1. Ukraine, Gaza are our Kurukshetra now READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

1. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE
2. Late to action, lots to do READ MORE
3. Climate Change: Is White Hydrogen the New Saviour? READ MORE

1. The world is getting older. Can India cope? READ MORE
2. Rescuing children from the clutches of mobile phones READ MORE

1. Action and authority: On Governors and implementation of decisions by elected regimes READ MORE
2. On government fact-checking units: A government panel to check facts is liable to be misused against critics READ MORE
3. On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information READ MORE
4. State regulation of film reviews is a risky business READ MORE
5. Governors need to rise above politics READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Atal Innovation Mission Opens Application for School Innovation Challenge ATL Marathon 2023-24 READ MORE
2. Delhi’s air quality worsens to ‘severe plus’ category; Centre defers stricter curbs, says AQI in region showing declining trend READ MORE
3. Seven years after it was first announced, India to open new consulate in Seattle READ MORE
4. Operation Cactus: When India prevented a coup in Maldives READ MORE
5. Farm fires and weather behind choke; respite likely in 4 days READ MORE
6. UN sounds warning on climate change health threat READ MORE
7. Work starts on shaping first national security strategy, long wait ends READ MORE
8. Asteroid Dinkinesh is actually two space rocks, finds NASA’s Lucy mission READ MORE
9. New Report Calls for GST Slab Rationalisation Amid High State Revenue Deficits, Subsidy Expenditures READ MORE
10. No legal identity for a billion people globally, says UN body READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. The world is getting older. Can India cope? READ MORE
2. Rescuing children from the clutches of mobile phones READ MORE
3. El Nino may be drying out the southern hemisphere — here’s how that affects the whole planet READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Action and authority: On Governors and implementation of decisions by elected regimes READ MORE
2. On government fact-checking units: A government panel to check facts is liable to be misused against critics READ MORE
3. On electoral bonds, Supreme Court must uphold Right to Information READ MORE
4. State regulation of film reviews is a risky business READ MORE
5. Governors need to rise above politics READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Widening welfare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India-US dialogue: No irritant should be allowed to affect ties READ MORE
2. US-China Dichotomy: Quietude of the Western Left READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s labour scene is changing READ MORE
2. Create an ecosystem where all can participate in economic growth READ MORE
3. Traditional vs digital bank: Survival of the fittest READ MORE
4. The Evolving Energy Scenario READ MORE
5. Youth Employment in India: Dimensions and Challenges READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Late to action, lots to do READ MORE
2. Climate Change: Is White Hydrogen the New Saviour? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and the issue of human-centricity in copyright law READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Malware malice: On the Apple cyberattack alert READ MORE
2. India’s Need for a National Security Strategy Cannot Be Ignored READ MORE
3. Is it Time to Call India a Digital Dystopia? READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Farm fires rage on: Stakeholders not doing enough to curb menace READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Ukraine, Gaza are our Kurukshetra now READ MORE
2. Humanity, not identity, defines morality READ MORE
3. All it takes: 1% god’s grace READ MORE
4. Entrepreneurship mirrors essence of dharma READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Only virtues and standards of universal morality are applicable to clashing groups of inimical belief systems in times of distrust. And all-encompassing humanity is the sole criterion for drafting such standards of universal morality. Comment.
2. It is humanity, not identity, that defines morality. Comment.
3. Though Article 200 does not lay down a specific timeframe to give assent to the bill, but a constitutional authority should not circumvent a provision of the Constitution by taking advantage of an omission. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.
4. Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.
• By investing in cutting-edge technology and streamlining their operations, traditional banks can upgrade conventional banking to bring it at par with the digital banking.
• While the digital age offers learning and entertainment opportunities, it’s vital to safeguard our children from over indulging in it.
• Entrepreneurs who prioritise ethics, honesty, and integrity in their business dealings create a foundation of trust with customers, partners, and employees.
• A major issue is how social security can be effectively financed. There are three models to finance SS: contributory scheme, non-contributory scheme and a combination of both.
• Governments must urgently push greater awareness about the Good Samaritan Law.
• It is important to know which model of financing is more appropriate. International evidence suggests that SS coverage can be extended to all by increasing contributory coverage and non-contributory schemes by increasing tax revenue.
• Dharma encompasses not only moral and ethical duties but also one’s responsibility towards society and the greater good.
• Despite surging demand and larger carbon emissions, India can reduce its dependence on energy imports.
• A dignified life for the elderly population needs an urgent cultural, political and policy reimagination.
• The stance of the Western Left vis-à-vis Western imperialism is causing a shift of the entire political centre of gravity to the Right.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

50-WORD TALK

• CJI Chandrachud’s ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ anguish over adjournment requests in the Supreme Court is valid. But as masters of their own court, judges should put an end to the growing trend and impose costs if such appeals are made on flimsy grounds. Lawyers must contribute to vitality of the judiciary.
• Xi Jinping wants Chinese women to focus on marriage and having babies. This desperate move to address a shrinking population is nothing but regressive. When India is making efforts to bring more women into the workforce, China’s slide back toward the middle ages is a knockout punch to gender equality.
• Governments of Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala having to move Supreme Court to get governors to clear bills is another sign of politicisation of Raj Bhawans. Governors in many non-BJP-ruled states are making a mockery of democracy by obstructing elected governments’ functioning. SC must step in to check gubernatorial hyperdrive.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

The Context: Facial recognition technology (FRT) is rapidly developing and gaining widespread use in recent years. Its ability to identify individuals has been used in various fields, from law enforcement (Policing in Jaipur) and security (DigiYatra App at the airports) to marketing and social media. While the technology has the potential to revolutionize these fields, there are also concerns about its impact on privacy and human rights. This article analyses the ethical dilemmas involved from the UPSC perspective.

