1. Whether machines could become conscious READ MORE
2. Self-realisation is easy as well as tough READ MORE
3. Point of no return READ MORE

1. Deforestation in Maritime Continent may make El Nino events more complex and harder to predict READ MORE
2. Self-withering: Biodiversity Convention’s new global framework raises basic questions READ MORE

1. Need to question officially sanctified narratives of ‘failure’ READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  

1. Revamping the criminal justice system to fit the bill READ MORE
2. Community rights and forest conservation | Explained READ MORE
3. Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system READ MORE
4. Democracy, paid for in darkness READ MORE
5. Mahua Moitra saga and ethics of electoral bonds READ MORE
6. Free grains, election promises, market distortions READ MORE
7. Governors must know their limits READ MORE
8. Ethics committee actions a denial of natural justice READ MORE
9. Action against Moitra violates doctrine of proportionality READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Aimed at breaking traders’ monopoly, Centre to launch PM-Kisan Bhai scheme bl-premium-article-image READ MORE
2. Modified antifungal agent shows reduced toxicity in mice READ MORE
3. Universe may have resulted out of a ‘Big Bounce’, says Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli  READ MORE
4. Artificial rain to fix pollution remains a nebulous science READ MORE
5. ONGC to begin exploration for rare earths in Kerala-Konkan basin soon READ MORE
6. Star-filled Euclid images spur mission to probe ‘dark universe’ READ MORE
7. On bail, tracked by satellite: How GPS anklets work READ MORE
8. What WHO’s report has said on reduction in deaths due to TB in India, its treatments READ MORE
9. As thousands of earthquakes rock Iceland, a volcanic eruption to follow? READ MORE  
10. Globally, 21 million tonnes of plastics leaked into environment last year: OECD READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Need to question officially sanctified narratives of ‘failure’ READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  
3. Deforestation in Maritime Continent may make El Nino events more complex and harder to predict READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Revamping the criminal justice system to fit the bill READ MORE
2. Community rights and forest conservation | Explained READ MORE
3. Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system READ MORE
4. Democracy, paid for in darkness READ MORE
5. Mahua Moitra saga and ethics of electoral bonds READ MORE
6. Free grains, election promises, market distortions READ MORE
7. Governors must know their limits READ MORE
8. Ethics committee actions a denial of natural justice READ MORE
9. Action against Moitra violates doctrine of proportionality READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. TB burden remains a matter of concern READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The U.S.’s signal of a huge digital shift READ MORE
2. Despite India-US 2+2, a long and solitary haul READ MORE
3. 2+2 talks READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. At a conference in China, case for investing in India remains strong READ MORE
2. The growth dichotomy: On September’s Index of Industrial Production data READ MORE
3. How to be the Vishwa Guru of economics READ MORE
4. India’s K-shaped recovery crisis READ MORE
5. Quality and quantity of jobs a concern READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Self-withering: Biodiversity Convention’s new global framework raises basic questions READ MORE
2. $266 Trillion in climate spending is a no-brainer READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Powerful metaphors that caution us to be alert READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. MHA extends UAPA ban against eight Meitei extremist organisations READ MORE
2. Realism, not machismo, to counter terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. How ignored landslide warnings led to Subansiri running dry READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Whether machines could become conscious READ MORE
2. Self-realisation is easy as well as tough READ MORE
3. Point of no return READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. In a world rife with geopolitical complexities, the Indo-US “2+2 Dialogue” emerges at a crucial juncture in the evolving landscape of international relations. Critically examine the statement.
2. Democracy functions only when the organs of State, constitutional offices and institutions work together, providing checks and balances to the system. Comment on the statement in the light of recent states’ executive-governor tussle.
3. The funding model of Indian politics has clearly shifted from voters to corporates. Discuss how the secrecy in Electoral bonds contribute to the predetermination of outcomes in Indian politics.
4. While improving efficiency in urban governance, direct elections of mayors could enhance democratic representation. Comment.
5. To enhance democratic representation ratios, delimitation should not be driven only by factors based on population but geographical determinism, economic productivity and linguistic history. How far do you think Proportional Representation can address the issue of under representation?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Soldiers generally win battles; generals get credit for them.
• In a world rife with geopolitical complexities, the Indo-US “2+2 Dialogue” emerges at a crucial juncture in the evolving landscape of international relations.
• As far as the cash-for-questions issue is concerned, the ethics committee has recommended a member’s expulsion on charges it has admitted it is unqualified to examine.
• All governments, organisations, institutions and individuals have to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions and take its views and concerns seriously. But even constitutional institutions are turning impervious and acting and speaking with impunity.
• Democracy functions only when the organs of State, constitutional offices and institutions work together, providing checks and balances to the system.
• TB is not just a medical issue. The problems in the detection of the disease and its incidence and treatment have social and economic dimensions because people from the lower strata of society are more affected than others.
• The 2+2 dialogue becomes a conduit for fortifying the foundations of a long-term partnership, resilient to the unpredictable shifts in the international arena.
• By promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, the USA and India, along with Japan and Australia in the Quad partnership, articulate a collective effort to counterbalance China’s ascendancy.
• Manufacturing has the potential to create the much-needed high-quality jobs, but that prospect has been unrealised for decades.
• For a large developing country like India, some amount of joblessness is unavoidable.
• The funding model of Indian politics has clearly shifted from voters to corporates.
• Secrecy in Electoral bonds contributes to the predetermination of outcomes in Indian politics.
• Providing a suitable moisture-free environment free from unwanted microorganisms is essential for making pharmacy products of international standards.
• As schools in modern times become overwhelmingly powerful, begin to define what is ‘worth knowing’ through select textbooks or the official curriculum and acquire extraordinary importance in measuring or certifying one’s merit and intelligence.
• As institutionalised and bureaucratic formal education moves towards standardisation and uniformity, it demoralises young minds.
• If the donor and a political party want to have a bond of anonymous munificence, such contributions and incomes must be fully taxed.
• Limited representation in a democratic setup seems to be India’s default and flawed preference.
• Enhancing local democratic representation will help strengthen India’s democracy. Such measures might help alleviate the concerns of citizens in varied parts of India and to enhance its democracy.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Many worlds: Multipolarity in the new world order

