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20-January-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

January 20 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

INDIAN CRYPTOGRAPHY RESEARCH AND THE QUANTUM CHALLENGE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Cryptography secures information by converting plain text into unreadable formats, ensuring data protection from unauthorized access. India’s research in cryptography is advancing to address the challenges posed by quantum computing and emerging encryption technologies.

Understanding Cryptography

  • Definition: Cryptography secures data by transforming it into an unreadable format, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized access.
  • Historical Context: Cryptographic methods like Julius Caesar’s cipher and the Enigma system have been used historically to safeguard messages.
  • Types of Cryptography:
    • Symmetric Encryption: A single key is used for both encryption and decryption.
    • Asymmetric Encryption: Uses a pair of keys – public and private – for secure communication.
    • Hash Functions: Converts data into fixed-length codes for data integrity.

Significance of Cryptography

  • Protects sensitive data by solving complex mathematical problems.
  • Ensures security despite advancements in computing power, including quantum computing.
  • Strong cryptographic systems are vital to keep data private and secure from malicious actors.

Challenges in Cryptography

  • Complexity: Cryptography progresses slowly due to its dependence on complex mathematical theories.
  • Indian researchers focus on areas like communication complexity and coding theory to strengthen encryption.
  • Quantum Threats: Quantum computers can break traditional encryption systems, posing significant risks to data security.

Emerging Research in Cryptography

  • Homomorphic Encryption: Enables computations on encrypted data without decryption.
  • Quantum-Resistant Cryptography: Develops encryption methods that can withstand quantum computing threats.
  • Indian Advancements: Progress in quantum communication and secure encryption systems with support from initiatives like the National Quantum Mission.

Future of Cryptography in India

  • Government support for cryptography research is driving advancements in data security and quantum technologies.
  • As data usage increases, particularly in cloud storage, the role of encryption in protecting sensitive information will become increasingly critical.

Conclusion
India’s focus on cryptography and quantum communication positions it to tackle emerging security challenges, ensuring robust protection for sensitive data in the digital age.

Practice Question

  1. Consider the following statements regarding Blockchain technology:
  1. Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that ensures data integrity and security without the need for a central authority.
  2. Blockchain operates by storing data in a series of blocks that are linked together chronologically, making the data immutable once added.
  3. Blockchain technology is primarily used for financial transactions and has no potential applications in sectors like healthcare, supply chain, and governance.
  4. The consensus mechanism in blockchain can include Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and other validation methods that determine how transactions are added to the blockchain.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2, and 4 only
  3. 2 and 4 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: B

Explanation:

  • Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed technology, ensuring data integrity and security without relying on a central authority.
  • Blockchain stores data in a series of blocks, and once data is added, it is immutable, which means it cannot be changed.
  • Blockchain has applications beyond financial transactions, including healthcare, supply chains, and governance.
  • Blockchain uses consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain.

SPIKE IN OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE DEATHS ALONG TAMIL NADU COAST

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent reports reveal that 300-350 Olive Ridley turtles have washed ashore along Tamil Nadu’s coast, raising concerns over marine conservation. These deaths highlight the urgent need for stricter protective measures.

About Olive Ridley Turtles

Physical Traits

  • Named after their olive-colored shell (carapace), these turtles are carnivorous.
  • Known for their mass nesting behavior, called Arribada, where thousands of females nest simultaneously on the same beach.

Habitat

  • Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
  • Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary hosts the world’s largest colony of these turtles.

Protection Status

  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (provides the highest level of protection).
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
  • CITES: Appendix I (prohibits international trade).

Causes Behind the Deaths

  • Bycatch in Fishing Nets: Turtles suffocate when trapped in fishing nets, unable to surface for air. Increased fishing activity near turtle congregations is a significant factor.
  • Post-Mortem Findings: Signs of suffocation, such as lung lesions, bulging eyes, and swollen necks, were observed.

Conservation and Mitigation Measures

Enforcing Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)

  • TEDs allow turtles to escape fishing nets while retaining the fish.
  • Strict enforcement is necessary near nesting areas.

Monitoring Fishing Practices

  • Better regulation of fishing during nesting seasons can minimize turtle deaths.
  • Analysing fish catch trends to identify patterns contributing to turtle mortality.

Public Awareness and Habitat Protection

  • Increased education campaigns can promote community participation in conservation.
  • Strengthened patrols around nesting sites are critical.

Nesting and Conservation Efforts

  • Nesting Behaviour: Females lay 100-110 eggs, which hatch in 45-60 days. Major nesting sites are in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
  • Hatchery Initiatives: Forest departments set up hatcheries to safeguard eggs from predators and human interference. Hatchlings are released into the sea to enhance survival rates.