Mass surveillance: Mass surveillance refers to the widespread or large-scale spying or monitoring of vast groups of people, often carried out by governmental agencies, but also by corporations, especially in the context of collecting and storing large amounts of personal data. This surveillance can be executed through various means, including but not limited to:

• CCTV Cameras: Positioned in public areas to monitor movements and activities. These can be used in public spaces such as restaurants, metro rails, music festival or protest gatherings etc.
• Digital Communication Monitoring: Intercepting emails, text messages, and other forms of digital communication; for instance, Internet Surveillance (Tracking online activities, including browsing habits, search histories, and social media interactions), phone tapping etc.
• Drones and Aerial Surveillance: Using drones to monitor areas and track movements from the air.
• Biometric Surveillance: Using facial recognition, fingerprinting, and other biometric techniques to identify individuals.

SURVEILLANCE STATE AND ORWELLIAN STATE

A surveillance state refers to a government that engages in extensive monitoring of its citizens. In such a system, authorities use technology, laws, and other mechanisms to keep track of the activities, communications, and movements of individuals, often in the name of national security or public order. The surveillance might involve CCTV cameras, phone tapping, internet activity tracking, etc.

While surveillance states justify these actions as necessary for crime prevention and national defense, critics argue that they infringe upon individual privacy rights, curb freedoms, and can lead to an environment where citizens feel constantly watched and controlled.

An “Orwellian state” is derived from George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984,” depicting a totalitarian regime characterized by pervasive governmental surveillance, public manipulation, and oppression. In such a society, the government exercises control over every facet of public and private life.

Citizens are constantly monitored, history is rewritten to suit the state’s narrative, and independent thought is suppressed and deemed criminal.

This term, in modern discourse, is used to describe any state action reminiscent of the novel’s oppressive practices, particularly those involving surveillance, misinformation, and suppression of dissent.

A “surveillance state” and an “Orwellian state” share overlapping features, but they are not synonymous. A surveillance state primarily refers to a government or regime that engages in extensive monitoring and data collection of its citizens. The motives can vary from ensuring national security to maintaining political power, or both. While an Orwellian state, on the other hand, is broader in its oppressive measures. Though pervasive surveillance is a key feature, an Orwellian regime also encompasses information and history manipulation suppression of dissent and independent thought propaganda dissemination to control and shape public perception.

INSTANCES WHICH MADE THE WORLD AWARE OF THE MASS SURVEILLANCE IN PRESENT TIMES

In 2013, computer expert and former CIA systems administrator, Edward Snowden released confidential government documents to the press about the existence of government surveillance programs. Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to act. He gave a justification for his whistle blowing by stating that he had a duty to inform the public.

Since then the society as well as the technology has evolved and the potential use/misuse of the technology have become more concerning.

1. In the USA, the primary concern around facial recognition technology is the infringement on individual privacy. While there are legitimate uses for the technology, such as in locating missing persons or identifying suspects in criminal cases, critics argue that its widespread use can turn public spaces into zones of constant surveillance. There is also the issue of racial bias; studies have shown that some facial recognition systems misidentify people of color at higher rates than white individuals, leading to fears of racial profiling, wrongful arrest and other such ills.

2. In China, facial recognition technology is ubiquitous and considered a norm in society. Cameras are placed in public places, schools, and even residential areas, with the stated aim of maintaining public safety. However, this widespread deployment has serious ethical implications concerning privacy and state control.

      There is little public debate on its ethical use, largely because dissent is not well-tolerated. In regions like Xinjiang, there are reports that facial recognition technology has been used as part of a broader state surveillance apparatus to monitor and control the Uighur Muslim minority, raising human rights concerns.

3. The United Kingdom has one of the highest numbers of surveillance cameras per capita in the world. While there are regulations governing their use, including a “Data Protection Act”, concerns about public surveillance remain. Police in London and Wales have conducted trials using facial recognition cameras in public spaces to identify individuals wanted for serious crimes.

RECENT INSTANCES IN INDIA GIVING RISE TO APPREHENSIONS

1. Most recently in September 2023, the Jaipur city police have adopted Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to monitor potential miscreants.

2. Manipur Chief Minister launched facial recognition system for Inner Line Permits in May 2023.

3. In December 2022, the government launched the app ‘DigiYatra’ which envisages that travelers pass through various checkpoints at the airport through paperless and contactless processing, using facial features to establish their identity.

