Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written
• That Wasn’t A Capital Idea – On Ministers dismissal by Governor
• Message from the NIRF rankings
• The case for a Uniform Civil Code

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written

Source- The post is based on the article “A new chapter in India-Africa ties can be written” published in the “The Hindu” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral and regional groupings

Relevance- India and Africa relationship

News- The 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.

What are some key takeaways from the report?

The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa- demographic, economic, political and social. These changes along with the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics will transform the continent.

It is slowly heading toward regional integration. It is devoted to democracy, peace and progress.

There is high competition in Africa among at least half a dozen countries such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union.

It is for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence.

China has an edge over others with a consistent and robust policy since 2000. It is Africa’s biggest economic partner. China has played the role of ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.

Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China.

India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill. But it is essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically. It should stay resilient by making the required changes, and should focus on its implementation.

What is the way forward for India and Africa relationship as suggested by the report?

Political and diplomatic cooperation– It should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit.

A new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023.

There is a need to forge consensus among G-20 members on the Africa’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal.

MEA should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy.

Defence and security cooperation– The government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa and expand dialogue on defence issues.

It should widen the footprint of maritime collaboration and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports.

More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counterterrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.

Economic and development cooperation– India-Africa trade touching $98 billion in FY22–23 is an encouraging development. This figure can go up if access to finance through the creation of an Africa Growth Fund is ensured.

A special package to improve project exports and build up cooperation in the shipping domain has been suggested. A special focus on promoting trilateral cooperation and deepening science and technology cooperation could pay rich dividends.

Socio-cultural cooperation– It should be increased through greater interaction between universities, think tanks, civil society and media organisations in India and select African countries.

Setting up a National Centre for African Studies will be the right step. Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and ICCR scholarships awarded to Africans should be named after famous African figures.

Visa measures for African students who come to India for higher education should be liberalised. They should also be given work visas for short periods.

The report suggests a special mechanism for implementing the ‘Roadmap 2030’. This can best be secured through close collaboration between the MEA and the National Security Council Secretariat.

That Wasn’t A Capital Idea – On Ministers dismissal by Governor

Source- The post is based on the article “The Governor’s move is dangerous, unconstitutional” and the article “A misadventure” published in “The Hindu” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Issues pertaining to federalism

Relevance– Governor role in federal matters

News- The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, has dismissed V. Senthilbalaji, a Minister in the Council of Ministers of Tamil Nadu on June 29, 2023. The Governor later backtracked on his decision late in the night.

After dismissal of the Minister, the Tamil Nadu Governor again wrote to the Chief Minister that he was holding the order in abeyance and was seeking the opinion of the Attorney General of India.

What are the issues involved in this matter?

Governor seeking ex post facto legal opinion reflects poorly on his decision-making prowess.

This unprecedented act of dismissing a Minister without the recommendation of the Chief Minister of the State, is going to set a dangerous precedent. It has the potential to destabilise State governments putting the federal system in jeopardy.

If Governors are allowed to exercise the power of dismissal of individual Ministers without the recommendation of the Chief Minister, the whole constitutional system will collapse.

What does the constitutional provision say about the Governor’s power to dismiss a Minister?

Under Article 164 of the Constitution, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor without any advice from anyone. But he appoints the individual Ministers only on the advice of the Chief Minister.

The Article implies that the Governor cannot appoint an individual Minister according to his discretion. So, logically, the Governor can dismiss a Minister only on the advice of the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister alone has the discretion to choose and dismiss his Ministers. This is a political decision of the Chief Minister, who is ultimately answerable to the people.

It is true that the pleasure doctrine has been brought into the Constitution of India from the Government of India Act, 1935. The pleasure of the Governor under the Constitution of India is not the same as that of the colonial Governor. Thus, the Governor during the colonial rule had absolute discretion to choose a Minister and dismiss him.

Government of India Act, 1935 confers on the Governor the discretion to choose as well as dismiss the Ministers. But when Article 164 of the Constitution was drafted, the words “chosen”, “dismissal” and “discretion” were omitted.

