9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 23 March, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Free Speech Check Unit – Government being judge, jury & executioner
Source – This post on Free Speech Check Unit-Government being judge, jury & executioner has been created based on the article “Express View on SC stay on Fact Check Unit: Judge, jury, executioner” published in “The Indian Express” on 23 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – Indian Constitution – Historical Underpinnings, Evolution and Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
News– The Supreme Court has recently stayed a government notification setting up a Fact Checking Unit (FCU).
Context– Government of India has notified the PIB’s Fact-Check Unit (PIB-FCU) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) as the fact check unit of the Central Government.
What is Fact-check unit?
Establishment-It was established under the Press Information Bureau in November 2019.
Objective-To act as a deterrence to creators and disseminators of fake news and misinformation.
What are the issues with setting up of fact-check Unit by the Government of India?
1) Violative of freedom of speech and expression– There are concerns that PIB’s fact-check unit and its power to censor content may have a chilling effect on free speech and expression provided under Art 19(1)(a). Democratic politics is an open contestation of ideas and personalities.
2) Suppressing dissent- It is not required to provide written orders detailing its reasoning for taking certain actions. This provision can be used to suppress inconvenient journalism, dissent and disagreement.
3) Violation of separation of power- As it plays the role of judge, jury and executioner, it usurps the role of the courts in dealing with fake news. This is violative of the principle of separation of power.
4) Ambiguity on definitions– There is lack of a clear definition of what types of information qualify as ‘fake or false or misleading ‘. This lack of clarity creates ambiguity and can lead to arbitrary censorship by the government.
Read more- PIB’s Fact-Check Unit
Question for practice
How can Fact Checking Unit suppress freedom of speech and expression?
Two wars and the consequences for America’s standing
Source-This post has been created based on the article “Two wars, the consequences for America’s standing” published in “The Hindu” on 22 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 2 – International relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests
Context – United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded a new government in Israel in the wake of rising civilian tolls in Israel Ghaza war. This was equivalent of a political earthquake hitting U.S.-Israel ties that are becoming increasingly fragile.
What is the role played by USA in The Israel-Hamas and the Ukraine wars?
1) Ukraine war–
A) The U.S.A. has provided $75 billion in military and civil aid to Ukraine since February 2022. This aid has been used in weapons purchases, keeping the government functional and its humanitarian requirements.
B) USA is providing substantial intelligence support to Ukraine in the form of real-time information on Russian deployments.
2) Israel-Ghaza war– It is perhaps, the only major country supporting Israel.Further,a substantial aid for Ukraine has been diverted for Israeli use by the Americans last October.
Read more- Ramification of regime change in USA for India
What will be the impact of U.S. election-year politics on both these wars?
1) Current government retaining the power– The trajectory of the Biden policy and its shape is known. However, great political and demographic changes are taking place in the manner with which the U.S. views the world. For example- younger Americans are less positively inclined to Israel than the older ones. As per YouGov poll, more people between the ages of 18 to 29 empathized with Palestinians than with Israelis. Thus, there will be cloud of uncertainty.
2) Victory of Donald trump–
A) Ukraine War – This would definitely affect U.S. policy towards Ukraine. He has already stated the USA would suspend military aid to Ukraine and his government would try to quickly negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
2) Israel-Ghaza war- As for is Israel is concerned, his government will remain a strong supporter. It is important to know that it was his government that has recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital in the place of Tel Aviv.
So,it is possible that his government may not criticize Israeli government for human rights violation in Ghaza.
These policies may undermine the role of the U.S. as a guarantor of European security. Its unreliability will also affect its alliance relationships in the Indo-Pacific — with South Korea, Japan and the Philippines, and its growing partnership with India.
Question for practice
What will be the impact of USA’s domestic politics in two major wars?
GS PAPER - 3
Time for digital “nakabandi”
Source-This post on Time for digital “nakabandi” has been created based on the article “ Nakabandi safeguard needed for Digital India” published in “The Hindustan Times” on 23 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3-, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Context– CERT-In, along with CSIRT-Fin, has recently issued a whitepaper on Application Programming Inter- face (API) security. This should give a boost to digital nakabandi. It is the tactical term for access control and area domination by law enforcement authorities. This is particularly important in the backdrop of rising guerilla tactics employed by hackers and cyber-prowlers
What is an API?
APIs are mechanisms that enable two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. For example, the weather bureau’s software system contains daily weather data. The weather app on your phone “talks” to this system via APIs and shows you daily weather updates on your phone.
What is the significance Of API for digital economy?
India is pacing towards a largely digital economy in which API is the mainstay of the sharing mechanism. It facilitates seamless data exchange between applications. It empowers banks to enhance customer experience and create revenue streams.