4. In March 2020, the union Home Minister, Amit Shah, told the Rajya Sabha that the Delhi Police had used facial-recognition technology to identify nearly two thousand individuals as instigators of violence in the aftermath of Delhi riots. Interestingly even as there is no legal framework to regulate the use of the tool in the country, the infrastructure is already in place.

5. In 2021, the Pegasus Project, an international investigative journalism effort, revealed that various governments used the software to spy on government officials, opposition politicians, journalists, activists and many others. Such spywares not only infringes the individual rights but also raises the concerns of the legitimacy of the government of the day.

6. In Telangana, there are numerous facial recognition datasets that are being integrated into a “smart governance program,” called Samagram, which gives the state government a full picture of every resident’s life, including their employment status and other personal information. The goal isn’t only to track down criminals, but to build up a ‘360 degree view’ of every single person. This goes against the individual privacy.

PRIMARY ARGUMENTS FOR BOTH THE SIDES

In Favor of Individual Privacy

• Right to Privacy is considered a fundamental human right in many societies and is often enshrined in constitutions and human rights declarations. It’s integral to personal liberty and dignity.
• Potential for Abuse: Concentrating surveillance powers can lead to misuse. History is replete with examples where governments abused their surveillance capabilities to suppress dissent, control populations, or persecute minorities.
• Chilling Effect: Widespread surveillance can deter people from expressing themselves freely, associating with others, or participating in political activities, leading to a stifled society.
• Data Security Concerns: Accumulating vast amounts of personal data poses a risk if there are breaches, potentially exposing individuals to harm.

In Favor of Public Safety

• Protecting the public interest: The primary role of the state is to protect its citizens. If surveillance or data collection can prevent terror attacks, reduce crime, or generally ensure public safety, it might be deemed a necessary compromise.
• Changing Nature of Threats: The global rise in terrorism, cyber threats, and sophisticated crime networks necessitates advanced surveillance and data collection to protect nations and their citizens.
• Consent and Social Contracts: By being part of a society and enjoying its benefits, individuals implicitly agree to certain compromises on personal freedoms for the greater good.
• Transparency and Oversight: Proponents argue that as long as there’s rigorous oversight, judicial checks, and transparency in surveillance operations, the rights of citizens remain protected.
• Technological Evolution: As technology becomes an integral part of life, there’s an inherent reduction in privacy. Public spaces, online platforms, and commercial entities all engage in some form of data collection, making state-led efforts not significantly different.

Thinkers Perspective:

The debate between individual privacy and public safety has been a central theme in democracies around the world, especially with the rise of digital technologies and counter-terrorism measures. Though the tug-of-war between individual privacy and public safety isn’t new; it’s been a subject of contemplation for many political thinkers throughout history.

Kautilya’s views were deeply rooted in the welfare of the state and its people, and his thoughts can provide insights into the balancing act between individual rights and public safety. For Kautilya, the state’s stability and security were paramount. He believed that an orderly and prosperous state would naturally ensure the well-being of its people. While Kautilya did not discuss “individual rights” in the manner of contemporary Western philosophy, his focus on state welfare, rule of law, and individual duties indirectly touched upon the balance between public safety and individual well-being.

Thomas Hobbes, in his work “Leviathan,” opined that individuals cede some rights to a central authority (or a ‘sovereign’) to gain protection and maintain social order, which can be construed as an endorsement of state surveillance for safety.

On the other hand, John Locke, the 17th-century philosopher, argued that individuals have natural rights, like the right to “life, liberty, and property.” He contended that governments are formed to protect these rights, suggesting a boundary to governmental intrusion.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in his writings hint at concepts related to individual freedom. Rousseau emphasized the “state of nature” where individuals were free and independent, suggesting a form of inherent personal autonomy and space. In his “Social Contract”, while he advocated for the collective “general will” as a guiding principle of governance, he also delineated the transition from natural freedom to civil freedom, emphasizing the sanctity of individual rights within a societal framework. Thus, Rousseau’s ideas indirectly promote the importance of personal space and autonomy, concepts intrinsic to contemporary notions of individual privacy.

John Stuart Mill’s “On Liberty” staunchly champions individual freedom. Central to his argument is the “harm principle,” positing that one’s liberty should only be restricted to prevent harm to others. Mill asserted that absolute freedom of thought and expression is vital for intellectual and societal advancement, even seeing value in false opinions as they sharpen the truth through refutation. He warned against the “tyranny of the majority,” wherein societal norms could oppress individual’s as much as governmental laws. For Mill, individual autonomy was essential, not just as a right, but as a pathway to personal development and societal progress.

The Analysis:

In present times the tension between individual privacy and public safety is a pivotal debate in modern democracies. Many argue that unchecked surveillance can deter free expression and association, leading to a society where individuals constantly self-censor. There’s also the looming danger of state misuse of surveillance capabilities, historically evidenced by regimes that suppressed dissent or targeted minorities. Furthermore, the technological accumulation of personal data heightens risks of data breaches and misidentifications.

On the other side, proponents of public safety argue that the state’s primary responsibility is to protect its citizens. In a world grappling with global terrorism, cyber threats, and intricate crime networks, enhanced surveillance and data collection become indispensable tools. They contend that with robust oversight, transparency, and legal checks, it is difficult to ensure public safety without trampling on individual rights.