50-WORD TALK

• In a transforming India, where education and technology act as levelling forces, caste-based affirmative action, refined through caste numbers, can drive more extensive dialogues on aspiration, ambition, freedom, opportunity, and the necessity for a system where citizens are not unfairly privileged or confined by their identities. If a robust methodology were to be used, this effort would be vital in identifying and addressing fault lines to promote gender justice.
• Extending free food for another 5 years is an acknowledgement that the poor continue to need ample support for years ahead. The move also rings the final death knell of farm laws. If government grain procurement is going to be so high, then that rules out entry of private sector.
• Indian envoy in Ottawa describing Canadian police probe into Nijjar killing as tainted and wiretapping of diplomats as illegal shows Delhi is doubling down. But Canada is being duplicitous in citing Vienna Convention on parity even as it illegally tapped diplomats. G7 and Five Eyes can’t play by different rules.

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: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), both globally and in India, focuses on population ageing as part of its strategic plan for emerging population concerns. The recently released UN report highlights the rapid growth of the elderly population in India since 2010, while the number of individuals below 15 has declined. This article comprehensively analyses the report and other related issues of the elderly from the UPSC perspective.

ABOUT THE REPORT

The report released in September 2023, used data from the 2011 Census, the 2017-18 Longitudinal Ageing Survey in India (LASI) conducted by the Health Ministry, population projections of the Government of India and the World Population Projection 2022 report, among other sources. Though the pace of ageing in India is moderate, with the proportion of the aged increasing to 20 percent by 2050, it highlights various key indicators of demographic variations among aging population in India and suggest measures to provide a healthy and dignified life to elderly.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT

PROJECTION OF ELDERLY POPULATION

• The decadal growth rate of the elderly population of India currently estimated to be at 41%.
• With this rate, the percentage of elderly population in the country projected to double to over 20% of total population by 2050.
• By 2046, it is likely that elderly population will have surpassed the population of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the country.
• The report also projected that the population of people aged 80+ years will grow at a rate of around 279% between 2022 and 2050 with a predominance of widowed and highly dependent very old women.

VULNERABILITIES OF ELDERS

• More than 40% of the elderly in India are in the poorest wealth quintile, with about 18.7% of them living without an income.
• Such levels of poverty may affect their quality of life and healthcare utilisation.

HIGHER LIFE EXPECTANCY OF WOMEN

• Women, on average, had higher life expectancy at the age of 60 and at the 80, when compared to men, which varies across States and Union Territories.
• The sex ratio (females per 1,000 males) among the elderly has been climbing steadily since 1991, with the ratio in the general population stagnating.

GENDERED POVERTY

• Poverty is inherently gendered in old age when older women are more likely to be widowed, living alone, with no income and with fewer assets of their own, and fully dependent on family for support.
• Major challenges facing India’s ageing population are the feminisation and ruralisation.

REGIONAL VARIATIONS

• Most States in the southern region and select northern States such as Himachal Pradesh and Punjab reported a higher share of the elderly population than the national average in 2021, a gap that is expected to widen by 2036.

OLD AGE DEPENDENCY

• In the southern region, the old-age dependency ratio (elderly people per 100 people between 15 and 59 years) was higher than the national average at around 20 as is true of western India at 17.
• Overall, Union Territories (13) and the north-eastern region (13) reflected lower old age dependency ratios.

LOW AWARENESS LEVEL

• A little more than half of the elderly (55%) are aware of the old-age pension scheme (IGNOAPS); 44% about the widow pension scheme (IGNWPS); and 12% about the Annapurna Scheme.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REPORT

By 2050, the share of older persons in India will double to 20.8 percent, with the absolute number reaching 347 million. This rise in the ageing population will have significant implications for health, economy, and society in India. The elderly population in India is expanding rapidly and may surpass the children’s population by mid-century. This makes it imperative for the government to draw broad policy guidelines for better care to the elderly.

INTERNATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORKS ON AGEING

WORLD ASSEMBLY ON AGEING

• The First World Assembly on Ageing was held in 1982, which established the International Plan of Action on Ageing. This plan emphasized the rights of older persons, including independence, participation in society, access to care, dignity, and self-fulfilment.
• The Second World Assembly on Ageing took place in Madrid in 2002. This assembly aimed to address the global ageing agenda and its impact on development. The main outcome documents from this assembly were the Political Declaration and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), 2002.
• The UN Resolution (75/131) expressed concern about the world not being sufficiently prepared to respond to the rights and needs of older people. It emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the challenges of ageing.

UNITED NATIONS DECADE OF HEALTHY AGEING

• The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020-2030), focusing on four areas: age-friendly environments, combating ageism, enhancing functional ability, and improving long-term care systems. The goal is to ensure older people can live a life commensurate with their basic rights, fundamental freedoms, and human dignity.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE FOR THE CARE OF ELDERLY

The care of the elderly is imperative for governments because they represent a significant portion of the population, having contributed to the societal, cultural, and economic foundations of the nation in their prime years. As they age, they face unique vulnerabilities, from health challenges to economic insecurities.

Without state intervention, they might lack access to essential services, leading to increased socio-economic disparities.

In recent years, the Indian government has initiated several measures to enhance the welfare and well-being of the elderly.

• Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Launched in 2017, this program provides free physical aids and assisted living devices for senior citizens belonging to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
• Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY): Started in 2017, this is a pension scheme tailored for senior citizens, offering a guaranteed rate of return over its tenure.
• Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund: Established in 2015, this fund channels unclaimed amounts from various financial schemes for the welfare of senior citizens and their promotion of healthcare and social security.
• Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (Formerly National Action Plan for Senior Citizens (NAPSrC): provides a comprehensive action plan for services like health, housing, and welfare to senior citizens, including protection against abuse.
• Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens – Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED); Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): Elderly Self-Help groups etc. are other initiatives by the government to aid the elderly in leading a dignified life.

Such initiatives reflect the government’s holistic approach to elderly care, encompassing economic well-being, health, and social security.

CORPORATE SECTOR AND THE WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS

The government has implemented several programs and schemes for senior citizens’ welfare. However, given the increasing numbers of the elderly, the private sector can also play a significant role in addressing their vulnerabilities. Under Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, corporate entities are mandated to spend 2% of their net profits averaged over three preceding financial years for social development.

Ageing issues have been added as a focus area for corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending, which includes initiatives like vocational skills development, livelihood enhancement projects, setting up old age homes, day care centers, and benefits for armed forces veterans and war widows.

HelpAge India, one of the nation’s leading NGOs working for the elderly, partnered with HDFC Ltd. Through this partnership, HDFC funded Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) which provide primary healthcare services to destitute elders in remote areas.

Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS): This CSR arm of Tata Steel has been active in setting up old age homes in various areas, providing senior citizens with shelter, food, medical care, and recreational activities.

Apollo Hospitals’ “Project Arogya”: Apollo Hospitals, in association with NGOs, has set up clinics that offer geriatric care, covering consultations, diagnostics, and health checks at subsidized rates for the elderly.

These case studies exemplify how the corporate sector, in collaboration with NGOs and on their own, are creating tailor-made solutions for the burgeoning elderly demographic in India, ranging from healthcare to technology solutions.

COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS AND ELDERLY CARE

Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) play a pivotal role in the welfare of the elderly in India. They act as a bridge between the grassroots level and larger NGOs or governmental organizations. Few notable CBOs and their contributions to the welfare of the elderly in India:

• Agewell Foundation: Founded in 1999, this network of over 1500 NGOs and 6500 volunteers works at the grassroots level across India to address issues faced by the elderly. They focus on health, legal literacy, economic security, and human rights for senior citizens.
• Dignity Foundation: Operating primarily in urban settings, this organization provides a platform for senior citizens to share their concerns. They offer programs ranging from helplines, health workshops, and even a magazine dedicated to the elderly.
• Harmony for Silvers Foundation: Founded by Tina Ambani, this foundation publishes “Harmony”, a magazine dedicated to issues related to senior citizens. They also organize initiatives and programs tailored for the elderly.
• Nightingales Medical Trust: Based in Bangalore, this trust focuses on health and medical services for the elderly. They run memory clinics for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and offer physiotherapy, geriatric care, and other healthcare services.
• Positive Ageing Foundation: This Delhi-based organization focuses on comprehensive care for the elderly, dealing with health, finance, legal issues, and emotional well-being.
• The Anugraha Foundation: Based in Pune, they focus on holistic development and care of the elderly, especially those suffering from Alzheimer’s and related disorders.

These CBOs, through their dedicated services and programs, play an integral role in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they remain integrated and valued members of society.

REACH AND UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES AND HEALTHCARE BY OLDER PERSONS

• Knowledge of Social Security Schemes and Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (MWPSC), 2007: Only 55% of the elderly are aware of the old-age pension scheme (IGNOAPS), 44% about the widow pension scheme (IGNWPS), and 12% about the Annapurna Scheme. The report presents the percentage of elderly individuals aware of these schemes based on various background characteristics.