Operation Olivia

  • Overview: Launched by the Indian Coast Guard in the 1980s to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their breeding and nesting season.
  • Key Activities: Enforces anti-trawling laws and ensures round-the-clock surveillance from November to May. Uses fast patrol vessels, air-cushion crafts, and aircraft for monitoring.

Conclusion

The surge in Olive Ridley turtle deaths calls for immediate conservation efforts, including stricter enforcement of TEDs and fishing regulations. Safeguarding these turtles is vital to maintaining marine biodiversity and ecological balance.

Practice Question:

  1. Consider the following statements regarding the Gahirmata Olive Ridley Sanctuary:
  1. The Gahirmata Olive Ridley Sanctuary is located in the state of Odisha and is known for the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles.
  2. The sanctuary is part of the Chilika Lake ecosystem and plays a critical role in the conservation of marine biodiversity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: A

Explanation:

  • The Gahirmata Olive Ridley Sanctuary is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is a vital area for the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, one of the world’s most endangered turtle species.
  • Every year, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore at Gahirmata Beach to lay their eggs, making it one of the largest nesting sites for these turtles in the world.
  • While the Gahirmata Sanctuary is crucial for the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles, it is not part of the Chilika Lake ecosystem.
  • The sanctuary is located along the Odisha coast, distinct from the Chilika Lake, which is a brackish water lagoon known for its rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and aquatic life.
  • Therefore, the sanctuary’s role is primarily focused on the protection of the turtles rather than marine biodiversity in general.

SVAMITVA SCHEME: EMPOWERING RURAL INDIA

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The SVAMITVA scheme, launched in 2020, provides rural households with property cards, unlocking economic opportunities and improving land management. It combines advanced technology to transform rural livelihoods and strengthen local governance.

About the SVAMITVA Scheme

What is SVAMITVA?

  • Full Form: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
  • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020.
  • Provides legal property records to rural households through property cards.

Key Features

  • Advanced technologies like drones and GIS-based mapping are used to survey rural properties.
  • Helps with financial inclusion, property tax collection, and rural planning.

Benefits of SVAMITVA Property Cards

Financial Access

  • Enables rural families to use property cards as collateral for loans.
  • Facilitates small business growth and economic development.

Land Management

  • Assists in property tax collection, boosting revenue for Gram Panchayats.
  • Improves land market liquidity and reduces land disputes.

Rural Planning

  • Aids in creating accurate land records for better resource management.
  • Helps resolve encroachments and streamline rural governance.

Implementation Process

Steps Involved

  • Collaboration between Survey of India (SoI) and state governments.
  • Use of drones and satellite imaging for precise property mapping.
  • Ground verification ensures accuracy.

Community Participation

  • Awareness programs and conflict resolution are integral to the process.

Progress and Achievements

  • Coverage: Over 3.17 lakh villages surveyed, covering 92% of the target. States like Haryana, Goa, and Uttarakhand have achieved full implementation.
  • Future Goals: Targeting all 6.62 lakh villages by FY 2023-24.

Conclusion

The SVAMITVA scheme has revolutionized rural property management, driving economic growth, enhancing governance, and providing a model for sustainable rural development.

Practice Question:

  1. Consider the following statements regarding the SWAMITVA Scheme:
  1. The SWAMITVA Scheme aims to provide property rights to rural landowners, specifically in urban areas across India.
  2. The scheme involves the use of modern technology like drones to survey and map properties, which helps in creating accurate land records for rural properties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Solution: B

Explanation:

  • The SWAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme does not target urban areas; it is aimed specifically at rural areas. Its main goal is to provide property rights to rural landowners by mapping properties in rural regions. It involves surveying and issuing property titles in rural areas, not urban areas.
  • The SWAMITVA Scheme utilizes modern technology such as drones and Geographic Information System (GIS) to survey and map properties in rural areas. The accurate data collected helps in the creation of property records, which can provide landowners with clear titles and encourage land transactions.

ANNUAL PARLIAMENTARY CALENDAR: A CALL FOR REFORM

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien has highlighted the need for a structured annual calendar with at least 100 Parliament sittings to improve legislative efficiency. This proposal aims to address issues caused by short-notice sessions and enhance transparency and accountability.

Issues with Short-Notice Parliamentary Sessions

Limited Preparation Time

  • Sudden session announcements leave lawmakers with insufficient time to prepare for critical debates and legislative scrutiny.
  • This hampers the quality of deliberations and the effectiveness of legislative processes.

Weakened Accountability

  • Inadequate time for debates reduces Parliament’s ability to hold the government accountable.
  • National issues often receive rushed attention, limiting detailed discussions and evaluations.

Impact on MPs’ Efficiency

  • Unpredictable schedules disrupt Members of Parliament (MPs) from balancing legislative duties with constituency responsibilities.
  • Insufficient preparation time affects MPs’ ability to represent the public effectively.