In this debate, balancing Locke’s emphasis on individual rights with Hobbes’s stress on collective security gives rise to ethical dilemmas, even more so in our technologically advanced age. A balanced approach requires ongoing dialogue, transparent governance, and a commitment to upholding democratic values.

The Way Forward:

• Public surveillance undoubtedly entails substantial human rights risks and can substantially undermine the right to privacy. It is thus essential that States resorting to the use of public surveillance assess the potential human rights impacts of their actions and strictly ensure compliance with international human rights law.
• Despite the far-reaching impacts of the various forms of public surveillance, adequate applicable legal frameworks are largely missing in many countries. Data protection laws are often missing, inadequate or make broad exceptions for law enforcement and intelligence services. Laws and regulations need to have clearly determined and strict limitations on the access and merging of government databases.
• General monitoring of people in public spaces is almost invariably disproportionate. Surveillance measures in public spaces should be targeted and should address a concrete legitimate aim.
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implemented by the European Union in 2018, stands as a landmark legislation prioritizing individual privacy in the digital age. The state should have legitimate concerns to subject the citizens under surveillance for the larger good.
• In the Puttaswamy Case (2017) while holding that the right to privacy is not absolute in nature, the judgment also gave the three-fold requirement of limiting the privacy. These shall be strictly adhered to by the state until the concrete law is enacted to regulate the use of surveillance tools for public safety in the country. These are:
  • legality, which postulates the existence of law;
  • need, defined in terms of a legitimate state aim; and
  • proportionality which ensures a rational nexus between the objects and the means adopted to achieve them.
• In the Manohar Lal Sharma vs Union of India (2021) (Pegasus case), the Supreme Court set up a committee of experts to recommend amendments to the existing law around surveillance to secure the right to privacy. The need to regulate surveillance activities, especially in light of privacy concerns, backed by a judicial push in India should be a wakeup call for the government.
• The DPDP Act 2023 is a welcome step where personal data may be processed only for a lawful purpose upon consent of an individual.  Consent may not be required for specified legitimate uses such as voluntary sharing of data by the individual or processing by the State for permits, licenses, benefits, and services. It is for the government to secure such data from the thefts and unauthorized usages.

The Conclusion: As a country that is home to the largest democracy, our duty to empower our citizens towards their rights is as important as our duty to preserve national security. National security and privacy have largely been viewed as competing interests over the years; however, with the advent of technology and means of digital surveillance, protecting citizens’ information is also important. It is perhaps the best time to resolve the ethical dilemma and begin to view ‘protecting the privacy and information of citizen’s’ as a facet of ‘preserving national security’.

Mains Practice Questions:

Q.1 National security is important but it should not compromise the privacy of the individuals. Analyze in the context of the ethical dilemma between national security and the right to privacy.

Q.2 The current state of surveillance reform in India is on an uneven keel between national security and privacy. Comment.

Q.3 The recent technological developments have changed the surveillance architecture, where the tools have become more intrusive and damaging to our democratic safeguards. Discuss.

1. SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION AGAINST KERALA’S GOVERNOR

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Kerala Government has filed a special leave petition before the Supreme Court of India against Kerala’s Governor.

EXPLANATION:

• The government is seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court that the Governor has failed to exercise his constitutional powers and duties.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS?

• Pending Bills Dispute:
  • The central issue at hand is the delay in the Governor’s disposal of bills passed by the State Legislature.
  • The Kerala Government argues that the Governor has acted in a manifestly arbitrary manner by keeping these bills pending for an extended period.

• Constitutional Powers and Duties:
  • The Kerala Government claims that the Governor’s inaction subverted the Constitution and threatened democratic principles.
  • It alleges that the Governor failed to exercise his constitutional powers and duties, as outlined in Article 200 of the Indian Constitution, which specifies the Governor’s role in granting assent to bills.
  • The Kerala Government accuses the Governor of gross disregard and violation of constitutional provisions and argues that such actions are not in line with the Governor’s duties.

• Number of Pending Bills:
  • Out of the eight bills passed by the Legislature, three had been pending with the Governor for more than two years, and three others for more than one year.
  • This extended delay in dealing with legislative matters is a significant point of contention.

• Previous Disposal of a Bill:
  • The Kerala Private Forest (Vesting and Assignment) Bill, 2023, was presented to the Governor on April 6, 2023, and was disposed of by him on September 18.
  • It suggests that the Governor’s non-disposal of earlier bills may have been a conscious act.

• Parties to the Petition:
• • The secretary to the Governor and the Union of India have also been made parties to the petition, indicating that the legal action is directed not only at the Governor but also at others involved in the matter.

Special Leave Petitions in Indian Judicial System:

• This is special power bestowed upon the Supreme Court of India which is the Apex Court of the country to grant leave to appeal against any judgment in case any substantial constitutional question of law is involved or gross injustice has been done.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR

• Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
• A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
  • It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
  • He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
• He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
  • Be a citizen of India.
  • Be at least 35 years of age.
  • Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
  • Not hold any office of profit.
• Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
• There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
• Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
• Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
• Governor’s role:
  • The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
  • The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-government-moves-supreme-court-against-governor-arif-mohammed-khan-over-pending-bills/article67488446.ece/amp/

2. EU’S PROPOSED CARBON TAX ON IMPORTS THROUGH CBAM

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: The European Union’s proposed Carbon Tax on imports is an ‘ill-conceived’ move that would become the “death knell” for its manufacturing sector.

