9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – September 29th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Bhagat Singh’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

Source– The post is based on the article “Bhagat Singh’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Modern Indian history and personalities

News– The article explains the Bhagat Singh ideas about the principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam

What are Bhagat Singfh ideas about the ideal of vasudhaiva kutumbakam?

Early in his life, Bhagat Singh was influenced by the ideal of vasudhaiva kutumbakam.

Bhagat Singh talks about social and political challenges in the realisation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in ‘Vishwa Prem.‘ He was suspicious that under the current circumstances, achieving this ideal is very difficult.

In numerous articles, he talked about the issues such as communalism, hatred, violence, oppression, poverty, untouchability, and casteism.

According to him, the reality was that simply belonging to a particular religion is now considered sufficient reason to be viewed as an enemy by another religion.

He advocated for the elimination of divisions like those between the touchable and untouchable.

He rightly suspected that several self-proclaimed social reformers took a superficial stance on political matters.

What are challenges for India in adherence to the principlel of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam?

Indian society is deeply fractured by communal and caste-based animosities, fear, and violence. The corporate capitalist economic development has exacerbated existing inequalities.

The divisions within our nation run deep. A Tamil leader launched a venomous and incendiary attack on Sanatan Dharma (not Hindus).

The references made by influential leaders to “tukde tukde gangs” and calls like “desh ke gaddaron ko” contribute to an environment of division. India is witnessing an unrestrained demonization of the “other.”

The use of terms like “termites” for migrants, the incendiary messages conveyed during the Dharam Sansad saints, and the impunity enjoyed by them raise doubts about the commitment to the principle of vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family).

What is the way forward?

To win the hearts and minds of people having diverse and conflicting interests, Indians must adopt a Gandhian commitment to love, compassion, and non-violence.

The G20 declaration deplored all acts of religious hatred and stressed that it was time to bridge the trust deficit and usher in an era of cooperation. It is now imperative to align our noble aspirations with concrete actions on the ground.

A milestone in Hindu marriage reform in India

Source: The post is based on the article “A milestone in Hindu marriage reform in India” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Society- Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

News: The author is discussing the long struggle in Tamil Nadu, India, for legal recognition of Suyamariyathai (self-respect) marriages, which are non-ritualistic and often inter-caste. Despite the 1967 amendment legalizing such marriages, they still face resistance and lack full acceptance by the Union government and some parts of the judiciary. The debate involves issues of caste, women’s rights, and traditional versus reformed marriage practices within Hindu law.

What is Suyamariyathai (self-respect) marriages?

Definition: These are non-ritualistic, consensual marriages in Tamil Nadu, India.

Characteristics: They are typically inter-caste and do not follow the traditional Hindu marriage rituals, aiming to uphold women’s rights and oppose caste supremacy and patriarchal rights within traditional Hindu marriages.

Legal Struggles: Initially, such marriages were declared invalid. For example, Rajathi was denied conjugal rights because her self-respect marriage to Chelliah was not recognized under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Legislation: After several attempts, The Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act 1967, introduced by the DMK, validated Suyamariyathai marriages.

Continued Resistance: Despite legal recognition, such marriages still face opposition. In 2017, the Union Ministry rejected applications from inter-caste couples in Tamil Nadu.

What are the judicial and executive views on Suyamariyathai (self-respect) marriages?

Judicial Views on Suyamariyathai Marriages:

Initial Rejection (1950s): Courts like the Madras High Court declared these marriages invalid due to the lack of traditional Hindu rituals.

Post 1967 Amendment: The Madras High Court and other judiciary bodies have had to affirm the validity of these marriages following the Tamil Nadu Amendment in 1967.

Supreme Court Reminder: Recently, the Supreme Court of India had to remind the Madras High Court about the validity of Suyamariyathai marriages in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing their lawful status even without public ceremonies.

Executive Views on Suyamariyathai Marriages:

Union Ministry’s Rejection (2017): This body rejected the recognition of these marriages under the Section 7 Act, emphasizing registration under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Legislative Progress: Various efforts, led by the DMK, resulted in the legal recognition of self-respect marriages with the 1967 Amendment Act in Tamil Nadu.

What are the impacts of the legalization of self-respect marriage?

Legal Recognition: Post-1967, Suyamariyathai marriages gained legal validity in Tamil Nadu, ensuring recognition for couples in these unions.

Women’s Rights: The legalization allowed women like Rajathi to claim conjugal rights, seek divorce, and redress in cases of bigamy, enhancing women’s legal standings in marriages.