As per Article 164, the Ministers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor. But independent India has a constitutional system. The Governor is a mere constitutional head and can act only on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

B.R. Ambedkar had stated in the Constituent Assembly that there is no executive function which a Governor can perform independently under the Constitution. So, choosing a Minister and dismissing him are no longer within his discretion.

What is the stand of the judiciary regarding the position of the Governor in India’s Constitutional setup?

In Shamsher Singh and Anr vs State Of Punjab (1974), SC held that the President and Governor are custodians of all executive and other powers under various Articles.

They shall exercise their formal constitutional powers in accordance with the advice of their Ministers except in under few circumstances mentioned in the constitution.

Similarly, in Nabam Rebia vs Deputy Speaker, a Constitution Bench of five judges reaffirmed the law laid down in Shamsher Singh. It further held that the discretionary powers of the Governor are limited to the postulates of Article 163(1).

What should be the best course of action in such a scenario?

Any call to remove a Minister is an appeal to moral sense rather than a legal requirement. For the Governor to remove someone unilaterally is nothing but a constitutional misadventure.

It will be desirable if Ministers facing charges quit on their own, or they are removed by the respective Chief Ministers.

In the past, the framing of charges in the trial court has led to Ministers being removed, but it remains a moral high ground. It is not a mandatory feature of the constitutional system.

Message from the NIRF rankings

Source: The post is based on the article “Message from the NIRF rankings” published in “The Indian Express” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Education.

News: The Department of Higher Education released the India Rankings 2023, also known as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This year over 5,000 institutions were ranked and the top 100 institutions (in some cases up to 200) were declared in each category.

Why is there a debate surrounding NIRF rankings?

The NIRF rankings have generated considerable debate mainly about accuracy and reliability of data and the relevance of the data to the rankings.

But there has been a lack of discourse on the significance of these rankings for the Indian higher education ecosystem and the resulting policy implications.

What do the NIRF findings suggest regarding the status of higher education institutions?

The rankings highlight a disparity in the research and academic output across Indian higher education institutions. A small number of top-ranked higher education institutions (HEIs) produce a significant proportion (between 60 percent and 70 percent) of highly cited publications (HCPs).

The surveyed institutions represent only a fraction of the Indian HEI ecosystem, with over 35,000 institutions (around 90%) remaining unexplored. This indicates that a vast majority of HEIs may not be contributing significantly to knowledge or skills development.

Most graduates from Indian HEIs lack employability skills and require extensive retraining to become employable

With the exception of a few prominent HEIs, the majority of top-tier institutions in the country have little international standing.

How can NIRF rankings be used to inform policy decisions for higher education system?

Recruitment: The current interview-based selection process, opaque, biased and delayed, should be replaced with a more objective and transparent evaluation method. Additionally, HEIs should establish a system of incentives and disincentives to encourage excellence in faculty performance.

Accountability: To address the lack of accountability in public-funded universities and institutions, regulators and funders need to enforce strict accountability by linking funding to performance. Leading universities should be subjected to higher standards of accountability.

Other policy measures: It is necessary to implement an exit or consolidation policy for HEIs, allow the entry of for-profit HEIs, including foreign universities, and grant colleges the flexibility to affiliate with any university without geographical constraints.

What should be done?

According to a World Economic Forum report, 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will ultimately work in completely new job types that do not even exist today. Therefore, knowledge creation and dissemination should be participatory and forward-looking.

Current policies in higher education create artificial constraints and barriers to entry. To promote innovation in teaching practices and flexibility in learning, it is essential to encourage lateral entry of practitioners and other experts to HEIs.

The case for a Uniform Civil Code

Source: The post is based on the article “The case for a Uniform Civil Code” published in “The Indian Express” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Significant provisions of Indian Constitution, GS 1 – Indian Society

News: The constitutional provision for a uniform civil code (UCC) in India is a complex and sensitive matter that requires careful consideration when discussing its aims, objectives, and implementation. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and misrepresented, leading to widespread misconceptions.

What does the Constitutional say?

Article 44 under Part IV emphasizes the importance of a uniform, not common, civil code and directs the State to “endeavour to secure” it.

