 2030-31 is a fillip to R&D in quantum tech.

About National Quantum Mission

What is quantum computing, and what are its applications?

Its various applications include,

-In theory, a quantum computer could deliver accurate meteorological projections, perform seismic data analysis, analyse protein folding, etc.

-Quantum computers could potentially break most current encryption, by quickly solving the mathematical problems on which modern cryptography is based.

-Quantum technology can lead to benefits across fields as diverse as communications, health, financial sector, energy management, drug design, as well as aerospace and military applications.

What is the significance of quantum entanglement?

What are the various characteristics of Quantum computers?

-Quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits. A conventional bit is based on an electrical current being switched on or off, which enables binary calculations. A qubit can be both on and off at the same time. This allows a quantum computer to perform far more calculations with far fewer qubits.

-Special materials and rare helium isotopes are used to manage cooling and shielding, quite apart from specialised semiconductors allowing for quantum logic gates.

-Quantum applications in the related fields of communications and cryptography depend on another quantum property — “Quantum entanglement”.

-Cryptographically secure communications can be generated by separating two entangled particles. Moreover, by sharing entangled particles as keys, communications become unbreakable.

What are the concerns associated with quantum computing?

a) Quantum computers are prone to far higher levels of error, b) Superpositions (where a qubit is both on and off) can collapse quickly, c) The software programming is different, and requires excellent error control and management, d) Researchers have found it hard to maintain physically stable configurations, e) Quantum computers require huge installations which must be housed in super-cold, seismically stable places since even passing trucks can cause errors through imperceptible tremors and f) Developing quantum technologies need extensive research into the design and synthesis of superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and materials with complex topological structures as well as new software.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India up 6 places on WB’s logistics index

Source: The post is based on the article “India up 6 places on WB’s logistics index” published in TOI on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

The World Bank has released the Logistics Performance Index 2023.

What is the Logistics Performance Index(LPI)?

Released by: World Bank

Purpose: It is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.

The index measures the ease of establishing reliable supply chain connections and structural factors that make it possible, such as the quality of logistics services, trade and transport-related infrastructure, as well as border controls.

LPI 2023 allows for comparisons across 139 countries.It measures for the first time the speed of trade with indicators derived from big datasets tracking shipments.

What are the key findings of LPI 2023?

Singapore and Finland are the most efficient and highest-ranked LPI countries as per the 2023 LPI.

India: India is ranked 38 out of 139 countries, climbing six places from the previous index. This achievement is credited to India’s investments in soft and hard infrastructure, along with technology.

What are the initiatives taken by India that helped in improving its ranking?

In 2021, the Government of India launched the PM Gati Shakti initiative, a national master plan for multimodal connectivity, aimed at lowering logistics costs and stimulating the economy by 2024-25.

Subsequently, the National Logistics Policy (NLP) was introduced in 2022 to solve transport issues, optimize manufacturing efficiency, and speed up last-mile delivery in the logistics sector.

India implemented a supply chain visibility platform under a public-private partnership, leading to significantly reduced delays.

NICDC Logistics Data Services provides RFID (radio frequency) tagging on containers. This enables end-to-end tracking for supply chain consignees.

From May to October 2022, India and Singapore had an average dwell time of three days for containers — better than some developed countries. The United States had a seven-day dwell time, while Germany’s was 10.

– Dwell time refers to the amount of time a ship or cargo spends at a port or terminal before being loaded or unloaded onto a vessel. Any delays in a port can disrupt shipping schedules, affecting the entire service.

What is LockBit ransomware and how is it specifically targeting Apple computers?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is LockBit ransomware and how is it specifically targeting Apple computers?” published in The Hindu on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

Reports have emerged that LockBit ransomware was found to be targeting Mac devices.

What is LockBit ransomware?

LockBit ransomware was first reported in 2019. It has been dubbed as the “abcd” virus due to the file extension used when encrypting victims’ files.

It is designed to infiltrate victims’ systems and encrypt important files. The virus is categorized as a “crypto virus” due to its requests for payment in cryptocurrency to decrypt files on the victim’s device. 