Property Rights: The Act enabled couples to secure their rights over property and entitlements within the marriage contract.

Challenges to Norms: The validation of non-ritualistic, consensual inter-caste marriages posed a direct challenge to Brahminic interpretations of Hindu marriage, promoting egalitarian values.

Civil Registrations: The movement propelled the advocacy for civil registration of all marriages, aiming for clear, dissoluble contracts between spouses.

A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing

Source: The post is based on the article “A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Art and culture

News: The article is about a rare language, Toto, spoken by 1,600 people near West Bengal and Bhutan. A professor from the University of Calcutta is making a dictionary for Toto to help preserve it. The dictionary will translate Toto words into Bengali and English, using Bengali script, as the Toto community is more familiar with it. The project aims to keep the language from disappearing and integrate marginal languages into the academic curriculum. A dictionary to prevent a language from vanishing.

What is Toto Shabda Sangraha?

Toto Shabda Sangraha: It’s a forthcoming dictionary focused on the Toto language.

Purpose: It aims to preserve the Toto language, primarily oral until now, by documenting its vocabulary.

Languages Included: Will feature Toto words translated into Bengali and English.

Script Used: Utilizes the Bengali script, as it is more familiar to the Toto community.

Compilers: The dictionary has been compiled by Bhakta Toto, and professor Mrinmoy Pramanick is closely associated with the project.

Release & Publication: It will be released in Kolkata on October 7, and is published by the trust and Bhasha Samsad.

What is the significance of Toto Shabda Sangraha?

Significance for Preservation: Toto Shabda Sangraha is crucial as it aids in preserving the Toto language which is mainly alive orally among 1,600 speakers.

Dictionary for a Rare Language: It’s significant as it is possibly the first attempt to compile a dictionary for this language.

Enhanced Accessibility: By translating Toto words into Bengali and English using Bengali script, it makes the language more accessible to its native speakers and learners.

Community Benefit: It supports the Toto community members in staying connected with their native language, even if they are studying in English and Bengali.

Historical Importance: It is described as “historic” by Mrinmoy Pramanick as the Toto community does not have any collection of words or a published primer.

GS PAPER - 2

Parliament to workplace

Source– The post is based on the article “Parliament to workplace” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2 – Social empowerment.

Relevance – Issues related to women empowerment

News– The recent landmark legislation mandating the reservation of a third of parliamentary and assembly seats for women is a game changer for attaining gender equality in political voices in the country.

Why is political and economic empowerment of women still a challenge for India?

Female representation in politics- India ranks among the countries with the lowest levels of female representation in politics worldwide. Women comprised a mere 10.5 percent of all Members of Parliament.

This figure is lower than that of regions like sub-Saharan Africa and neighbouring countries such as Pakistan.

Labour market-participation – The labour force participation rate of women is low. It is approximately 25 percent. This is in stark contrast to the global average, which is nearly 50 percent.

What are factors behind low labour participation of women?

1. The unequal distribution of household responsibilities places a disproportionately heavy workload on women.
2. social norms that prioritise marriage over women’s careers.
3. 3. Concerns about safety and a perceived high risk of sexual violence.
4. Lack of reliable and secure public transportation infrastructure that limits women’s physical mobility.
5. 5. Structural shifts away from agriculture and changes in agricultural technology have led to women leaving the farming sector. There are few viable opportunities available in non-farm sectors. So, these women often exit the labour market.

How enhanced representation of women in politics will impact women’s participation in the labour force in India?

Political reservation for women directly contributes to making political and administrative careers more viable for women in the long term. More women will enter the political arena.

Evidence from the reservation of positions for women sarpanches in Gram Panchayats suggests that female political decision-makers tend to prioritise and address issues that align with the preferences and concerns of the electorate. These issues are sanitation, education, and healthcare.

The improvement in essential public services has the potential to reduce the time spent by women on domestic work, such as water collection, firewood gathering, and childcare. This can enable them to pursue productive work opportunities.

Women leadership will focus on concerns related to public safety, law and order. It will advocate for policies that have a gender perspective into urban infrastructure and transportation planning. It has the potential to enhance women’s physical mobility and expand their access to employment opportunities.

There is limited empirical evidence available to suggest that increased presence of women in politics also impacts the demand for female labour in our economy.

It is possible that women in political leadership positions may be more inclined to advocate for legislation that enforces gender equality in wages and working conditions within the formal sector. They may prioritise policies aimed at broadening employment opportunities for women in the manufacturing sector.