When read with Article 37, the makers of the Constitution wanted uniformity to be gradually achieved through suitable amendments of existing laws and enactment of new laws.

What progress has been made in this regard?

Many new laws of general application have been enacted over the years — like the Special Marriage Act 1954, Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 etc.

These laws override conflicting provisions in personal laws and contribute to the goal of uniformity in family laws.

Amendments have also been made to various personal laws along similar lines.

Is UCC incompatible with Muslim law?

There is a misperception that UCC is a measure to abolish Muslim law, which is commonly viewed as outdated and discriminatory against women.

In its authentic version, Islamic law is not entirely incompatible with the modern society. Justice Krishna Iyer had once said that Islamic law recognised the “sanctity of family life”. The divorce law of Islam is based on the concept of irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

Can the four Hindu law Acts of 1955-56 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954 become model for UCC?

The Hindu law Acts of 1955-56 initially contained provisions conflicting with constitutional ideals of religious equality and gender justice. While recent amendments have improved the situation, there is still room for further progress.

The Hindu Succession Act still differentiates the course of inheritance based on the gender of the deceased owner of a property. Additionally, under the adoption law, a man requires his wife’s consent for adopting a child, and even for giving their child for adoption to someone else, but only if the wife belongs to the same faith.

After an amendment in 1976, the Special Marriage Act of 1954 allowed succession to the properties of parties to civil marriages to be governed by the Hindu Succession Act instead of the Indian Succession Act if both parties to such a marriage are Hindu. This amendment did not apply to other communities, resulting in a lack of uniformity.

The Special Marriage Act and the four Hindu law Acts are not applicable in certain regions. In these areas, local laws of foreign origin are protected by parliamentary legislation or customary laws are safeguarded by the Constitution. This situation contradicts the objective of Article 44, which aims for uniformity throughout the territory of India.

What should be done?

A representative group of acclaimed social reformers and legal academics should produce a draft that is free of religious discrimination and gender inequality. It must be extended to all citizens in all parts of the country.

GS Paper 3

Finally India’s Moon Moment?

Source: The post is based on an article “Finally India’s Moon Moment? – Artemis is inked and Chandrayaan-3 ready to launch. Lunar missions are as much about technology and talent as geopolitics” published in The Times of India on 1^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science and Technology

Relevance: Measures needed by India to boost its lunar missions.

News: India is set to launch Chandrayaan-3, a lunar exploration mission.

About Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Click Here to Read

What is the rationale behind taking lunar missions?

Lunar missions are costly. According to the ISRO, the Chandrayaan-3 mission is estimated to cost about Rs 600 crore.

Despite high costs, it is necessary to take complex lunar missions because –

1. a) undertaking complex lunar missions can enhance ISRO’s capabilities in practical satellite-based space applications,
2. b) it also helps India grow a pool of highly skilled engineers and scientists.
3. c) Geopolitics also influences India’s plans. India’s plan to go to the moon is also influenced by the US and China’s plan to go there and set up permanent bases.
4. d) Deep space travel, whether to the moon or Mars, may also spark people’s imaginations, encourage their scientific interest, and motivate the young to pursue careers in the field.

How can the Artemis Accord help India in its lunar mission?

India has recently signed the Artemis Accord. Even though the accord prioritizes America’s interests at various points, it can still be beneficial for India.

India can –

1. a) gain from the accord because they open the door to participating in America’s Artemis program for lunar exploration,
2. b) also leverage America’s spacefaring capabilities and gain access to important technologies, while maintaining the autonomy of its own lunar exploration plans.

In return, India can offer its Artemis partners, ISRO’s expertise in launching cost-effective space missions as well as the potential of its promising private space sector.

To do this, India must facilitate local companies to offer their products and services like developing scientific payloads and software to foreign partners.

ISRO can also help fund an expanded lunar program by offering reliable launch facilities for foreign payloads.

What can be the way ahead for India?

Along with collaborating with the US, India should also look at collaborating like-minded countries like France, Japan, and Australia. 