• Utilization of Social Security Schemes: Despite awareness, there are gaps in the actual utilization of these schemes. For instance, even among those aware of the schemes, actual utilization is low. This gap could be due to supply system factors, demand system factors, or a combination of both.
• Access to Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare utilization among the elderly varies between in-patient and out-patient care. About 8% of the elderly accessed in-patient care, while 59% accessed out-patient care in the 12 months preceding the survey.

          For in-patient care, 37.7% accessed public facilities and 57% accessed private facilities. For out-patient care, 22.9% accessed public facilities, and 63.3% accessed private facilities.

• Health Insurance Coverage: The coverage of health insurance schemes is highest in the age group of 60–69 years (20.4%). Elderly men (19.7%) had a greater share of coverage than elderly women (16.9%). There wasn’t much variance between urban and rural areas regarding health insurance scheme coverage.

The findings three primary factors determining the utilization of various social security schemes for the needy elderly: knowledge/awareness, reach/access, and actual use, according to the report suggest that while awareness is low, there’s also a gap between awareness and use. This makes it imperative for future policies to address the gap by taking required actions to increase awareness among target beneficiaries.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE ELDERLY

Senior citizens were particularly vulnerable during the pandemic due to their age, health co-morbidities, and economic vulnerabilities. The lengthy lockdowns affected their access to healthcare, ongoing medical treatments, and availability of medicines. Many faced increased fear and anxiety due to isolation, lack of physical activity, and forced loneliness. Many elderly households were pushed below the poverty line during the pandemic, impacting both their lives and livelihoods.

Poverty, lack of social security in old age, poor public health facilities, illiteracy and digital ignorance created additional challenges. Service delivery to those living independently or in institutions such as old age homes was also proving to be difficult, and here, efforts of nongovernmental organization (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) were invaluable.

While governments are able to plan and implement such programmes, NGOs and CBOs are able to supplement and complement government efforts by reaching the grassroots level, especially in remote areas.

CASE STUDY: ROLE OF HELPAGE INDIA

During the first wave of the pandemic, HelpAge India’s helpline staff, along with volunteers (including student volunteers), called members of senior citizens’ associations to spread awareness about the government’s guidelines. HelpAge India’s pandemic response focused on several areas:

• Food and Nutrition: In collaboration with corporate partners, HelpAge India distributed 150,000 meals to old age homes, day care centers, and urban destitute elderly. This included 70,000 meals in Delhi/NCR and 24,000 in Telangana. The meals and hygiene kits were initially distributed in urban slums, semi-rural areas, and old age homes.
• Communication: The organization emphasized spreading awareness about COVID-19 protocols.
• Medical Health Units (MHUs): During the lockdowns, MHUs initiated public health awareness campaigns to educate the elderly about the pandemic.
• Vaccination Drive: HelpAge India teams actively participated in the government’s vaccination drive, conducting outreach programs to maximize the number of older persons getting vaccinated. They also provided communication material to address vaccine hesitancy and inform about post-vaccination symptoms.
• Livelihoods: To support the decreased income of Elder Self-Help Groups (ESHGs) during the pandemic, a corporate-supported program was initiated that provided ₹5,000–₹5,500 as a direct benefit transfer.

Support and Collaboration: HelpAge India’s decentralized procurement procedure helped reduce response time. They partnered with mobile health units (MHUs) and local partners (NGOs/CBOs and senior citizens associations) to ensure the last mile distribution and delivery of services. Elder self-help groups (ESHGs) were formed in partnership with other voluntary organizations and community members.

Helpline Services: During the second wave, HelpAge India’s helpline provided guidance on legal aspects, counselling, moral support, and facilitated direct interventions. In Delhi, the helpline assisted 60% of older persons in securing hospital beds and followed up with them for treatment. The helpline team also coordinated with local police and medical units for blood plasma, oxygen, and assisted the local administration in other areas.

The pandemic highlighted the increased vulnerability of older individuals, especially those with non-communicable diseases. The interruption in the primary healthcare system particularly affected the elderly. The pandemic underscored the need for better mental health and counselling services, along with curative care.

The Way Forward according to UNFPA:

1. Role of the Government:

• Financial and technical support: For any pan-India development initiative (including elder care), the government need to come up with a clear and cogent policy-based technical, financial and administrative support backed by effective technology-led communication strategy.
• Enhancing collaboration among stakeholders: the government needs to focus on systematic coordination, convergence and collaboration across key stakeholders to avoid duplication of effort, operations at cross-purposes and bureaucratic hold-ups.

Departments within the government need to converge their efforts to ensure that their respective programmes are elderly friendly and delivered in a holistic fashion. For example, programmes of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare should prioritize the training of service providers and supervisors on geriatric care.