Warring Over Water – River fights between states need a single dispute resolution body

Source: The post is based on the article “Warring Over Water – River fights between states need a single dispute resolution body with real enforcement powers” published in The Times of India on 29^th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Polity – Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Relevance: About Cauvery Water Dispute.

News: The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery water. The Cauvery dispute has been ongoing for decades, and has been officially resolved, but tensions still continue to remain.

What are the reasons behind existing inter-state water dispute?

First, the government creates tribunals for each dispute. However, these tribunals are ineffective because they are ad hoc, their conflict resolution procedures frequently lead to new issues, and their judgements have little legal basis.

Further, when states challenge their decisions, the conflict is only exacerbated.

Second, Climate change and other factors, such as erratic rainfall, depleting groundwater, and water-intensive cropping patterns, are intensifying river disputes.

Third, the existing Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, relies on tribunals to resolve disputes.

In 2017, the Lok Sabha passed the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill to create a single permanent tribunal and a mediation committee, but the implementation has not yet been done.

Must Read: Cauvery Water Dispute and Interstate River Disputes

What can be the way ahead?

India is predicted to become “water scarce” by 2050. River water disputes are projected to grow in the future, since the Cauvery, like other major rivers, has seen declining water volumes.

Hence, it is important for the Indian government to urgently pass a law that gives tribunals the power to enforce their decisions. This will help to resolve inter-state river water disputes more quickly and effectively.

Unhealthy dynamics – Gender bias in cancer care reflects a larger health care crisis

Source: The post is based on articles

“Unhealthy dynamics – Gender bias in cancer care reflects a larger health care crisis” published in Business Standard on 29^th September 2023 and

“Lancet report on cancer in women is a wake-up call” published in The Indian Express on 29^th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Social Issues – Issues Relating to Development and Management of Services related to Health

Relevance: concerns with increasing cancer in women.

News: The Lancet recently published research titled “Women, Power and Cancer” that looked at women and cancer in 185 nations. It discovered a connection between social power dynamics and women’s access to cancer treatment.

What are the key findings of the report?

Read Here: Nearly 69 lakh cancer deaths among Indian women were preventable: What a study says on gender and the disease

What are the reasons behind higher cancer incidence and mortality rate among women?

Lack of knowledge: Many women are not aware of the different types of cancer and their causes.

Lack of Financial and Decision-making power: Women often lack the financial power and decision-making power to go for regular checkups and screening for early diagnosis.

Reluctance to be examined by male doctors: Many women are reluctant to be examined by male doctors.

Lack of women doctors: There is a severe scarcity of competent female doctors, particularly in rural regions. Only approximately 17% of allopathic physicians are women, and only 6% of those are in rural regions.

Travel difficulties: Due to their family responsibilities, rural women find it difficult to travel to large cities or towns for screening and treatment.

Lack of Women Empowerment: Maternal and reproductive health are the only focuses of women’s health. Additionally, they are less likely and empowered to be checked for cancer early due to a lack of decision-making power, education, work, and access to healthcare facilities.

Another study also found that only 37% of women had access to healthcare compared to 67% of men. This highlights the lack of healthcare facilities that women have in their own healthcare.

What can be done to improve women’s access to healthcare?

First, India’s public healthcare system needs to improve women’s access to cancer care.

Government health schemes for women in India are mostly focused on expectant and new mothers, and other important aspects of women’s healthcare, such as cancer screening and regular checkups, are often overlooked.

However, the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme offers a potential solution, as women account for 49% of all beneficiaries. Hence, empowering women with greater agency in healthcare can lead to a significant benefit.

Second, there is also a need to collect and update sociodemographic data in cancer, do more research on the risks that women face, and be more sensitive and responsive to the challenges that women face due to their gender, social status, and other factors.

Reform can address India’s kidney transplant deficit

Source: The post is based on the article “Reform can address India’s kidney transplant deficit” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

News: This article talks about the severe kidney shortage in India, where laws make kidney swaps and chains hard, leading to few transplants. It explains that swaps and chains could increase transplants, but strict rules and lack of coordinating authority limit them. The article suggests India should adapt successful international practices to help its citizens and reduce illegal kidney sales.

What are the ways a patient can obtain a kidney?

Deceased Donor: A patient can receive a kidney from someone who has died, but limitations like the scarcity of donations and suitable infrastructure make this challenging.

Relative/Friend Donation: A patient can receive a kidney from a compatible relative or friend, but finding a compatible donor is often problematic.