The ransomware is therefore typically deployed against victims who feel hindered enough by the disruption to pay heavy sums in exchange for access to the files and can afford to do so.

How does LockBit ransomware work?

It works as a self-spreading malware, not requiring additional instructions once it has successfully infiltrated a single device with access to an organizational intranet.

It is also known to hide executable encryption files by disguising them in the .png format, thereby avoiding detection by system defences.

Attackers use phishing tactics and other social engineering methods to impersonate trusted personnel or authorities to lure victims into sharing credentials.

Once it has gained access, the ransomware prepares the system to release its encryption payload across as many devices as possible.

It then disables security programs and other infrastructures that could permit system data recovery. The goal is to ensure that data recovery without assistance from the LockBit gang is impossible.

After this, they leave behind a ransom note, with instructions to restore the system, and has reportedly also included threatening blackmail messages.

Victims are then left with no choice but to contact the LockBit gang and pay up for the data, which the gang may sell on the dark web — whether the ransom is paid or not.

How one can protect systems against LockBit ransomware?

Organizations and individuals can take certain steps to increase resilience against such cyber threats such as:

– Use of strong passwords, with strong variations of special characters which are not easy to guess along with multi-factor authentication should be implemented.

– Undertake training exercises to educate employees on the use of phishing attacks and their identification. 

– Old and unused user accounts should be deactivated and closed as they can become weak links in the security apparatus. 

– Organizations should have an understanding of cybersecurity threats and vulnerable points that may be exploited by cybercriminals.

MiCA regulations – The EU’s new crypto-legislation

Source: The post is based on the article “The EU’s new crypto-legislation” published in The Hindu on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

The European Parliament has approved the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations. These are the world’s first set of comprehensive rules to bring largely unregulated cryptocurrency markets under the ambit of regulation by government authorities. 

What is the purpose of MiCA regulations?

MiCA aims to protect investors and ensure financial stability while allowing innovation and fostering the attractiveness of the crypto-asset sector.

The regulations will not only apply to traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum but also to newer ones like stablecoins.

However, it will not regulate digital assets that would qualify as transferable securities and function like shares or their equivalent and other crypto assets that already qualify as financial instruments under existing regulation. It will also exclude non fungible tokens (NFTs).

What are the key provisions of MiCA regulations?

The regulations will impose a number of requirements on crypto platforms, token issuers and traders around transparency, disclosure, authorization, and supervision of transactions, 

The rules require every crypto asset service provider (CASPs) to get incorporated as a legal entity in the EU. They can get authorized in any one member country and will be allowed to conduct their services across the 27 countries. 

They will then be supervised by regulators like the European Banking Authority and European Securities and Markets Authority, who will ensure that the companies have the required risk management and corporate governance practices in place.

The rules also address environmental concerns surrounding crypto, with firms forced to disclose their energy consumption as well as the impact of digital assets on the environment.

What has been the reaction to MiCA regulations?

Leaders at some of the biggest cryptocurrency firms have taken exception to some aspects of MiCA, but the broad view is that it is better to have a regulatory framework than having no rules at all and attracting regulatory action on a case-by-case basis without clarity.

How is crypto regulated in India?

India is yet to have a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto assets. A draft legislation on the same is reportedly in the works.

A full-fledged regulation aside, the Indian government has taken certain steps to bring cryptocurrencies under the ambit of specific authorities and taxation.

In the Union Budget for 2022, the Finance Ministry said that cryptocurrency trading in India has seen a phenomenal increase and imposed a 30% tax on income from the transfer of any virtual digital asset.

In March 2023, the government placed all transactions involving virtual digital assets under the purview of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Govt working to clamp down on dubious ponzi schemes, says FM

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt working to clamp down on dubious ponzi schemes, says FM” published in The Hindu on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

The Finance Minister has said that the central government is taking steps to clamp down on Ponzi apps to protect investors’ hard-earned money.

What are Ponzi Schemes?

A Ponzi scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. 