Besides diplomacy, India also needs a well-defined roadmap outlining its goals on the moon for the next twenty years.

India has also opened the space sector for private players and has released its space policy. However, to achieve its ambitions, India will need a law that governs space activities and provides clear rules for regulating this high-technology sector.

Sound of the Cosmos – India’s telescope game can get even better

Source: The post is based on the article “Sound Of The Cosmos – India’s telescope game can get even better” published in The Times of India on 1^st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science & Technology – Space Technologies

News: Einstein initially proposed the existence of gravitational waves in 1916 as an extension of his theory of general relativity. It was in 2015 that America’s LIGO detectors could observe and confirm these.

Recently, an international consortium reported the detection of a captivating “hum” sound of gravitational waves reverberating across the universe.

What are gravitational waves?

Gravitational waves can be understood as ripples in the fabric of space and time.

Click Here to Read More

How was the sound of gravitational waves discovered?

Scientists from seven Indian institutes along with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope near Pune played key roles in uncovering the new and first evidence for low-frequency gravitational waves permeating the cosmos.

Read More: India’s largest radio telescope plays vital role in detecting universe’s vibrations

What efforts have been taken by the government to study gravitational waves?

The Government of India has granted final approvals for LIGO-India, and land acquisition has taken place in Maharashtra for the project.

However, it is crucial to recognize that any such scientific project requires robust and sustained support for research and exploration. Hence, the government should also take these factors into consideration.

Must Read: What is LIGO-India, the Indian node in the global network of labs to probe the universe

On urea prices: Fertiliser for thought

Source- The post is based on the article “on urea prices: Fertiliser for thought” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd June 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian Agriculture – Agricultural Inputs

News– On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme with a view to ensure supply of the fertiliser at the same price. Government has committed a total amount of Rs 3,68,676.7 crore over three years till 2024-25.

What are some facts about urea sales and pricing in India?

Urea sales in India crossed a record 35.7 million tonnes during 2022-23.

The maximum retail price of urea has remained unchanged at Rs 5,360 per tonne during the last nine years.

What are issues with use of fertilisers in the agriculture sector in India?

The present government’s initiatives such as compulsory neem coating, reducing the bag size from 50 kg to 45 kg, and launch of the Nano Urea have not brought down the consumption of the urea. 

Urea retails at a fifth or even less than that of most other fertilisers. It does not incentivise farmers to cut back on its use.

The disproportionate application of N has, over time, resulted in diminishing crop yield response. Studies have shown that 1 kg of N, P and K used to yield 12 kg-plus of cereal grains during the 1960s. But now it yields only a 5 kg surplus now.

What is the way forward for the fertiliser sector?

The Modi government has proposed the introduction of sulphur-coated urea. It would be more economical and efficient than fertiliser.

The idea of using urea as a carrier product for delivering sulphur to crops isn’t bad. The government should allow urea, di-ammonium phosphate and other commodity fertilisers to be freely coated with all secondary and micronutrients.

Further, the MRPs of such fortified fertilisers must be set free. If the yield benefits from applying sulphur or zinc-coated urea are significantly more from ordinary urea, the farmer will be paying extra.

It could also pave the way for the price decontrol of urea and bringing it under the nutrient-based subsidy regime.

Reality check for startups

Source: The post is based on the article “Reality check for startups” published in “Business Standard” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy

News: Byju’s is facing numerous challenges and has become a negative symbol for the country’s once-thriving startup sector. India’s start-up sector consists of over 80,000 registered entities. Out of them, at least 70 per cent will eventually fail, while some 100 have achieved unicorn status.

What has been the contribution of th

Some of the ventures have become substantial businesses and employ large numbers, including gig workers.

The bigger start-ups have had a transformative impact on the Indian marketplace by creating a more favorable operating environment for small businesses and changing consumer habits.

Additionally, some startups exhibit promising technological advancements, indicating potential for further growth and innovation in the sector.

what are the challenges faced by startups in India?