Kidney Swaps: Swaps occur when two incompatible donor-recipient pairs exchange kidneys. For example, Sunita and Zoya, incompatible with their respective spouses, can swap donors if compatibility is found, allowing transplants to occur.

Kidney Chains: A kidney chain begins with an altruistic donor. This donor gives a kidney to a compatible recipient, whose incompatible donor gives to another compatible recipient, creating a chain of donations. The constraints in the current system, however, prevent the formation of such chains in most parts of India.

What are the reasons for kidneys shortage in India?

High Demand: In 2022, over two lakh people in India needed a kidney, but only about 7,500 transplants were done, showing a stark shortage.

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects about 17% of India’s population, mainly due to widespread diabetes, malnourishment, and poor living conditions, raising the demand for kidneys.

Stringent Regulations: Strict laws in India limit kidney swaps to near-relatives in most states and prohibit kidney chains, except in Kerala, restricting the availability of kidneys for transplants.

Lack of Donations: There is a scarcity of kidney donations from deceased donors due to specific conditions on the nature of death and the lack of infrastructure needed to collect and store kidneys.

Limited Compatibility: Even when willing donors are available, like friends or relatives, often they are not a match in terms of blood type and tissue type, limiting the successful transplants.

Absence of Coordinating Authority: The lack of a national authority for managing and coordinating swaps restricts the potential to find compatible matches and facilitate more transplants.

What should be done?

Reform Regulations: Laws limiting kidney swaps and prohibiting kidney chains need to be relaxed to enhance kidney availability.

Promote Swaps and Chains: Encourage the implementation of kidney swaps and chains to maximize the utilization of available donors.

Altruistic Donations: Permit altruistic kidney donations to initiate kidney chains, providing more patients access to compatible kidneys.

Enhance Infrastructure: Improve the infrastructure to collect and store kidneys, making donations from deceased individuals more feasible.

National Coordinating Authority: Establish a central authority for coordinating swaps and chains, allowing a more extensive and diverse pool for compatible matches.

Adopt International Practices: Learn and incorporate successful regulations and practices from countries like Spain and the U.S. to facilitate more kidney exchanges and transplants.

GS PAPER - 3

KEEPING Small Finance Bank (SFBs) AFLOAT

Source– The post is based on the article “KEEPING SFBs AFLOAT” published in “The Business Standard” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance- Issues related to banking sector

News– The article explains the issues related to Small finance banks (SFBs).

What are some facts about Small Finance Banks (SFBs)?

They are designed to promote financial inclusion, serve as avenues for savings, and provide credit to small businesses, marginalized farmers, and the informal sector through technologically advanced, cost-effective operations.

What are the challenges faced by Small finance banks (SFBs)?

Priority sector lending targets- SFBs have a priority sector lending target set at 75 percent of their loan book, with a significant portion of it being unsecured loans. Meeting this target is challenging.

Alternative methods to bridge the gap, such as securitization or co-lending with non-banking financial companies, are not available to them.

In contrast, universal banks have a priority sector lending target of 42 percent of their loan book.

Higher cost of deposits- Another concern is the higher cost of deposits for SFBs compared to universal banks. This higher interest expense increases their overall funding costs.

Banking license requirements- Many initially saw SFBs as a stepping stone towards obtaining a universal banking license. The SFB operating guidelines mentioned their eligibility for transitioning to a universal bank after five years of operation. However, there is now a demand for a detailed roadmap for the application and conversion.

Raising of capital- Several prominent private equity firms have invested in the small finance bank sector. However, considering the stock performance of SFBs, raising additional capital may not be straightforward.

Structural issues- The structural issues had plagued the sector even before the pandemic. On the liability side, SFBs had limited savings and current accounts and heavily relied on bulk deposits and term deposits from cooperative banks.

On the asset side, a disproportionately large portion of their loans consisted of unsecured microfinance loans.

What is the way forward?

A paper titled “Performance of SFBs — An Early Reflection” in the RBI’s August 2021 bulletin suggested that factors such as efficiency, leverage, liquidity, and banking business are crucial for SFBs’ profitability.

SFBs should also have a 42 percent target priority sector lending target. This change would help reduce the risk of concentration.

As per Reserve Bank of India’s Internal Working Group (IWG), SFBs should be listed “within six years from the date of reaching a net worth equivalent to prevalent entry capital requirement prescribed for universal banks,” or “ten years from the date of commencement of operations,” whichever comes first.