EXPLANATION:

• The European Union is planning to implement a carbon tax on imports through the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
• This mechanism is designed to address carbon leakage, ensuring that imported goods meet similar environmental standards as those produced within the EU.

CONCERNS RAISED:

• India’s Commerce and Industry Minister criticized the EU’s CBAM, calling it “ill-conceived” and warning that it could be detrimental to Europe’s manufacturing sector.
• He argued that carbon pricing cannot be the same in India and Europe due to different economic and environmental circumstances.

IMPACT ON EUROPEAN MANUFACTURING:

• It is asserted that the CBAM could have a negative impact on European manufacturing, particularly in sectors like autos, where steel and aluminium are essential components.
• EU should consider different carbon pricing values for less developed and developing countries to create a more equitable system.
• The CBAM might lead European producers to move their production to India, as it becomes costlier to manufacture in Europe.

INDIA’S RESPONSE:

• It is believed that India may counter the CBAM by imposing its own carbon tax.
• This would help level the playing field and ensure that carbon pricing aligns with India’s specific needs.
• The Indian government is in ongoing discussions with its European counterparts regarding the CBAM.
• The government is negotiating with the EU to address concerns about the fairness of carbon pricing and its impact on Indian exports.

SUPPORTING GREEN ENERGY TRANSITION:

• If India collects its own carbon tax and uses it for its green energy transition, this would indirectly help exporters reduce their carbon footprint.
• It potentially will negate the need for additional CBAM taxes at the European border.

CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM):

• It is a policy instrument that aims to level the playing field between EU and non-EU producers of carbon-intensive goods.
• It does this by imposing a carbon charge on imports of certain goods from countries that do not have a carbon price comparable to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
• The charge is calculated based on the embedded carbon content of the imported goods, and is intended to equalize the cost of carbon emissions between EU and non-EU producers.

WHY CBAM?

• CBAM is an EU regulation and part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
• The goal of this package is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030.
• Currently, the EU operates a system where producers within the EU have to purchase emission allowances for the CO2 emissions of their products (EU Emissions Trading System, EU ETS).
• The CBAM price adjustment ensures that these producers no longer face a competitive disadvantage when importing from third countries with lower climate standards.
• It is currently in a transitional phase, with full implementation expected in 2026. The following goods are currently covered by the CBAM:
  • Iron and steel
  • Cement
  • Aluminium
  • Fertilisers
  • Electricity
  • Hydrogen

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/cbam-will-kill-eu-manufacturing-india-will-have-its-own-carbon-taxes-goyal/article67490421.ece/amp/

3. LAND BRIDGE ACROSS THE KRA ISTHMUS

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The revival of a centuries-old idea in Thailand, the creation of a “land bridge” or economic corridor across the Kra Isthmus, could potentially reduce the need for ships to take the longer route through the Strait of Malacca.

EXPLANATION:

THE KRA ISTHMUS AND ITS GEOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE:

• • Thailand’s Kra Isthmus is a narrow strip of land between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
  • It forces ships traveling between the Indian Ocean Region and East Asia to sail south through the Strait of Malacca, which adds approximately 1,200 kilometers to their journey.

• HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE:
  • The idea of reducing the distance between these two bodies of water by cutting through the Kra Isthmus dates back to Thai monarch Narai the Great in 1677.
  • Various attempts and studies have been made throughout history to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, primarily for economic and strategic reasons.

• CURRENT PROPOSAL:
  • Thailand’s Prime Minister is proposing a “land bridge” instead of a canal, which would involve road and rail networks connecting deep-sea ports on both coasts of the isthmus.
  • This project aims to provide an alternative route that is
    • shorter,
    • saves transportation costs,
    • reduces the risk of piracy, and
    • alleviates pressure on the congested Strait of Malacca.

• ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
  • The proposed land bridge could reduce transport time significantly, potentially creating economic benefits for Thailand, which has seen slow economic growth and increasing household debt.
  • It could create jobs and boost economic growth in the southern provinces, enhancing Thailand’s position in Southeast Asia.

• GEOPOLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• • China’s interest in the project is driven by potential trade cost savings, improved control over waterways, and enhanced naval and surveillance capabilities.
  • However, deepening ties with China may affect Thailand’s relations with other nations.

CHALLENGES AND FINANCING:

• The project faces financial challenges, with an estimated cost of around $27.44 billion.
• The Thai government is looking to China for investments, although this could have implications for Thailand’s relationships with other countries, including the United States, Japan, and India.
• The viability and environmental impact of such a project have also been subjects of debate.