Take is up in the beginning after the intro part [AS1]

done [DB2]

Make it a single heading on what are the challenges faced by startups in India. Merge  [AS3]

done [DB4]

Uniting for big-bang discoveries

Source: The post is based on the article “Uniting for big-bang discoveries” published in “Business Standard” on 1st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science and Technology

News: In recent developments in physics, two major announcements were made by different research groups.

Gravitational wave researchers using pulsars revealed the discovery of gravitational signals that potentially date back to the Big Bang. In the second discovery, scientists have created a picture of the Milky Way by mapping the origins of detected neutrinos.

What is the significance of these discoveries?

The latest discovery about gravitational waves could help us understand the violent processes of black holes and galactic mergers, and how the Big Bang occurred.

Researchers studying neutrinos generated a picture of the Milky Way galaxy as “seen” by neutrinos

The technologies developed for these observations hold the potential for future commercial applications.

Both breakthroughs resulted from the efforts of large groups spanning multiple research institutions and nations which serve as a remarkable example of international cooperation.

Why is it difficult to detect gravitational waves and neutrinos?

Gravitational waves are created by the Big Bang and black holes. These are very long and weak waves that require highly sensitive equipment for detection.

Neutrinos can only be detected through the energy they carry, necessitating extreme sensitivity in detection methods.

How gravitational waves are detected?

The first detection of gravity waves came from the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory), in 2015.

LIGO can only pick up signals from gravitational waves around 3,200 km long, whereas super massive black holes emit gravity waves of far longer wavelengths which can be detected by using pulsars as natural detectors.

How are neutrinos detected?

The most sensitive neutrino detection facility, IceCube, is located at the South Pole. It utilizes light sensors buried 2.5 km under the ice, where it is completely dark.

When a neutrino passes through, it interacts with the ice, emitting energy that generates a distinctive blue radiation called Cherenkov Radiation.

As neutrinos do not interact or deviate from their path, the energy trail can be used to determine their origin.

Significance [AS1]

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Public Sector Banks and eligible Private Sector Banks authorized to implement and operationalise Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023” published in PIB on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has permitted all Public Sector Banks and eligible Private Sector Banks to implement and operationalise the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, 2023.

What is Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme?

Mahila Samman Savings Certificate is a one-time savings scheme for women.

The scheme was announced in the Union Budget FY 2023-24 to provide financial security to every girl and woman in India.

Key Features of the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme:

Who can open the account? An account under this scheme can be opened by a woman for herself or by the guardian on behalf of a minor girl child.

Tenure: An account can be opened under this scheme on or before March 31, 2025, for a tenure of two years

Interest rate: The deposit made under MSSC will bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum which will be compounded quarterly.

Limit on minimum and maximum investment: Minimum of ₹1000 and any sum in multiple of 100 may be deposited within the maximum limit of ₹200,000.

Maturity of the investment under this scheme is two years from the date of opening of the account under the scheme.

Partial withdrawal upto 40% of eligible balance can be availed after the expiry of one year from the date of opening of the account

Significance of the scheme: This scheme is a commendable initiative by the Government to empower women and promote their financial independence. 

– As the scheme yields high returns on investment in a short span of 2 years, it will definitely increase women investors especially in rural areas. 

Government to Develop National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat for an estimated cost of ₹4,500 Cr.

Source: The post is based on the article “Government to Develop National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat for an estimated cost of ₹4,500 Cr.” published in PIB on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

The Central Government will be holding a meeting to review the progress in the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC).

About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is being developed at Lothal,Gujarat.

Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways under the Sagarmala programme.

Features: The complex will include the world’s highest lighthouse museum and world’s largest open aquatic gallery.

– It will also have several innovative and unique features such as Lothal mini recreation to recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle; four theme parks – Memorial theme park, Maritime and Navy theme park, and Climate theme park.

Significance: It will be a one of its kind project to not only display India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage and also help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.

— This project will also provide tremendous job opportunities to the local people and will transform the socio-economic condition of the entire region.

What is Lothal?

Lothal was one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley civilization, located in the Bhāl region of what is now the state of Gujarat. The port city is believed to have been built in 2,200 BC.

The meaning of Lothal (a combination of Loth and (s) thal) in Gujarati is “the mound of the dead”.