Ponzi scheme organizers often promise to invest your money and generate high returns with little or no risk. 

But in many Ponzi schemes, the fraudsters do not invest the money. Instead, they use it to pay those who invested earlier and may keep some for themselves.

With little or no legitimate earnings, Ponzi schemes require a constant flow of new money to survive. When it becomes hard to recruit new investors, or when large numbers of existing investors cash out, these schemes tend to collapse.

Ponzi schemes are named after Charles Ponzi, who duped investors in the 1920s with a postage stamp speculation scheme.

In India, Ponzi schemes are banned under the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019.

Network of sensors to monitor groundwater quality

Source: The post is based on the article “Network of sensors to monitor groundwater quality” published in The Hindu on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is currently working on an ambitious plan to deploy a vast network of groundwater sensors that will continuously relay information on groundwater levels and the degree of contamination down to the taluk level.

What is the method deployed currently to measure groundwater?

The Central Groundwater Board(CGWB) currently relies on a network of about 26,000 groundwater observation wells that require technicians to manually measure the state of groundwater in a region.

This information has only been measured a handful of times a year.

What is the new method CGWB is planning to implement to measure groundwater?

Under the new initiative, around 16,000 to 17,000 digital water level recorders will be connected to piezometers in the wells. Piezometers measure groundwater levels, and the recorders will transmit the information digitally.

What is the significance of this method?

This method will help in measuring groundwater quality continuously and feed it into a centralized network such as that of the National Water Informatics Centre and make it available for monitoring.

This can potentially provide groundwater forecasts to farmers that would be useful for sowing. Moreover, updated advisories can influence groundwater extraction policies by States. 

What is the National Aquifer Mapping Programme(NAQUIM)?

Click Here to read

What is the Groundwater condition in India?

According to the Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2022, the total annual groundwater recharge in the country has been assessed as 437.60 billion cubic metres (BCM).

The average stage of groundwater extraction for the country as a whole works out to be about 60.08%.Anything above 70% is considered “critical”.

– Note: There are regions in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan with groundwater blocks with over 100% extraction.

Reports over the years suggest that 85% of rural India uses groundwater for drinking and domestic purposes.In cities with a population of over 10 lakh, about 40% have seen water levels in monitored wells either stay stable or drop.

Groundwater contamination is mostly “geogenic” (natural) and hasn’t significantly changed over the years. 

DRDO & Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor from Naval Platform

Source: The post is based on the article “DRDO & Indian Navy Conduct Successful Trial of BMD Interceptor from Naval Platform” published in PIB on 23rd April 2023

What is the News?

DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted a maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile off the coast of Odisha.

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the trial was to engage and neutralize a hostile ballistic missile threat thereby elevating India into the elite club of Nations having Naval Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability.

Prior to this, DRDO has successfully demonstrated land-based BMD system with the capability to neutralize ballistic missile threats, emerging from adversaries.

What is the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence(BMD) Program?

The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks.

India launched the BMD program after the Kargil war in 1999 to counter the enemy nation’s widening spectrum of ballistic missiles that usually delivered both conventional and nuclear warheads.

India’s BMD is two-tiered:

The first layer is the Prithvi Air Defence which can intercept and destroy missiles at exo-atmospheric altitudes of 50–180 kilometers. Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor is going to replace the Prithvi air defense.

– Note: Exo-atmospheric missiles are capable of completing missions in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

The second layer is the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception, which is designed to knock down hostile missiles in the endo-atmosphere at altitudes of 15-40 kilometres. Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) is part of AAD.

– Note: The endo-atmospheric missiles are the ones that operate within the earth’s atmosphere that covers an altitude below 100 KM.

Cases of aviation staff caught smuggling gold doubled in 2022-23

Source: The post is based on the article “Cases of aviation staff caught smuggling gold doubled in 2022-23” published in The Hindu on 23rd April 2023

What is the News?

The Department of Revenue Intelligence has released its data on gold smuggling cases in India.

About Gold Smuggling Cases in India

India is the largest importer of gold, which mainly caters to the demand of the jewellery industry.