Read more- Cyber attacks and Cyber Security in India
What are the steps taken by the government to promote data sharing?
1) The government’s e-governance initiatives like the Open Government Data (OGD) platform have over 5 lakh resources, 12,000 catalogues and over 1 lakh APIs.
2) The government has launched a Policy on Open Application Programming Interfaces that sets out the government’s approach to the use of Open APIs to promote software interoperability for all e-governance applications.
3) The National Data and Analytics Platform (or NDAP) is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative that hosts datasets from across India’s vast statistical infrastructure.
What are the issues with data sharing in India?
1) There is no model data-sharing toolkit that could help chief data officers to manage risk associated with the sharing and release of data sets. Consequently, many data cells are reluctant to share data sets.
2) The source code is not hidden from partners while linking various systems.
What are some norms for API security?
There is use of token-based authentication to securely manage access tokens, securely managing and storing API keys.
There are security assessments, and regular updating of response plans to address and mitigate the impact of potential API attacks.
What are the issues with traditional norms for API security?
1) A person can access an API any number of times from one IP or ID. Therefore, many data breaches use this route of data aggregation through excessive exposure and then misusing it.
2) There is no search limit for sensitive or resource-intensive data
3)There is no restriction on the number of requests from a single user or IP address to prevent attacks.
What should be the way forward?
1) Digital nakabandi– The digital nakabandi must include implementing rate-limiting to distribute the allowed number of search requests evenly over time and tying request limits to user authentication.In the case of sensitive or resource-intensive data, there is a need to set lower request limits.
2) Leveraging Artificial Intelligence- Organizations should leverage machine learning to analyze unique user behaviors. Analyzing the typical search behavior of one’s users, with AI-based models, is very important.
Question for practice
Highlight the problems with existing API security norms. How can digital nakabandi address this?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Section 153A of the IPC
Source-This post on Section 153A of the IPC is based on the article “‘No S.153A IPC Offence Without Presence Of Two Or More Communities’ : Supreme Court Quashes Case Against Journalist” published in “Live law” on 21st March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court clarified that for an act to be considered an offense under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, it must cause animosity and discord between two or more groups or communities. Section 153A of the IPC
What is Section 153A of the IPC?
![Section 153A of the IPC](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Section-153A-of-the-IPC-300x168.png)
1. About– Section 153A of the IPC aims to penalize individuals who promote hostility between different groups based on factors like religion, caste, race, place of birth or residence, or language.
2. Accountability– The provision holds accountable those who
a. Spread hate through words (spoken or written), images, or signs to stir up discord, animosity, or unrest among people of different groups, religions, castes, or communities.
b. Spread disharmony and disturb the public tranquility of the people belonging to different racial and religious groups.
c. Assist in arranging activities that promote and train participants to use criminal force and violence against people of different racial and religious backgrounds.
d. This section also includes offenses involving moral wrongdoing.
3. Punishment:
a. The offense is cognizable offense and can lead to up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
b. If the offense happens in a place of worship, the punishment can increase to five years in prison and a fine.
c. Additionally, under Section 153A, the offense is non-bailable, and the accused is tried by a first-class magistrate.
Note– A cognizable offense allows a police officer to investigate and make an arrest without needing a magistrate’s order or a warrant.
4. Low conviction rate issue- According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the conviction rate for Section 153A is notably low.
5. Safeguards against misuse:
a. Sections 153A and 153B need government approval before starting prosecution. This approval is necessary before the trial, not during the initial investigation.
b. To limit arbitrary arrests, the Supreme Court set guidelines in 2014 in the case of Arnesh Kumar v State of Bihar.
c. According to these guidelines, for crimes with sentences less than seven years, the police cannot arrest someone automatically before investigating.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Bills and Acts)
IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024
Source-This post on IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024 is based on the article “India – Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024 ” published in “PIB” on 21st March 2024.
Why in the News?
INS Tir and INS Sujata are set to join the upcoming India-Mozambique-Tanzania (IMT) Trilateral (TRILAT) Exercise 2024.
What is IMT Trilateral Exercise 2024?
![IMT Trilateral Exercise- 2024](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMT-Trilateral-Exercise-2024-300x183.png)
Aspect | Details |
About | It is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24 among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzania navies. |
Objectives | 1. Capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practices. 2. Enhancing interoperability. 3. Strengthening maritime cooperation. |
First Edition | The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22. |
Phases | The current exercise is divided into two phases 1. Harbour Phase: a. During the harbor phase from March 21st to March 24th, 2024, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will interact with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique). b. This phase will start with a Planning Conference, followed by joint harbor training activities such as Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation, and Diving operations. 2. Sea Phase: a. The sea phase of the exercise focuses on practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, maneuvers, and firing exercises. b. Additionally, a joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance is planned during this phase. |
UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
Pushpak- Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 landing experiment
Source-This post on Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 landing experiment is based on the article “ISRO successfully conducts ‘Pushpak’ Reusable Landing Vehicle landing experiment“ published in “The Hindu” on 22nd March 2024.