– Note: The name of the city of Mohenjo-Daro (also part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, now in Pakistan) means the same in Sindhi.

Archaeologist SR Rao led the team which discovered Lothal.

Features: Lothal was a symbol of India’s maritime power and prosperity. It was also a thriving trade center in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems, and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.

– It also had the world’s earliest known dockyard, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.

Lothal was nominated in 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its application is pending on the tentative list of UNESCO.

Centre to Issue Norms Against ‘Dark Patterns’ in Online Advertisements

Source: The post is based on the following articles:

–  “Centre to issue norms against ‘dark patterns’ in online advertisements” published in The Hindu on 1st July 2023

– “Department of Consumer Affairs urges online platforms to refrain from adopting ‘dark patterns’ harming consumer interest” published in PIB on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

The Central Government has said that strict action will be taken against online players if they do not stop the menace of ‘dark patterns’.

What are Dark Patterns?

Dark Patterns involves using a design and choice architecture to trick, coerce or influence consumers to make choices not in their best interest. 

What are some examples of Dark Patterns?

False Urgency: This tactic creates a sense of urgency or scarcity to pressure consumers into making a purchase or taking action.

Basket Sneaking: Websites or apps use dark patterns to add additional products or services to the shopping cart without user consent.

Subscription Traps: This tactic makes it easy for consumers to sign up for a service but difficult for them to cancel it, often by hiding the cancellation option or requiring multiple steps.

Forced Action: This involves forcing consumers into taking an action they may not want to take, such as signing up for a service in order to access content.

Bait and Switch: This involves advertising one product or service but delivering another, often of lower quality.

Hidden Costs: This tactic involves hiding additional costs from consumers until they are already committed to making a purchase

Disguised Ads: Disguised ads are advertisements that are designed to look like other types of content, such as news articles or user-generated content.

What are the measures the Government of India is taking against Dark Patterns?

Engaging in such deceptive and manipulative conduct by using dark patterns in online platforms constitutes ‘unfair trade practice’ under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Consumers can report instances of ‘dark patterns’ or provide feedback and report such manipulative online practices on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).

The Centre has also constituted a 17-member task force to prepare guidelines on protecting consumers against dark patterns.

CERT-In issues “Guidelines on Information Security Practices” for Government Entities for Safe & Trusted Internet

Source: The post is based on the article “CERT-In issues “Guidelines on Information Security Practices” for Government Entities for Safe & Trusted Internet” published in PIB on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) on Friday issued “Guidelines on Information Security Practices” for government entities for safe and trusted Internet. The guidelines have been issued under section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000. 

What is the purpose of Guidelines on Information Security Practices for Government Entities?

The guidelines are a roadmap for government entities and industries to reduce cyber risk, protect citizen data and continue to improve the cybersecurity ecosystem in the country. 

The guidelines will apply to all Ministries, Departments, Secretariats, and Offices specified in the First Schedule to the Government of India (allocation of business) Rules, 1961, along with their attached and subordinate offices.

What are the key guidelines issued by CERT-In?

Source: Business Standard

Firstly, Government organizations should mandatorily report cyber incidents to CERT-In within six hours of noticing them, as private entities do. They must do so even if third parties flag such incidents. The information shall be shared with stakeholders like sectoral CERTs and regulators.

Secondly, Government offices need to conduct an internal and external audit of their entire cyber infrastructure and deploy appropriate security controls based on the audit. 

– Internal information security audits shall be conducted at least once in six months, while third-party security audits need to be conducted annually.

Thirdly, Government organizations need to appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) who would be accompanied by a dedicated cybersecurity team, separate from the IT operations team.

Fourthly, Government employees can now use only standard user (non-administrator) accounts for accessing the computers for regular work. Admin access will be given to users only with the approval of the chief information security officer (CISO).

Fifthly, Government bodies shall maintain an inventory of authorized hardware and software for their organization, along with a mechanism for automated scanning to detect any unauthorized device or software.

Lastly, the guidelines recommend the use of complex passwords with a minimum length of 8 characters; Never store any usernames and passwords on the Internet browser; and do not store any payment-related information on the Internet browser.