CONCLUSION:

• Thailand’s renewed interest in creating a land bridge across the Kra Isthmus, could have significant economic and geopolitical implications.
• While the project could offer benefits in terms of reduced shipping distances and economic growth.
• It also faces challenges related to financing, environmental impact, and its potential impact on international relations.
• The revival of this idea reflects the ongoing debate about the future of global trade routes and the strategic interests of various countries.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/land-bridge-thailand-kra-isthmus-9009594/lite/

4. LEGAL IDENTITY OF MIGRANTS

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately one billion people worldwide lack legal identity.

EXPLANATION:

• It is a significant global issue related to legal identity and the challenges faced by approximately one billion people who lack legal identification.
• They do not possess official documentation that identifies them as legal residents or citizens of a particular country creating a legal identity gap.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE LEGAL IDENTITY GAP:

• • The lack of legal identity has serious implications for individuals.
  • It limits their ability to access various essential services, such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
  • It also restricts their mobility and can lead to longer, more dangerous, and irregular migration routes.

• Challenges in Readmission:
• • Readmission processes for migrants often face obstacles.
  • These challenges can be addressed by strengthening a state’s legal identity capacity, providing consular support, and improving collaboration among government agencies.

INITIATIVES TO TACKLE THESE ISSUES:

• UN Conference:
  • The IOM organized a Legal Identity and Rights-Based Return Management Conference at the UN City in Copenhagen, Denmark, to address the issue.
  • The conference aimed to facilitate dialogue between countries of origin and destination for people without legal identities.

• International Cooperation:
  • The conference emphasized the importance of cooperation between countries of origin and countries of destination to exchange best practices, digitize legal identity systems, and promote a rights-based approach to return management.
  • Strengthening coordination mechanisms and collaboration among relevant government agencies was also highlighted.

• Whole of Government Approach:
  • Jens Godtfredsen, Ambassador for Migration, Return, and Readmission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark stressed the need for a “whole of government approach” to tackle the global identity gap.
  • This approach involves government agencies working together to find concrete solutions to migration challenges.

• IOM’s Global Programme:
  • The initiative was organized within the framework of the IOM’s Global Programme Enhancing Readmission and Legal Identity Capacities (RELICA), launched in 2022.
  • This program aims to enhance legal identity systems and facilitate return management.

• Regional and International Cooperation:
• • Representatives from various countries, including Somalia, Lebanon, Iraq etc highlighted the importance of regional and international cooperation in addressing the legal identity gap.
  • This cooperation can help countries digitize their identity systems and enhance rights-based return management.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/no-legal-identity-for-a-billion-people-globally-says-un-body-92607

5. STAGE-III OF THE GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP)

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Sub-Committee for operationalization of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has taken the call to invoke all actions as envisaged under Stage-III of GRAP – ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI ranging between 401-450), with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

EXPLANATION:

• Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has been implemented, particularly Delhi, due to a severe deterioration in air quality with an AQI exceeding 401.
• The action plan includes eight key measures to address the issue.

KEY MEASURES:

• Mechanized Road Sweeping:
  • Intensifying the frequency of mechanized or vacuum-based sweeping of roads to reduce dust and particulate matter on road surfaces.

• Water Sprinkling:
  • Ensuring daily water sprinkling with dust suppressants on roads and high-traffic areas before peak traffic hours to control dust pollution.

• Enhanced Public Transport:
  • Increasing the availability of public transport services and possibly introducing differential rates to encourage off-peak travel, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the road.

• Construction and Demolition Activities:
  • Enforcing strict bans on most construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR, with specific exemptions for essential projects like railways, metro, airports, defense-related activities, hospitals, public infrastructure, sanitation projects, and ancillary activities.

• Stone Crushers Shutdown:
  • Temporarily closing down the operations of stone crushers to reduce air pollution caused by dust and particulate matter.

• Mining Activities Shutdown:
  • Halting all mining and associated activities in the NCR to control dust and pollutant emissions.

• Restrictions on BS III and BS IV Vehicles:
  • Imposing strict restrictions on the operation of Bharat Stage (BS) III petrol and BS IV diesel Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) in specific districts within the NCR, aiming to curb vehicular emissions.

• Online Education:
• • State governments in the NCR are given the option to discontinue physical classes in schools for children up to Class V and conduct classes online to reduce outdoor activities and exposure to poor air quality.

REASONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF STAGE-III OF GRAP:

• These measures are implemented to mitigate the severe air quality issues in the NCR, particularly in Delhi.
• The trigger for invoking Stage-III of GRAP is when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 401, indicating a severe pollution level.
• The combination of unfavorable meteorological conditions, an increase in farm fires, and wind patterns pushing pollutants towards Delhi has contributed to the spike in air pollution.
• The call for citizen cooperation and suggestions for using cleaner commuting options, working from home when possible, and avoiding coal and wood for heating purposes are part of a broader effort to engage the public in the fight against air pollution.
• The aim is to address the immediate crisis by reducing the sources of air pollution, restricting ^certain activities, and promoting cleaner alternatives, with a focus on mitigating the adverse health effects of poor air quality in the NCR.