Why in the News?
![Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV)](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pushpak-Reusable-Landing-Vehicle-RLV-300x168.png)
ISRO has successfully tested the Pushpak Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
About Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02
This test, the second one in the sequence after RLV-LEX-01, showcased the autonomous landing capability of the RLV, known as Pushpak.
Reusable Landing Vehicle (RLV)
1. The RLV is conceptualized as a space plane with a low lift-to-drag ratio, requiring an approach at high glide angles that necessitates landing at high velocities of 350 km/h. 2. This design allows it to transport payloads to low Earth orbits and return to Earth for future use. 3. It uses various indigenous systems, including localized navigation based on pseudolite technology, along with instrumentation and sensor systems developed by ISRO. Note- The Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) Programme is designed as a sequence of technology demonstration missions aimed at achieving a fully reusable Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) vehicle. Read more– Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) |
What was the method used for the experiment?
1. Challenging autonomous landing– The RLV LEX-02 mission showcased the autonomous landing ability of the reusable launch vehicle, named Pushpak, under challenging conditions after being released from a Chinook helicopter at 4.5 km altitude.
2. Automatic control adjustments– It approached the runway autonomously, making adjustments as needed, and landed precisely using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system.
3. RLV-LEX-01 System reuse– All flight systems from RLV-LEX-01 were reused in this mission after receiving necessary certifications.
4. Agencies involved– The mission was carried out by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC), and ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU).
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Usha Mehta-Indian Freedom Fighter
Source-This post on Usha Mehta-Indian freedom fighter is based on the article “Ae Watan Mere Watan: The story of Usha Mehta and Congress Radio” published in “The Indian Express” on 22nd March 2024.
Why in the News?
The film “Ae Watan Mere Watan,” centered on the life of Indian freedom fighter Usha Mehta, has recently been released.
About Usha Mehta
![Usha Mehta](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Usha-Mehta-275x300.png)
1. Birth– Usha Mehta was born in 1920 in the village of Saras, near Surat in Gujarat.
2. Mahatma Gandhi follower– She followed Gandhi’s principles and was often called Ushaben.
3. Role in Indian Freedom struggle:
a. When she was eight years old in 1928, she joined a protest march against the Simon Commission.
b. On August 14, 1942, she and her associates set up the Secret Congress Radio during the Quit India Movement, which began broadcasting on August 27.
4. Awarded Padma Vibhushan– In 1998, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in the country.
Setting up an underground station
Background– When the World War II began in 1939, the British suspended all amateur radio licenses across their Empire. Operators were required to surrender all equipment to the authorities, facing severe punishment if they didn’t comply.
1. Congress radio station creation– Congress Radio was created during the Quit India Movement to spread the message of Independence, making it one of India’s earliest radio networks. It was used by Gandhiji to promote Independence.
2. Organisers– Usha Mehta, along with Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, and Chandrakant Jhaveri, played vital roles in organizing Congress Radio.
3. End to Congress Radio- To evade detection by the British, they regularly changed transmission locations. The operation was exposed when Nariman Printer was captured; he revealed the location of Congress Radio in exchange for immunity.
4. Congress Radio case:
a. The trial of the five accused— Usha Mehta, Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, Chandrakant Jhaveri, and Nanak Gainchand Motwane (who sold essential equipment to the team)— stirred considerable excitement in Bombay.
b. Vithalbhai and Motwane were cleared of charges, while Mehta, Babubhai, and Chandrakant received harsh sentences.
c. Usha Mehta was freed from Pune’s Yerawada Jail in March 1946 and is celebrated in nationalist media as “Radio-ben“.
Quit India Movement
1. It was also known as the August Movement or Bharat Chodo Andolan, and it was a major act of civil disobedience. 2. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress on August 8, 1942, at Gowalia Tank Maidan, also known as August Kranti Maidan, in Bombay. 3. The “Do or Die” slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi at Bombay’s Gowalia Tank Maidan. |
UPSC Syllabus- History in news
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: Can a Chief Minister Serve While in Jail?
Source-This post on Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: Can a Chief Minister Serve While in Jail? is based on the article “Can Kejriwal continue to be CM while in custody? Lessons from the Senthil Balaji case” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd March 2024.
Why in the News?
![Arvind kejriwal arrested](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Arvind-kejriwal-arrested-300x167.png)
There are inquiries about whether Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal can remain in his position as CM after being remanded in judicial custody.
What does the Constitutional or legal provision say?