India backs 2016 ruling favouring the Philippines in South China Sea

Source: The post is based on the article “India backs 2016 ruling favouring the Philippines in South China Sea” published in The Hindu on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

India has asked China to abide by the 2016 arbitration decision, which had ruled in favour of the Philippines and rejected China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Background:

In 2013, the Philippines instituted an arbitration proceeding against China in the Permanent Court of Arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The arbitration tribunal ruled in favour of the Philippines in 2016, but this was rejected by China, which had called it “null and void”.

China, which claims rights to most of the South China Sea up to the nine-dash line has become more assertive in recent years leading to flare-ups in the region.

What is the stand of ASEAN on the territorial claims of the South China Sea?

ASEAN does not have a common stance on issues related to China’s claims on the South China Sea due to differing views of its member nations.

What is India’s stand on the 2016 arbitration decision by the South China Sea?

India’s response in 2016 had been a cautious one, having merely “noted” the arbitration decision. This has remained India’s position till recently.

Now the joint statement issued by India and the Philippines marks the first time India has explicitly called upon China to adhere to the arbitration ruling, despite China’s persistent dismissal of its validity.

After stock limits, India to import 12 lakh tonnes of tur dal to keep prices in check

Source: The post is based on the article “After stock limits, India to import 12 lakh tonnes of tur dal to keep prices in check” published in The Hindu on 1st July 2023

What is the News?

India will be importing 12 lakh tonnes of the Tur Dal in the current fiscal, up by 35% from the last year, to boost domestic availability and contain price rise.

Why have Tur Dal prices increased?

Low Domestic Production: Tur Dal (pigeon peas) has low domestic production in 2022-23. It has remained at 30 lakh tonnes in the 2022-23 crop year (July-June) against 39 lakh tonnes last year.

Hoarding by traders and alleged cartelisation in imports also contribute to price rise.

Note: Hoarding is the purchase and warehousing of large quantities of a commodity with the intent of benefiting from future price increases.

– A cartel is an organization created between a group of producers of a good or service to control supply or to regulate or manipulate prices.

What are the measures the government of India is taking to control Tur Dal prices?

Central government has imposed stock limits on tur dal till October 31 to bring down the prices.

It has also decided to offload 50,000 tonnes from the buffer stock in the market.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has announced the formation of a committee to monitor the stock of Tur held by various entities such as importers, millers, stockists, traders, and others.

To facilitate smooth and seamless imports, the government has removed the 10% duty applicable for Tur imports from non-Least developed countries(LDC) countries.

Sick sea lions washing ashore in California due to algae bloom

Source: The post is based on the article “Sick sea lions washing ashore in California due to algae bloom” published in The Hindu on 29th June 2023

What is the News?

Hundreds of sea lions are found dead or sick on California beaches due to toxic offshore algae blooms.

What are Sea Lions?

Sea Lion is a marine mammal in the scientific group pinniped, meaning “wing foot” or “feather foot”. They belong to the family Otariidae.

They are known for their semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending a significant amount of time both on land and in the water.

They are carnivores, eating fish, squid, crabs, and clams. The largest species, the northern sea lion also eats seals.

Currently, there are six subspecies of sea lions: Australian sea lions, California sea lions, Galápagos sea lions, New Zealand sea lions, South American sea lions, and Steller sea lions.

What is Algal Bloom?

An algal bloom or algae bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. It is often recognized by the discoloration in the water from the algae’s pigments

Algal Bloom is a natural phenomenon, but can also occur because of human causes such as climate change and an excess of nitrates washed out to sea.

Algal blooms cause the production of a neurotoxin called domoic acid.

While some marine life is not affected at all by domoic acid, the neurotoxin can accumulate in animals lower on the food chain and affect those higher up who are feeding on the filter fish that count algae as their main food source. 

Sea lions, who eat huge amounts of filter fish or other organisms, seem to be especially susceptible to domoic acid as a neurotoxin.

Note: Humans are unaffected unless they eat infected shellfish.