• The government, private sector and relevant institutions can work together to encourage research and knowledge building on the implications of prevailing and emerging social, political, economic, technological, market and business, financial, health and institutional processes and safety nets on ageing including services and products for the elderly.
• District Development Officers in close collaboration with PRIs must develop better convergence of development initiatives in villages aimed at improving lives and living standards of elderly taking a comprehensive view rather than individual projects.

2. Others:

• Apart from government sources, there is significant scope for mobilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for this purpose as elder care.
• Community Based Organisations (CBOs) can also be further promoted to enable regular interface between project beneficiaries and managers at central and state levels so that inputs from the community can enrich project design, implementation and create opportunities for mid-course correction for better outcomes and improved outreach.
• Active PRI involvement is essential for community transformation aimed at building a supportive environment for senior citizens. The innovative interventions related to the elderly by PRIs such as Kudumbashree, Asraya and Palliative Care in Kerala, which can be replicated in other states as well.
• Indian culture stands on the concept of filial piety, where caring for the elderly is considered a duty of the younger generation. Intergenerational solidarity and the relationship between generations need to be nurtured for ensuring the wellbeing of the elderly.

THE CONCLUSION: The impending rise in the old age population in India in the coming decades will bring a demographic shift which can have significant implications for the health sector, economy, and society. The UNFPA Report 2023 serves as a reference document for stakeholders to develop programs and initiatives that cater to the needs of the elderly. Caring for the elderly not only upholds their rights to a dignified life but also promotes societal values of respect, gratitude, and inter-generational cohesion.  Furthermore, their wisdom, experiences, and skills are invaluable assets, which can be harnessed for the greater societal good.

Mains Practice Questions:

Q.1 The UNFPA Report 2023 highlights the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly in India. In this context discuss the government initiatives for the aging population in India.

Q.2 Discuss the reasons for the ‘feminisation’ and ‘ruralisation’ of older population in India.

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1. EMERGENCE OF NEW ISLAND IN JAPAN

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: A new island has recently emerged within the vicinity of Japan’s Ogasawara island chain, after the eruption of an underwater volcano in late October 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The island, as of now, is approximately 100 meters in diameter.
• It was formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions, where magma reacts with seawater, leading to explosive releases of ash and steam.

ERUPTION:

• The eruption started on October 21, 2023, around 1 km off the coastline of Iwoto Island (formerly known as Iwo Jima).
• The eruptions continued for around 10 days, resulting in the accumulation of volcanic material on the shallow seabed, eventually reaching above the sea’s surface.
• Iwoto Island has historical significance as it witnessed intense battles during World War II.

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION:

• The Ogasawara island chain, also known as the Bonin Islands, is described as a volcanic arc comprising over 30 islands and islets, with some remaining volcanically active.
• There exists a previous instance of island formation in 2013 resulting from the eruption of another underwater volcano in the same region.
• Verification by Experts:
  • Associate Professor from Tokyo University’s earthquake research institute verified the presence of phreatomagmatic eruptions near Iwoto.
  • Smoke and ash from the eruptions reached heights exceeding 50 meters, observed every few minutes during the eruptions.
  • The new island is seen as an indication of renewed magmatic activity in the area.

ISLAND’S FUTURE AND COMPOSITION:

• There is uncertainty about the longevity of the newly formed island due to its composition of delicate volcanic rocks.
• Experts suggest that the island’s existence may be brief if it is susceptible to erosion by oceanic waves and currents.
• The island’s longevity could be extended if it gets covered by more durable substances like lava, depending on the potential resumption of volcanic activity.

SOURCE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/japan-gets-a-brand-new-island-after-underwater-volcano-eruption/articleshow/105125303.cms

2. FAILURE OF ALERT SYSTEMS IN EARTHQUAKE

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The earthquakes in Nepal (6.4 magnitude) and its aftershock in Delhi (5.6 magnitude) triggered the need for emergency alerts in the affected areas.

EXPLANATION:

• The incident highlights the failure of both government and private early alert systems during recent earthquakes in Delhi and surrounding areas.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) and Google’s alert system for Android users did not reach many people who experienced the tremors.

ALERTS SYSTEMS:

NDMA’s Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS):

• The CBAS was designed to send out mass alerts during natural disasters.
• It was tested in recent weeks but did not function during the earthquakes.
• There is a lack of explanation from the NDMA regarding why the system did not alert residents in areas where tremors were felt.

Google’s Earthquake Early Warning System:

• Google’s Earthquake Early Warning system was designed for Android users in India.
• It also did not send alerts in the national capital despite tremors being felt.
• Google spokesperson mentioned that alerts were sent in areas around the India-Nepal border where the shaking was strongest.

Intensity Threshold for Alerts:

• Google’s alert system reportedly warns users only if the shaking in their area is expected to cross a value of 3.5 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale.
• It has been suggested that the tremors in Delhi may have been in the lower end of these MMI values, leading to the system not sending alerts to everyone who felt shaking.

RESPONSE FROM NDMA AND TECHNICAL ISSUES:

• The NDMA did not respond to queries about why the CBAS did not function as expected.
• The seismo.gov.in website operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences’s National Centre for Seismology reportedly crashed moments after the tremors.
• It was potentially due to the sudden surge in traffic seeking information.