GRADED RESPONSE ACTION PLAN (GRAP):

• In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of M. C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response Action Plan has been prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely, Moderate & Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• A new category of “Severe+ or Emergency” has been added.
• The Plan was notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change in 2017.
• It institutionalised measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates.
• The plan is incremental in nature – therefore, when the air quality moves from ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’, the measures listed under both sections have to be followed.
• It prevents PM10 and PM2.5 levels from going beyond the ‘moderate’ national AQI category.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1974270

THE CONTEXT:  Over a dozen Opposition leaders and journalists received email alerts from U.S.-based tech giant Apple that their devices were targeted by “state-sponsored attackers”

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• Over a dozen Opposition leaders and journalists received email alerts from U.S.-based tech giant Apple on 31stOctober night, informing them that their digital devices were being targeted by “state-sponsored attackers”.
• These alerts come a year after a Supreme Court-appointed committee of experts found no conclusive evidence of the spyware on the 29 phones that it had examined.
• In July 2021, a reporters’ consortium, the Pegasus Project, found that at least 40 journalists, cabinet Ministers and other officials in India were possibly subject to surveillance using Pegasus software. 

STATE SPONSORED ATTACKERS:

• As per Apple:
  • State-sponsored attackers are very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time.
  • State-sponsored attackers apply exceptional resources to target a very small number of specific individuals and their devices.
  • State-sponsored attacks are highly complex, cost millions of dollars to develop and often have a short shelf life.
  • It’s possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected.
  • The company clarified that the alerts sent now did not accuse a “specific state actor”. it also said that it would not be able to disclose how the targets were discovered but reiterated that the alerts had to be taken seriously.

ABOUT PEGASUS:

• It is developed by the Israeli cyber-arms company NSO Group
• Pegasus is a spyware that can infiltrate a mobile phone and gather personal information and can control the phone’s microphones and cameras without the user’s knowledge or permission.
• The spyware is designed to bypass detection and mask its activity.
• It is a type of malicious software.

THREAT FROM PEGASUS SOFTWARE:

• Pegasus can gather information stored on the phone, such as photos and contacts, and activate the phone’s camera and microphone without the owner’s knowledge.

• Researchers had found that spyware software such as Pegasus had targeted iPhones and the operating system iOS as early as 2016, and Apple had come up with updates to fix Pegasus exploits, besides going on to sue NSO.

RECENT STEPS TAKEN IN INDIA:

• Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative:It was launched in 2018. The purpose of the program is to spread awareness, build capacity as well as enable Government departments on steps that need to be taken to create a cyber resilient eco system.
• National Cyber security Coordination Centre (NCCC):It was developed in 2017 to scan internet traffic and communication metadata (which are little snippets of information hidden inside each communication) coming into the country to detect real-time cyber threats.
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra:In 2017, this platform was introduced for internet users to create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections in India and to notify, enable cleaning and securing systems of end users so as to prevent further infection.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):It was inaugurated by the government in 2020. I4C is envisaged to act as the nodal point to curb Cybercrime in the
• Computer Emergency Response Team – India (CERT-IN):It is the nodal agency. CERT-IN is responsible for coordinating the response to cybersecurity incidents in India.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Strong Legal Frameworks: Governments need to enact and enforce comprehensive laws that explicitly address digital surveillance, data breaches, and privacy violations.
• Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthening cybersecurity defense is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to devices and systems.
• International Cooperation:Since spyware attacks often cross-national borders, international collaboration is vital. Governments and law enforcement agencies should work together to combat cybercrime and address surveillance-related challenges.
• End-to-End Encryption: Emphasizing and implementing strong end-to-end encryption for communication platforms can prevent unauthorized interception of messages and data.

CONCLUSION:

The government must come clean on its dealings with NSO, and its use of software provided by such agencies and also emulate steps taken by other governments in proscribing such entities.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q) Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (2020)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q) “ The challenges posed by technological surveillance to rule of law and privacy are serious enough to undermine democracy”, What do you understand by the statement? Explain in the context of recent developments.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/malware-malice-on-the-apple-cyberattack-alert/article67485865.ece

THE CONTEXT: Recently, there seems to be a shift in India’s foreign policy in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This shift seems to be based on domestic identity politics and electoral gains. Also, the preventive detention of a former MP before a solidarity meeting for Gaza residents and the arrest of protestors in different states have raised concerns.

INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY ON ISRAEL-PALESTINE

• India’s historical stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has always leaned towards Palestine, driven by the need to maintain good relations with Arab countries. It was also guided by the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations.
• India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the legitimate representative of Palestine in the 1970s, giving the group full diplomatic status in the 1980s.
• It was only after the PLO began a dialogue with Israel, and as US pressure began to build, that India finally established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1992.
• Even then, India remained committed to the Palestinian cause and continued nurturing its relations with the Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East.
• However, in the past few years, India and Israel have come closer due to ideological similarities. Also, trade and innovation have also drawn the two countries together.