No immunity to CM
According to the law, under Article 361, the President of India and governors are immune from civil and criminal proceedings during their term. However, this protection doesn’t extend to prime ministers and chief ministers. |
1. No provision prohibits him from continuing as CM– According to constitutional experts, no constitutional or legal provision exists to prevent him from continuing. According to the rules, he loses his position only–
a. If he loses the majority in the House
b. His party asks him to step down
c. He resigns from the position
2. Conviction required for disqualification– According to section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, conviction is necessary for disqualification. Since Kejriwal hasn’t been convicted, he can legally stay in office. However, governing from prison presents practical challenges.
3. Practical challenges– Practical issues may arise as he would be required to lead Cabinet meetings, consult with colleagues on decisions, and review minutes for approval. However, in jail, he would be subject to the jail manual, which could pose difficulties.
What do the court judgments say?
Manoj Narula versus Union of India– In the case of Manoj Narula versus Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that constitutional morality, good governance, and constitutional trust are fundamental criteria for holding public office.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Bills and Acts)
PM Modi visit to Bhutan: India to double assistance to Bhutan
Source-This post on PM Modi visit to Bhutan: India to double assistance to Bhutan is based on the article “With Bhutan’s Gelephu project in mind, India to double assistance to ₹10,000 crore for next 5 years” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd March 2024.
Why in the News?
During his recent visit to Bhutan, PM Modi announced that India has decided to double Bhutan’s assistance over the next five years. The assistance will increase from ₹5,000 crore in 2019-2024 to ₹10,000 crore for the period till 2029.
What are the key highlights of the Visit?
![PM Modi visit to Bhutan](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/India-to-double-assistance-to-Bhutan-300x169.png)
1. Awarding Bhutan’s top civilian honor– The Bhutanese king conferred PM Modi Bhutan’s top civilian honor, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo.
2. Agreements signed:
a. India and Bhutan signed several MoUs and agreements covering areas like petroleum, trade, digital connectivity, space, and agriculture.
b. The two countries also initiated an agreement for rail links between Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse, as well as waterway navigation on the Brahmaputra.
3. Support on Gelephu Mindfulness City project– PM Modi firmly supported the King’s initiatives, which encompassed Brand Bhutan, Bhutan Believe, and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
About Gelephu Mindfulness City project
1. Nature of the Project: Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned carbon-neutral city in Bhutan, spanning 1,000 square kilometers.
2. Focus Areas: It will concentrate on eco-friendly industries such as IT, education, hotels, and hospitals.
Read more– Gelephu Mindfulness City project |
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
Gulaal Gota: Jaipur’s traditional method for celebrating the Holi festival
Source-This post on Gulaal Gota: Jaipur’s traditional method for celebrating the Holi festival is based on the article “Explained: On Holi, a look at Jaipur’s traditional celebrations with ‘Gulaal Gota’” published in “The Indian Express” on 22nd March 2024.
Why in the News?
As Holi approaches on March 25th this year, Jaipur, Rajasthan will continue its age-old tradition. The celebration involves “Gulaal Gota,” a unique practice dating back around 400 years, which includes throwing colors.
What is a Gulaal Gota?
![Gulaal Gota](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Gulaal-Gota-300x201.png)
A Gulaal Gota is a small ball made of lac, filled with dry gulaal, weighing about 20 grams. People throw these balls at each other during Holi, and they break upon impact.
Method of Making
1. Boiling of Lac in water– Local artisans explain that crafting Gulaal Gotas begins with boiling lac in water to soften it.
2. Mixing of colours– Once the lac is shaped, color is mixed in, starting with red, yellow, and green, which can be combined to create additional colors.
3. Carved in to spherical shape– Once processed, artisans heat the lac and use a blower called “phunkni” to blow it into spherical shapes. Afterward, the balls are filled with gulaal and sealed with lac.
Note– Lac is a resinous substance produced by specific insects and is also utilized in bangle making.
Where does the raw material for Gulaal Gota come from?
1. Lac is sourced from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, where the female scale insect serves as one of the primary sources.
2. According to the Chhattisgarh State Skill Development Authority’s website, approximately 300,000 insects are killed to produce 1 kg of lac resin. The lac insects also provide resin, lac dye, and lac wax.
How did Gulaal Gotas become a tradition in Jaipur?
1. Muslim lac artisans, known as Manihaars, exclusively craft Gulaal Gotas in Jaipur.
2. The ancestors of the Manihaars were shepherds and horse traders from Afghanistan. They settled in Bagru, near Jaipur, and learned lac-making from Hindu lac makers, known as Lakhere.
3. Jaipur, founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, a patron of the arts, has a lane in Tripoliya Bazaar named “Manihaaron ka Raasta” dedicated to the Manihaar community. This lane remains a hub for selling lac bangles, jewelry, and Gulaal Gota to this day.
UPSC Syllabus- History and Art & Culture