Public Perception and Trust

  • Sudden scheduling raises doubts about transparency in legislative processes.
  • A lack of predictability in parliamentary functioning can erode public confidence in governance.

Legislative Chaos

  • The absence of an annual calendar results in poorly organized sessions, where critical national issues may not receive adequate attention.
  • Lack of structured planning leads to disorganized debates and legislative delays.

Proposed Solutions: Structured Parliamentary Calendar

Establishing an Annual Calendar

  • Publishing a year-long schedule for Parliament would help members and other stakeholders plan effectively.
  • The calendar could outline proposed session dates, key legislative topics, and anticipated discussions.

Mandating Minimum Sittings

  • A minimum of 100 parliamentary sittings annually would ensure adequate time for comprehensive debates and legislative work.
  • This would also improve accountability and allow for more effective scrutiny of government actions.

Enhanced Session Planning

  • Properly spaced sessions would give MPs sufficient time to prepare and engage in constituency-related activities.
  • A structured approach would promote in-depth and meaningful deliberations.

Conclusion

A well-planned annual parliamentary calendar can improve legislative productivity, foster greater transparency, and ensure better representation of public concerns. This reform would make Parliament more efficient and accountable to the citizens it serves.

ABETMENT OF SUICIDE CASES: SUPREME COURT’S PERSPECTIVE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court has called for careful handling of abetment of suicide cases under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It emphasized preventing misuse of the law and ensuring cases meet the required legal standards before prosecution.

Key Points About Section 306 of IPC

  • Definition: Section 306 IPC deals with the abetment of suicide. It criminalizes acts that instigate, conspire, or intentionally aid a person to commit suicide.
  • Punishment: Conviction under this section may lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine.
  • Updates in Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Similar provisions are included under Section 108 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Supreme Court’s Observations

  • Sensitization of Investigators and Judges: Investigating agencies and courts must ensure cases meet the legal threshold. Misuse of the provision to satisfy emotional demands should be avoided.
  • Evidence-Based Approach: Only cases with concrete evidence of abetment should proceed to trial. Courts must evaluate charges with caution and not frame them mechanically.
  • Judgment in the Bank Manager Case: The Supreme Court dismissed charges against a bank manager accused of abetment, citing a lack of direct evidence. It stressed that mere allegations or minor disputes cannot constitute abetment.

Challenges in Proving Abetment

  • Higher Proof Standards: Prosecution requires clear evidence of instigation, conspiracy, or actions leaving no alternative but suicide. Indirect or vague accusations are insufficient for conviction.
  • Conviction Rates: Conviction for abetment of suicide remains low, at 17.5% in 2022.
  • Workplace Cases: In cases like M Mohan v State (2011) and Ude Singh v State of Haryana (2019), the Court emphasized the need for direct evidence in workplace-related incidents.

STATISTICS ON SUICIDE IN INDIA

  • General Trends: Student suicides have increased by 4% annually, compared to a 2% rise in overall suicide rates.
  • Gender Disparity: Male students accounted for 53% of student suicides in 2022. While male suicides decreased by 6% from 2021, female suicides rose by 7%.
  • State-Wise Data: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest student suicide cases, contributing to one-third of the national total.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s guidance underlines the need for balanced application of Section 306 IPC. While protecting genuine victims, it is essential to avoid unwarranted prosecutions. Proper sensitization of investigating officers and courts is critical to ensure justice.

WATER HYACINTH THREATENS FISHERMEN’S LIVELIHOODS IN KENYA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

The invasive water hyacinth in Kenya’s Lake Naivasha has severely impacted fish populations, endangering the livelihoods of fishermen. However, innovative approaches, like turning the plant into eco-friendly products, provide a ray of hope.

About Water Hyacinth

Origin and Features

  • Native to the Amazon Basin in South America.
  • Floats on water, with glossy green leaves and purple flowers.

Spread

  • Grows rapidly, forming thick mats that obstruct sunlight and harm aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental Impact

  • Depletes oxygen levels, harming fish and other aquatic life.
  • Reduces water quality, disrupting the lake’s ecosystem.

Economic Consequences

  • Blocks waterways, hindering fishing, transport, and agriculture.
  • Causes significant losses in sectors like tourism and fishing.

Control Strategies

  • Mechanical: Physical removal of the plant.
  • Biological: Introduction of insects that feed on the hyacinth.
  • Chemical: Use of herbicides to limit its spread.

Lake Naivasha and Its Struggles

  • A major freshwater lake in Kenya. Invasive water hyacinth has plagued the lake for over a decade.
  • Impact on Fishermen: Fish catch has dropped from 90 kg to 10-15 kg per day. Many fishermen face economic hardships due to reduced fish populations.
  • Economic Losses: Fishing, transport, and tourism industries have suffered greatly.