ISSUES

• The departure of India’s stand: There seems to be a departure of India from its historical stand in the case of the Israel-Palestine conflict with a shifting focus to Israel despite its historical commitment to the two-state solution. India’s relations with Israel have strengthened considerably in recent years, encompassing various sectors like trade, technology, defence, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
• Ideological alignment: There has been growing ideological alignment between India and Israel in the recent times. Also, India abstained to back a UN resolution for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza is also against the public sentiments showing solidarity to victims.
• Issue of freedom of speech: Recent detentions and arrests of protestors is indicating towards the curtailing of freedom of speech of the citizens who dissent from the government stance. These detentions threaten to undermine all the previous efforts that India’s foreign policy has maintained on the conflict.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Domestic policies should not be affected: India’s diplomatic decisions need to be guided by national interest, necessitating a balance between maintaining strong relations with Israel, supporting Palestine, and developing ties with the Arab world. There should not be divisive policy by formation of identity politics in the nation as it tends to affect domestic policies.
• Need to Condemn terror: Whatever may be the situation, terror should not be allowed in any case and humanitarian crisis needs to be addressed. This ongoing conflict in Gaza is a matter of serious concern, and there is a need for urgent de-escalation with the delivery of assistance to address the issue.
• Status quo on ‘Two-state solution’: India needs to maintain its status quo on the two-state solution by balancing relations with both the countries. India will need to mobilise all its diplomatic skills and goodwill to negotiate with the stakeholders for its long-term strategic interests.
• Diplomacy and dialogue: There is a need to encourage dialogues and exchanges between Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups, academics, and youth to promote mutual understanding and trust. India must continue to act as a mediator influence to encourage both Israel and Palestine to return to the negotiating table.

THE CONCLUSION:

The support to Israel and the UN resolution vote by India signifies how the India-Israel relationship has shifted. However, the Israel-Palestine crisis is influencing domestic identity politics, which tends to create division in national politics. There is a need to have a delicate balance between its historical support for Palestine and its growing relationship with Israel.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled ” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’.(2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 India’s diplomatic stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has evolved over the years. Discuss.

Refer to the main focus article for more on the news:

• https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/27/the-voice-of-a-gaza-under-occupation/
• https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/11/01/lost-voice-on-indias-abstention-on-the-gaza-vote-at-the-un/
• https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/14/that-ends-the-saudi-israel-normalisation-process/
• https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/11/toofan-al-aqsa-jolts-west-asian-geostrategic-architecture/

Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/on-israel-palestine-indias-domestic-identity-politics-must-not-drive-approach-9011131/#:~:text=out%20of%20detention-,The%20complex%20legacy%20of%20strife%20and%20violence%20in%20Palestine%20should,%2C%20moral%2C%20political%20and%20material

THE CONTEXT:  Official Index of Eight Core Industries for September and S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector for October, point to softening in economic momentum.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• Output growth in India’s eight core sectors slowed to a four-month low of 8.1% in September, from 12.5% in August, with the Index of Core Industries (ICI) dipping to a seven-month low.
• Growth in cement production hit a six-month low of 4.7%, while fertilisers production rose 4.2%, the fastest pace in four months.
• Coal production grew 16.1%, the second highest pace in at least 12 months, while Steel and Electricity rose 9.6% and 9.3%, respectively. Natural gas output rose 6.5%, the slowest uptick in three months, while refinery products were up 5.5%.
• Only fertilizers registering a quickening in growth from the preceding month as farmers stocked up on the key agricultural input ahead of the rabi season.

 PURCHASING MANAGER’S INDEX(PMI):

• It is an economic indicator which is derived after monthly surveys of different companies.
• It is a survey-based indicator that is compiled and released each month by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
• There are two types of PMI: Manufacturing PMI and Services PMI.
  • It shows trends in both the manufacturing and services sector.
  • A combined index is also made using both manufacturing PMI and services PMI.
• The index helps in determining whether the market conditions, as seen by purchasing managers, is expanding, contracting or staying the same.
• A PMI number greater than 50 indicates expansion and number less than 50 shows contraction.

CHALLENGES:

• Dampening demand: Heavy rains in the final month of the southwest monsoon season, which resulted in 13% surplus precipitation for September. This likely contributed to decrease in demand and production for cement, electricity, and steel.
• Contracted production: Production in all eight key infrastructure sectors contracted in September 2023, with the overall index declining 4.8% from August. Coal offered the silver lining: the year-on-year growth in output of the fuel eased only slightly to a still robust 16.1% pace, from August’s 17.9%, and posted just a 1.5% sequential contraction.
• Unemployment: The increased unemployment rate when combined with the increase in population clearly shows that a far larger number of people are looking for work than in the past.
  • According to a recent survey: Only 4% reported adding staff in the manufacturing sector. This contributed to the slowest rate of job creation in manufacturing since April.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• The Government should fast-track disinvestment of public sector units and meet the required revenue target. It would help to unlock the capital to garner resources for meeting the developmental priorities of the country and assist in capital formation.
• To effectively reduce unemployment, it is crucial to empower the demographic dividend through skill development and job creation initiatives.

CONCLUSION:

India wants to emerge as a developed economy in the near future. It is well recognised that to bring this dream to fruition, it is important that the economy continues the high and resilient growth path in the years ahead as well.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q) Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (2022)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q) What do you understand by Purchasing Manager’s Index? How can it be used to assess the state of economy? Explain in the context of recent developments.

Source: Slowing momentum: The Hindu Editorial on palpable softening in economic momentum – The Hindu

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