We should join the WTO’s investment facilitation talks

Source– The post is based on the article “We should join the WTO’s investment facilitation talks” published in the “mint” on 28th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Economy

Relevance- Issues related to WTO

News– On 6 July 2023, over 110 of the WTO 164 members concluded text-based negotiations on the Agreement on Investment Facilitation for Development (IFA).

What are some facts about IFA (Investment Facilitation Agreement)?

The primary goal of the IFA is to create a business environment that is favourable to investors.

The IFA primarily focuses on FDI.

It achieves this by implementing transparent and predictable investment measures, streamlining administrative procedures related to investment, and establishing mechanisms for international cooperation.

IFA does not cover areas like market access, investment protection, government procurement, specific subsidies, or investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). It contains safeguards to shield it from international investment agreements (IIAs).

In essence, the IFA is not aimed at liberalising investment policies. Its objective is to simplify investment procedures.

IFA incorporates provisions for special and differential treatment, which adjust the scope and timeline of the agreement’s implementation for developing and least developed countries based on their respective capacities.

The IFA also includes provisions for providing technical assistance and capacity building to these countries.

What is the difference between investment facilitation and investment promotion?

UNCTAD’s Global Action Menu for Investment Facilitation draws a distinction between the two approaches.

While both aim to attract foreign investment, promotion places emphasis on showcasing a particular location as an attractive investment destination.

In contrast, facilitation concentrates on simplifying the process for foreign investors to establish or expand their businesses. Investment facilitation seeks to address practical challenges encountered by foreign investors.

What are issues faced by international investment agreements (IIAs)?

High-standard investment protection provisions have been included within international investment agreements.

Their inconsistent interpretation by various arbitration panels has constrained the policy flexibility available to host countries to regulate in alignment with their developmental priorities.

For instance, India has terminated its older bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and is in the process of negotiating new agreements based on its 2016 Model BIT text.

What is India’s approach towards investment facilitation?

Indi does not fundamentally oppose the concept of investment facilitation. Recent India-UAE agreement in 2022 and the India-Brazil BIT in 2020, include provisions related to investment facilitation.

India is also a participant in the BRICS Understanding on Investment Facilitation and signed a similar mechanism with the EU in 2017.

Why has India decided to not participate in the IFA (Investment Facilitation Agreement) talks?

1. India is against utilising the WTO as a platform for investment facilitation, as it holds the misconception that investment matters fall outside the WTO’s mandate. Instead, India prefers bilateral negotiations for investment provisions.
2. India perceives the IFA as part of a strategy by developed nations to initiate investment facilitation within the WTO, possibly followed by the introduction of contentious investment protection rules at a later stage.
3. India opposes plurilateral agreements within the WTO, as they bypass the consensus decision-making process.
4. India is against the inclusion of ‘Most Favoured Nation’ (MFN) provisions in the IFA due to past negative experiences, such as the repercussions faced after including an MFN provision in its Australia BIT.

How WTO’s investment facilitation framework is a potential opportunity for India?

New Delhi has opened up foreign investment in most sectors, and participation in the IFA could advance the goal of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). India is also a capital-exporting country, and involvement in the IFA could facilitate its overseas investments.

India has ambitious aspirations for achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2025-26. Therefore, it is essential for the country to move beyond a mindset shaped by historical experiences, and actively engage in shaping the global economic framework.

Swaminathan walked ahead of his time: scientific community

Source: The post is based on the article “Swaminathan walked ahead of his time: scientific community” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and technology- Achievements of Indians in science & technology.

News: The article is honoring M.S. Swaminathan, a respected agricultural scientist from India who recently passed away. It discusses his significant contributions to agriculture, including developing high-yield crops and promoting innovative farming methods.

Who was M.S. Swaminathan?

M.S. Swaminathan was a respected figure in Indian agriculture, known for his roles as a scientist, researcher, academic, and administrator.

He was a professor at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, inspiring students like Trilochan Mohapatra with his encouragement and passion for agricultural research and findings.

His dedication to agriculture and his impactful work left a lasting imprint on various national agricultural science institutions like ICAR and IARI.

He maintained a lifelong commitment to discussing and contributing insights to agricultural research and developments.

What are his significant contributions to agriculture?

Developed High-Yielding Basmati Rice Varieties: This was a crucial contribution to food security.

Innovative Application of Mutation and Genetics: Used for improving various crops and increasing agricultural production.

Launched “Lab to Land” Programmes: These programmes were intended to bring research directly to the farmers.