Innovative Solution by HyaPak

Eco-Friendly Initiative

  • HyaPak collaborates with fishermen to harvest the invasive plant.
  • The plant is converted into biodegradable packaging, benefiting both the environment and livelihoods.

Conclusion

Water hyacinth poses serious challenges to Lake Naivasha’s ecosystem and economy. Collaborative solutions like HyaPak’s initiative demonstrate how innovation can address environmental and livelihood issues simultaneously.

COMBATING SPAM: TRAI AND GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGTY: THE HINDU

To tackle the rising issue of spam calls and messages, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the government have implemented several measures, including advanced technologies like blockchain and reporting mechanisms, to ensure consumer protection and reduce unsolicited communications.

TRAI’s Role in Fighting Spam

  • TRAI regulates spam, officially known as Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).
  • Introduced the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) registry in 2007, allowing users to block commercial calls and messages.
  • Created a DND app for registering preferences and filing complaints. Mandated telecom providers to integrate DND reporting in their apps by 2024 for user convenience.

Penalties for Violations

  • Telemarketers violating DND preferences face warnings and potential blacklisting under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), 2018.

Role of Blockchain in Fighting Spam

  • Telcos use a blockchain-based distributed ledger to maintain a secure, tamper-proof list of approved SMS senders and message formats.
  • Messages must follow predefined templates and be sent from authenticated sender IDs.
  • Regulations were tightened in 2024 to enhance traceability, ensuring every message is linked to its sender.

Blockchain’s immutability ensures accurate and reliable records, preventing fraudulent registrations.

Effectiveness of Measures

  • Positive Impact: Spam from legitimate businesses has reduced for DND-registered users. Increased accountability in commercial messaging.
  • Persistent Challenges: Spam evolves constantly, including fraudulent calls and international scams using disposable numbers or VoIP services. Financial scams and phishing remain major concerns.

Other Government Steps Against Spam

  • Sanchar Saathi Portal: Includes tools like Chakshu to report fraudulent calls and messages. Partnered with law enforcement and banks to identify and deactivate unauthorized numbers.
  • Telecom Security Operation Centre: Monitors suspicious internet traffic in real-time to detect spam and scams.
  • AI-Based Solutions: Telecom providers like Airtel label suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam” and mark international calls for user awareness.

Conclusion

The combined efforts of TRAI, the government, and telecom providers are addressing the spam issue, though evolving techniques by scammers highlight the need for continuous advancements in enforcement and technology.

RISE OF RADICAL GOVERNMENTS AND DEMOCRACY’S HOPE

TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU

Recent global events highlight a concerning trend where radical groups seizing power often gain international acceptance. This trend is evident in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, and Bangladesh, raising questions about the future of democracy and its challenges.

Afghanistan: Taliban’s Resurgence

Taliban’s Return to Power

  • Taliban captured Afghanistan on August 15, 2021.
  • Following this, the U.S. and allies chose engagement despite the Taliban’s controversial past.

Global Response

  • Western nations rationalized their approach as necessary to curb terrorism and protect rights, though democracy was sidelined.
  • India ensured critical UNSC resolutions addressed terrorism concerns, especially those involving Pakistani-backed groups.
  • Outcome: Despite initial hopes, the Taliban reverted to oppressive measures, restricting women’s rights and suppressing minorities.

Syria: A New Radical Leadership

Power Seizure by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS)

  • In 2024, HTS, led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
  • HTS’s radical roots trace back to al Qaeda, with its inclusion in global terror lists.

Western Alignment

  • The U.S. removed al-Jolani’s bounty, mirroring its approach to the Taliban.
  • This signals a global shift towards legitimizing groups once they secure power.

Bangladesh: Revival of Extremism

Political Turmoil

  • An interim military government led by Muhammad Yunus took control in 2024 amid public unrest.
  • Radical groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Ansarullah Bangla Team, gained influence.

Threat to Stability

  • Attacks on minorities and anti-India rhetoric are being used to fuel extremist ideologies.
  • Release of imprisoned radicals has exacerbated the situation.

India’s Role

  • India’s close ties with the Sheikh Hasina-led government helped curb extremism for 16 years.
  • The current instability poses challenges to India’s security and regional cooperation.

Broader Implications

Religiophobia and Polarization

  • India highlighted rising hate crimes against Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists at the UN.
  • Viewing these developments through a purely religious lens risks deepening divisions.

Democracy’s Resilience

  • The 2008 democratic revival in Bangladesh shows that people value democracy.
  • Preventing these coups from becoming religiously radicalized is essential for regional stability.

Conclusion

Global acceptance of radical governments undermines democratic values and security. A balanced approach, emphasizing democratic resilience and regional cooperation, is crucial to counter these trends.

Details

Date:
January 20
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7:00 am - 11:30 pm
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