User Experience and Reliability:

• The raises concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of emergency alert systems during critical situations such as earthquakes.
• Both government and private systems are criticized for their failure to reach people who experienced the tremors.
• The need for improvement in the effectiveness of emergency communication during natural disasters has been emphasized.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-11-11/th_chennai/articleG66C0IVMH-4842668.ece

3. INVISIBITY OF SATURN’S RING

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  

THE CONTEXT: Saturn’s rings will just be invisible from Earth in 2025 and will reappear soon thereafter.

REASONS OF THE INVISIBILITY OF THE STAURN’S RING:

SATURN’S TILT AND RINGS ALIGNMENT:

• Both Earth and Saturn have tilted axes of rotation. Saturn’s axis has a tilt of 26.7 degrees.
• The enormous ring system of Saturn is also tilted to the plane of Saturn’s orbit.
• As Saturn revolves around the Sun, it appears to nod up and down when observed from Earth.
• Every 13 to 15 years, the edge of Saturn’s rings aligns directly with Earth due to this nodding motion.

OPTICAL ILLUSION AND TEMPORARY DISAPPEARANCE:

• Saturn’s rings are very thin, often just tens of meters thick.
• When the edge of the rings aligns directly with Earth, they reflect very little light, making them difficult to see.
• This alignment creates an optical illusion, making the rings essentially invisible from Earth.
• In March 2025, Saturn’s rings will not be visible because they will be perfectly aligned with Earth’s line of sight.
• The rings will gradually become visible again as Saturn continues its orbit around the Sun.

POTENTIAL FUTURE DISAPPEARANCE OF SATURN’S RINGS:

• 2018 NASA report stated that Saturn might lose its rings completely in the next 300 million years or sooner.
• The mechanism proposed is “ring rain,” where the rings are being pulled into Saturn by its gravity.
• Ice particles in the rings, under the influence of Saturn’s magnetic field, fall into the planet.
• This process is estimated to drain an amount of water products equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool from Saturn’s rings in half an hour.
• The rings are considered temporary, with an estimated age of less than 100 million years, while Saturn itself is around four billion years old.

REFLECTION ON OTHER PLANETS:

• If Saturn’s rings are temporary, it raises the possibility that we might have missed out on seeing giant ring systems of other gas giants like Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, which currently have only thin ringlets.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/saturn-rings-disappear-2025-9021942/

4. THE BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Israel’s interest in exploring the economic opportunity presented by the Ben Gurion Canal Project is speculated to be one of the reasons behind its military actions, specifically its efforts to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip. The ides of the Ben Gurion Canal Project is presented as an alternative to the Suez Canal.

THE BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT:

• A canal is being proposed through the Israeli-controlled Negev Desert, named the Ben Gurion Canal Project.
• The canal would connect the Gulf of Aqaba (eastern arm of the Red Sea) to the Eastern Mediterranean coast, offering an alternative to the Suez Canal.
• The idea was first envisioned in the 1960s and resurfaces amid Israel’s push to eliminate Hamas from Gaza.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SUEZ CANAL:

• The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, revolutionized global maritime trade by connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, reducing travel distances between Europe and Asia.
• Despite its significance, the Suez Canal faces challenges, including congestion and geopolitical issues surrounding Egypt’s control.

Issues with Suez Canal:

• The Suez Canal is described as the world’s biggest shipping bottleneck, facing congestion despite widening and deepening efforts.
• In March 2021, Ever Given cargo ship blocked the canal, causing significant disruptions and economic losses.

GEOPOLITICAL HISTORY OF THE SUEZ CANAL:

• The historical context of the Suez Crisis is in 1956 when Egypt nationalized the canal, leading to conflict with the UK, France, and Israel.
• The canal played a role in the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars and was shut from 1967-75.

Economic Significance of Suez Canal for Egypt:

• The Suez Canal is crucial to Egypt’s economy, generating toll revenue that reached a record $9.4 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, accounting for nearly 2% of Egypt’s GDP.

Proposed Ben Gurion Canal Challenges:

• The Ben Gurion Canal Project faces significant challenges, including logistical, political, and funding obstacles.
• The estimated cost of the project is potentially as high as $100 billion, making it more expensive than addressing issues with the Suez Canal.
• The proposed route is over 100 km longer than the Suez Canal, and the terrain limitations could affect its attractiveness to shipping.

Security Concerns:

• It is highlighted that a canal running through land under constant military threat, either from Hamas rockets or Israeli attacks, poses a significant concern.
• This factor raises doubts about the feasibility and security of the Ben Gurion Canal.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ben-gurion-canal-suez-israel-9021520/

5. BROADCASTING SERVICES (REGULATION) BILL, 2023

TAG: GS 2: POLITY  

THE CONTEXT: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has released a draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill for public consultation.

EXPLANATION:

• The bill is intended to replace the existing Cable TV Network Regulations Act, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive regulatory framework.

Scope of the Proposed Bill:

• The new bill is designed to have a broader scope, extending its governance to various media platforms, including DTH (Direct-to-Home), OTT (Over-the-Top) services, digital media, and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).