India’s official gold imports fell around 24% to $35 billion in 2022-23 due to the government raising import duties on gold and the rupee turned weaker. 

But this has coincided with a sharp spike in authorities’ detection of gold smuggled into the country with nearly 4,000 kg of smuggled gold found in the first 11 months of 2022-23, the highest in four years. Over 63% of the smuggled gold was detected at airports.

In around 29 gold smuggling cases, airline cabin crew members or airport staffers were arrested. This is twice the average number of such cases detected in the previous three years, including the pre-COVID year of 2019-20.

First Ever Census on Water Bodies in India

Source: The post is based on the article “First Ever Census on Water Bodies in India” published in PIB on 24th April 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has released the report of the first census of water bodies.

What is the Census of water bodies?

Click Here to read

Note: The census was launched under the centrally sponsored scheme, “Irrigation Census” in convergence with the 6th Minor Irrigation Census in order to have a comprehensive national database of all water bodies. 

What are the other key findings of the first-ever Census of water bodies?

Use of water bodies: A major proportion of water bodies i.e 83.7% are in use whereas the remaining 16.3% are not in use on account of drying up, construction, siltation, destruction beyond repair, salinity and other reasons.

– Most of the water bodies are used in pisciculture, followed by irrigation, groundwater recharge and domestic/drinking purposes.

– Top five States wherein major use of water bodies is in pisciculture are West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh;

– Top five States, wherein the major use of water bodies is in irrigation, are Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Gujarat.

Owned by: 55.2% of water bodies are owned by private entities whereas 44.8% of water bodies are in the domain of public ownership. 

Natural vs manmade: 78% of enumerated water bodies are man-made whereas the remaining 22% are natural water bodies.

Located in: Among all water bodies, 9.6% are located in Tribal areas, 8.8% in Flood prone areas,7.2 % under Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), 2.0 % in Naxal affected areas, 0.7% under Desert Development Programme(DDP) and remaining 71.7% water bodies are located in other areas.

How AI can help the environment

Source: The post is based on the article “How AI can help the environment” published in Indian Express on 22nd April 2023

What is the News?

Artificial Intelligence(AI) has been touted as a powerful tool to help tackle environmental challenges such as climate change.

What are the ways in which AI can help the environment?

Saving trees with AI: Deforestation and land use changes cause more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

– A Non-profit organization’s “Guardian” devices attach acoustic monitoring sensors to trees to detect sounds associated with illegal logging.

Shrinking the carbon footprint of steel: Materials such as steel and cement are important components in construction. But they’re also heavy CO2 emitters, making decarbonizing these industries a priority.

– Fero Labs’ AI-driven optimization software learns from historical data to recommend the minimum amount of mined ingredients or alloys required in steel production.

Cutting energy waste in buildings: In Hong Kong, energy use in buildings is responsible for about 60% of the city’s carbon emissions. 

– A Design firm has come up with an app called Neuron that uses 5G and Internet of Things sensors to gather real-time data from a building’s energy management system. 

– It then uses an algorithm to analyze this data and optimize the heating and cooling system, as well as make predictions for the building’s future energy demand.

Fighting poaching with algorithms: Poaching and habitat destruction caused rhino numbers to dwindle throughout the 20th century. 

– A South Africa-based company has developed AI-enabled bracelets that fit around rhinos’ ankles to help conservation teams easily locate the animals and monitor their behavior in real time.

Smart farming: A Germany-based startup has developed an AI system that draws on data from solar-powered sensors monitoring the microclimate around crops.

– This data can be used to make precise recommendations about plant health and exactly how much water and fertilizer to use. This can both boost yields and reduce wasted resources.

​​Using computers to plot clouds: Renewable energy is a crucial step in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Solar makes up a bigger share of this energy mix. But when clouds move over solar panels, the power supply can suddenly drop off. 

– To overcome this problem, a nonprofit organization has teamed up with the UK’s National Grid to use AI to provide a precise picture of how clouds develop — the goal being to reduce the reliance on fossil-powered reserves.