Focused on Nutritional Quality: Through mutation of crops and bio-fortification, he aimed at enhancing the nutritional value of agricultural produce.

Supported States in Promoting Agriculture: He provided funding and support to various states to promote agricultural development and precision farming.

Advocacy through National Academy of Agricultural Sciences: Worked to promote agriculture and supported the establishment of a Central Institute for Women in Agriculture.

Research on C4 Carbon Fixation in Rice: His leadership at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) focused on cultivating rice with improved photosynthesis and water utilization capabilities.

Championed Farmers’ Cause: Advocated for fair prices, access to technology, and social justice within the agricultural landscape.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data

Source: The post is based on the article “What is geospatial intelligence? A geographer explains the powerful melding of maps and data” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

Geospatial intelligence has offered valuable insights to help governments and organizations to protect communities from natural disasters.

What is Geospatial Intelligence?

Geospatial intelligence is the collection and integration of data from a network of technologies, including satellites, mobile sensors, ground-control stations and aerial images.

The data is then used to produce real-time maps and simulations to help identify when, where and to what extent a threat is likely to emerge.

Government officials, individuals or both can use this information to make informed decisions.

The geospatial intelligence industry is projected to grow from a US$61 billion enterprise in 2020 to more than $209 billion in 2030.

What are the applications of Geospatial Intelligence?

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Geospatial intelligence aids in monitoring and responding to disasters, like tropical cyclones, by providing information on their location and strength.

– It supports search-and-rescue efforts, assesses damage, and helps in resource allocation during emergencies.

Environmental Monitoring: Geospatial intelligence monitors environmental factors like temperature, precipitation, and polar ice to anticipate disturbances.

– This data is crucial for preparing for events like heatwaves, which can impact human safety and security.

Conflict and Security: Geospatial intelligence contributes to security by tracking and reporting on events like the Russian-Ukraine war through satellite imagery.

– Commercial satellite companies now provide vital public information, extending the role of geospatial intelligence in transparency.

Transportation and Logistics: Geospatial intelligence enhances transportation, logistics, and global supply chains by utilizing GPS data.

– It provides real-time information on ship and cargo locations, improving efficiency and reliability.

Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Planning: High-resolution imagery aids in the development of autonomous vehicles and smarter urban planning.

– It helps detect features on the ground, such as bicycle lanes and traffic direction, for safer and more efficient communities.

Use in development, implementation and evaluation of digital twins: Digital twins are virtual representations of real systems – buildings or cities, for example – that mimic the systems’ characteristics and can be updated in real time to reflect changing conditions in the systems.

– Digital twins are being used in many civilian and military settings to improve decision making.They are useful for modeling changes and predicting outcomes. 

– Digital twins have been highly effective in conflict settings by simulating weather and terrain to help militaries and peacekeepers develop and enact strategies.

What is the significance of Geospatial Intelligence in today’s world?

The need for geospatial intelligence is more important than ever. 

Average temperature is projected to increase between 2 to 9.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 to 5.4 degrees Celsius) by the end of the century. 

The global population is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100, and urban areas are becoming denser and more prone to disasters. 

Whether reconstructing the past, describing the present or anticipating the future, geospatial intelligence provides valuable information to help keep people and communities safe.

Tripura becomes fourth state to introduce e-cabinet system

Source: The post is based on the article “Tripura becomes fourth state to introduce e-cabinet system” published in “Indian Express” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

Tripura Chief Minister has launched an e-cabinet system to promote digital infrastructure development and digitisation of government services and information

What is an eCabinet system?

eCabinet is a powerful tool for State Governments to conduct Cabinet meetings electronically.

It has been developed by the National Information Centre (NIC).

Features of eCabinet:

– Replace paper based Cabinet Meetings conserving environment

– Automate workflow activities before, during and after Meetings.

– Rich UI & UX tools, for ease of use by Ministers.

– Enhanced level of Security with Push & Pull features.

– Build institutional memory & knowledge repository, enabling quick search & retrieval.

Benefits of eCabinet:

– Saves huge resources of Paper, fuel and manpower.

– Online Data updation by Each, Information for all, leading to coordinated action.

– Better decision making, Quick retrieval of Decisions taken in meetings and review Action taken.

– Enables Virtual participation of Ministers.

– Brings in Corporate style in conduct of meetings, with standardization of data, formats and works.

How many states have adopted the eCabinet system?

Tripura has become the fourth state—and second in the Northeast—after Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh to have introduced an e-cabinet system. 