Public Consultation:

• The draft has been released for public consultation, allowing stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback and insights on the proposed legislation.

Ease of Doing Business and Modernization:

• Information and Broadcasting Minister states that the bill is aligned with the government’s “ease of doing business” initiative.
• Described as a pivotal legislation, it aims to modernize the regulatory framework for the broadcasting sector by replacing outdated acts, rules, and guidelines.

Adaptation to Changing Media Landscape:

• The draft bill is said to adapt to the dynamic nature of the media landscape, encompassing emerging technologies such as OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV, etc.
• It is framed to promote technological advancement and service evolution in the broadcasting sector.

Key Innovations:

• The draft bill introduces key innovations, such as the establishment of ‘Content Evaluation Committees’ for robust self-regulation.
• It transforms the existing ‘Inter-Departmental Committee’ into a broader ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’ to foster inclusive decision-making.

Comprehensive Accessibility Guidelines:

• The proposed Broadcasting Bill includes “comprehensive accessibility guidelines” to cater to differently-abled members of the user community, emphasizing inclusivity.

Call for Stakeholder Input:

• I & B Minister invites stakeholders to provide their insights and feedback on the draft bill.
• This approach emphasizes a collaborative and consultative process in shaping the final legislation.

Towards a More Efficient and Inclusive Broadcasting Ecosystem:

• The draft bill is a significant step towards creating a more efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking broadcasting ecosystem.
• The release of the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, emphasises the importance of public consultation and stakeholder input in shaping the final legislation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL:

The Bill comprises of Six Chapters, 48 Sections and three Schedules.

1. Consolidation and Modernization:

• It addresses a long standing need of consolidating and updating the regulatory provisions for various broadcasting services under a single legislative framework.
• This move streamlines the regulatory process, making it more efficient and contemporary.
• It extends its regulatory purview to encompass broadcasting over-the-top (OTT) content and digital news and current affairs currently regulated through IT Act, 2000 and regulations made there under.

2. Contemporary Definitions and Future-Ready Provisions:

• To keep pace with the evolving technologies and services, the bill introduces comprehensive definitions for contemporary broadcasting terms and incorporates provisions for emerging broadcasting technologies.

3. Strengthens the Self-Regulation Regime:

• It enhances self-regulation with the introduction of ‘Content evaluation committees.
• It evolves the existing Inter-Departmental Committee into a more participative and broader ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’.

4. Differentiated Programme Code and Advertisement Code:

• It allows for a differentiated approach to Programme and Advertisement Codes across various services and require self-classification by broadcasters and robust access control measures for restricted content.

5. Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities:

• The bill addresses the specific needs of persons with disabilities by providing for enabling provisions for issue of comprehensive accessibility guidelines.

6. Statutory Penalties and Fines:

• The draft Bill introduces statutory penalties such as: advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties, for operators and broadcasters.
• Provision for imprisonment and/or fines remains, but only for very serious offenses, ensuring a balanced approach to regulation.

7. Equitable Penalties:

• Monetary penalties and fines are linked to the financial capacity of the entity, taking into account their investment and turnover to ensure fairness and equity.

8. Infrastructure Sharing, Platform Services and Right of Way:

• The bill also includes provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators and carriage of platform services.
• Further, it streamlines the Right of Way section to address relocation and alterations more efficiently and establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism.

lSOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/ib-ministry-releases-draft-broadcasting-services-bill-for-public-consultation/article67520835.ece

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral on X, formerly Twitter, and multiple other social media platforms.

WHAT ARE THE DEEPFAKES?

• Deepfakes are fake videos and images of people created using artificial intelligence by swapping faces or altering voices.
• Deepfakes use two algorithms :
  • Generator and a discriminator

TECHNOLOGY USED BEHIND THESE DEEPFAKES:

• The technology involves modifying or creating images and videos using a machine learning technique called generative adversarial network (GAN). The AI-driven software detects and learns the subjects’ movements and facial expressions from the source material and then duplicates these in another video or image.
• To ensure that the deepfake created is as close to real as possible, creators use a large database of source images. This is why more deepfake videos are created of public figures, celebrities and politicians.
• The dataset is then used by one software to create a fake video, while second software is used to detect signs of forgery in it. Through the collaborative work of the two software, the fake video is rendered until the second software package can no longer detect the forgery. This is known as “unsupervised learning”, when machine-language models teach themselves. The method makes it difficult for other software to identify deepfakes.

POSITIVE APPLICATIONS OF DEEPFAKES:

• Accessibility: Artificial intelligence can create tools that can hear, see, and, soon, reason with increasing accuracy.
• Education: Deepfakes can assist a teacher in delivering engaging lessons.
• Art: It has the potential to democratize expensive VFX technology. It can also become a powerful tool for independent storytellers at a fraction of the cost.
• Autonomy & Expression: Human rights activists and journalists can use synthetic media to remain anonymous in dictatorial and oppressive regimes.
• Digital Reconstruction & Public Safety: Artificial intelligence-generated synthetic media can aid in the reconstruction of a crime scene.
• Innovation: In many industries, data and AI are assisting with digital transformation and automation.