MGNREGS social audit unit in a state of paralysis in many States

Source: The post is based on the article “MGNREGS social audit unit in a state of paralysis in many States” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

The Social Audit Units under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

What is Social Audit under MGNREGA?

Social Audit is the examination and assessment of a programme/scheme conducted with the active involvement of people and comparing official records with actual ground realities.

Section 17 of the MGNREGA has mandated Social audit of all works executed under the MGNREGA. 

Each State has social audit units that are supposed to work independently of the implementing authorities.

The social audit unit’s sole responsibility is to flag cases of malpractice. Recovering the money, and reprimanding the officials responsible, is up to the State governments.

What are the issues faced by the Social Audit units under MGNREGA?

Firstly, Social audit units are suffering because they are found-starved and do not have trained or adequate personnel working for them.

Secondly, less than 14% of the amount flagged by the social audit units has been recovered so far by the state.

– This dismal recovery rate threatens the credibility of the audit process since it makes the entire exercise futile.

Uttar Pradesh Achieves 100% ODF Plus Coverage under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen

Source: The post is based on the article “Uttar Pradesh Achieves 100% ODF Plus Coverage under Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen” published in “PIB” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

Uttar Pradesh has achieved 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus coverage under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) programme.

What is ODF Plus village?

An ODF Plus village is one which has sustained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status along with implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems. 

Currently, 4.4 lakh (75%) villages across the nation have declared themselves ODF Plus which is a significant step towards achieving the SBM-G phase II goals by 2024-25.

​​So far, 11 states have been declared 100 per cent ODF Plus status out of which UP is the largest.

What is Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) – 2023 campaign?

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What is SBM (Grameen)?

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What is the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance?” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

The Canadian Prime Minister has linked the killing of a Khalistani leader on Canadian soil to the Indian government.

This has put the spotlight on the intelligence-sharing alliance ‘Five Eyes’, which is believed to have provided the information that “helped” Canada.

What is Five Eyes Alliance?

The ‘Five Eyes’ alliance is a multilateral intelligence-sharing network of five countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. 

The alliance is both surveillance-based and tracks signals intelligence(SIGINT). 

Intelligence documents shared between the member countries are classified as ‘Secret—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US Eyes Only,’ which gave the group its title ‘Five Eyes’.

Origin of the alliance: In 1943, the Britain-USA (BRUSA) agreement laid the foundations for the UK-USA (UKUSA) agreement.

– BRUSA was signed between the US War Department and the UK’s intelligence and security agency Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) to share intelligence information between the two countries to support US forces in Europe, exchange personnel and develop joint regulations for the handling and distribution of highly sensitive material.

– Following this, the UKUSA was signed in 1946.Canada joined it in 1949, and New Zealand and Australia did so in 1956 forming the alliance.

What is the objective of the Five Eyes Alliance now?

The objective of the Five Eyes alliance has shifted following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the emergence of new global challenges like terrorism and the growing influence of China.

The alliance have now become involved in ocean and maritime surveillance, scientific and defence intelligence analysis, medical intelligence, geospatial intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism and the continuous sharing of intelligence products via a secret collective database known as ‘Stone Ghost’.

What are the concerns related to the Five Eyes alliance?

There have been several concerns regarding the privacy, security and methods of working of the intelligence alliance, which remained shrouded in mystery for long.

The alliance was embroiled in a major controversy in 2013 following the disclosure of classified documents by Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor.Mr. Snowden described the network as a supranational intelligence organization that doesn’t answer to the laws of its own countries.

Assam Promotes Pipe Composting: A Unique Way Of Converting Biodegradable Waste Into Manure in Two Months

Source: The post is based on the article “Assam Promotes Pipe Composting: A Unique Way Of Converting Biodegradable Waste Into Manure in Two Months” published in “PIB” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

Assam is actively promoting Pipe Composting among its rural communities during the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva campaign. 

What is Pipe Composting Technology?

Pipe composting technology is a method of converting organic waste into compost using PVC pipes 8 – 10 inches in diameter and 1.25 metres in length. The pipes are placed vertically keeping them 25-30 cm inside the ground.

Only degradable waste can be disposed of into the pipes including leftover food, fruit and vegetable peels, flowers, dung, agricultural waste, etc. 

Once in two weeks, a little cow dung and dry leaves are mixed with water and poured inside to accelerate the growth of the worms. 

This should remain closed so that rainwater does not enter the pipes. Compost manure can be removed by lifting the pipe after 2 months.

What are the benefits of Pipe Composting Technology?

Efficient Waste Conversion: It rapidly transforms biodegradable waste into valuable compost, contributing to waste reduction and environmental preservation.

Environmental Friendliness: Pipe composting is eco-friendly, as it doesn’t harm the environment.

Clean and Hygienic Environment: It helps maintain a clean and hygienic environment within school campuses, promoting health and well-being.

Odorless and Fly-Proof: This composting method is odorless and prevents the attraction of flies, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere.

Space Efficiency: It doesn’t require much space, making it suitable for places with limited area for waste management.

Sustainability: The system is sustainable, as the same pipes can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for additional materials.

Educational Opportunity: It offers a valuable educational opportunity for students to learn about decomposition science, the role of microorganisms and invertebrates, waste management, and sustainability, fostering environmental awareness.

Inside the digital world of cookies

Source: The post is based on the article “Inside the digital world of cookies” published in “The Hindu” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

In the digital world, cookies enhance online experiences but pose privacy and security challenges.Their usage and regulation are evolving in the digital landscape.

What are Cookies?

Cookies contain tiny amounts of data about users in text files that act like a website’s memory. 

As soon as we use a server, tiny amounts of data start getting stored inside a cookie. 

The website uses it to identify users and their devices, which also stores these cookies.Whenever a user visits the same website, the cookies identify him/her and make it show relevant information.

What are the different types of Cookies?

Session Cookies: Temporary and disappear when you close your browser.They help websites remember your actions during a single visit.

Persistent Cookies: They are the digital equivalent of bookmarks. They stay on the device after your browsing session ends.

– They remember the login information, language preferences, and even the ads you have interacted with.They are handy for a more personalized web experience.

Secure Cookies: These are only sent over encrypted connections, making them safer from prying eyes.Secure cookies are often used for sensitive data like login credentials.

Third-Party Cookies: Come from domains other than the site you’re visiting and are used for tracking and advertising.

What are the various uses of cookies? 

1) User Authentication: They keep you logged in on websites 2) Personalization: Customize your experience based on preferences 3) Shopping Carts: Maintain items in your cart across visits 4) Analytics: Help websites gather data for improvements 5) Targeted Advertising: Display ads matching your interests.

What are the challenges associated with cookies?

Privacy Concerns: Privacy concerns arise as cookies could track your online behaviour, which, while often harmless, can sometimes encroach upon your digital privacy. 

Security Risks: Poorly secured cookies can lead to data theft.

User Consent: Regulations require websites to seek approval for certain cookies. For instance, Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 necessitates websites to acquire explicit consent from users prior to collecting or processing their personal data via cookies.

Third-Party Cookies: Controversial due to privacy concerns.

Data Overload: Too many cookies can slow down your browser.

Union Minister launches CRIIIO 4 GOOD modules to advance gender equality and empower young people

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Minister launches CRIIIO 4 GOOD modules to advance gender equality and empower young people” published in “PIB” on 29th September 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has launched ‘CRIIIO 4 GOOD’, a new online, life skills learning module to promote gender equality among girls and boys. 

What is the CRIIIO 4 GOOD Initiative?

Launched by: International Cricket Council(ICC), UNICEF and Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI).

Purpose: CRIIIO 4 GOOD is a series of 8 cricket-based animation films to promote gender parity, equip girls with life skills and encourage their participation in sports. 

Available on: The modules can be accessed free of cost on criiio.com/criiio4good in three languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati.

The themes of the eight modules are: leadership, problem-solving, confidence, decision-making, negotiation, empathy, teamwork and goal setting and are visualized through state-of-the-art animation using cricketing examples. 

Significance: The programme uses the power of sports and the popularity of cricket as a medium to empower the girl child and spread awareness about gender equity.

India retains 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “India retains 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2023” published in “PIB” on 28th September 2023.

What is the News?

Global Innovation Index 2023 has been published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.

What is the Global Innovation Index?

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What are the key findings of Innovation Index 2023?

Source: Economic Times

Top Five countries: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Singapore are the world’s most innovative economies in 2023.

India: India has maintained its 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023. In 2015, India stood at the 81st spot and has been rising in the past eight years.

– India ranked first among the 37 lower-middle group of income and first among the 10 economies in Central and South America.

– India holds top rankings in key indicators such as: ICT services exports (5th rank), flow of venture capital (6), graduates in science and engineering (11) and global corporate R&D investors (13).

– The areas where India needs to improve a lot are infrastructure (84th rank), business sophistication (57) and institutions (56).