LAWS IN INDIA ABOUT DEEPFAKES:

• India’s IT Rules, 2021 require that all content reported to be fake or produced using deep fake be taken down by intermediary platforms within 36 hours.
• Since the deepfake videos of Rashmika Mandanna went viral, the Indian IT ministry has also issued notices to social media platforms stating that impersonating online was illegal under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act of 2000.
• The IT Rules, 2021, also prohibit hosting any content that impersonates another person and requires social media firms to take down artificially morphed images when alerted.

CONCERNS:

• According to research by IT for Change, in India, one-third of the women surveyed reported that they had faced harassment, abuse, or unwanted behaviour online and two-fifths were aware of other women in their circles who had similar experiences.
• Deepfakes can be used to spread hate speech, incite violence, or cast doubt on democratic processes.
• Deepfake can depict a person as indulging in antisocial behaviours and saying vile things that they never did.
• Deepfake could act as a powerful tool by a malicious nation-state to undermine public safety and create uncertainty and chaos in the target country.
• Deepfakes can be used by non-state actors, such as insurgent groups and terrorist organisations, to show their adversaries as making inflammatory speeches or engaging in provocative actions to stir anti-state sentiments among people.
• Another concern from deepfakes is the liar’s dividend; an undesirable truth is dismissed as deepfake or fake news. The mere existence of deepfakes gives more credibility to denials. Leaders may weaponize deepfakes and use fake news and alternative-facts narrative to dismiss an actual piece of media and truth.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Social media: Social media have to develop accessible technology to detect deepfakes.
• Regulation and Legislation: We also need meaningful regulations with a collaborative discussion with the technology industry, civil society, and policymakers to develop legislative solutions to disincentivizing the creation and distribution of malicious deepfakes.
• Role of media: Media literacy efforts must be enhanced to cultivate a discerning public. Media literacy for consumers is the most effective tool to combat disinformation and deepfakes.
• Public awareness: Public must take the responsibility to be critical consumers of media on the Internet. Public must be made aware of think and pause principle for social media.

THE CONCLUSION:

Deepfake AI technology presents fascinating possibilities for creative expression and entertainment, its potential misuse raises ethical concerns. Striking a balance between innovation and responsible use, along with robust regulation and public awareness, is crucial to navigate the evolving landscape of deepfake technology.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q) Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

Q) What are the Deepfakes? Discuss the challenges posed by Deepfakes and suggest solutions to counter the menace of Deepfakes.

SOURCE: Rashmika Mandanna deepfake: Are we protecting vulnerable users online? | The Indian Express

THE CONTEXT: The Government has introduced three Bills to replace the core laws, i.e., the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA), 1872, which form the basis of the criminal justice system. These Bills are being examined by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill will replace the IPC; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill will be in place of the CrPC, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill will replace the IEA.
• These Bills aim to replace the entire Acts and are not merely Amendment Bills. They provide an opportunity for an overhaul of the laws underlying the criminal justice system.

ISSUES IN THE BILL

Issues related to modernising jurisprudence:

• Inclusion of civil provisions: Usually, criminal law deals with issues that are seen as an offence against the broader society or state, while civil law deals with loss to a person. However, the CrPC includes provisions for maintenance of wife and children after divorce. The issue arise here is whether such matters should be dealt with under the civil code. The new Bills retain these provisions.
• Reformative or punitive: Another issue is whether these Bills create a reformative system rather than a punitive system. Several minor offences (such as keeping an unauthorised lottery office, which carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment) are not compoundable, which means they will go through the process of trial and conviction.
• Maintenance of public order: Third issue is related to maintenance of public order and the process of criminal prosecution that whether both should be in the same law. The CrPC has provisions charting out the process of arrest and trial as well as items such as Section 144 that empower the district magistrate to impose various restrictions. The new Bill retains this structure.
• Codification: There are various directions of the Supreme Court of India that have been codified in these proposed laws. The Bill codifies the procedure for mercy petitions. However, there is no codification of various directions related to arrests and bail.
• Implementation: Another issue is whether these Bills try to ensure consistency of implementation. Typically, penalties for offences specify a range, with the judge expected to specify the sentence within the range based on the circumstances of each case. However, for some offences, the range may be very wide. The new Bill retains such wide ranges.
• Age provisions: Another challenge is related to the updation of age provisions according to modern norms. The IPC specifies that a child below the age of seven years cannot be accused of an offence. It provides such exemption until 12 years of age if the child is found not to have attained the ability to understand the nature and consequences of his conduct. The question is whether these age thresholds should be raised.
• Gender provisions: Another issue is related to updation of gender related offences. The Bill is in line with the Supreme Court judgment, which struck down the offence of adultery. Section 377 of the IPC, which was read down by the Court to decriminalise same sex intercourse between consenting adults has been dropped. The Justice Verma Committee, in 2013, had recommended making marital rape an offence but this has not been done.

Issues relating to overlap with special laws:

• The IPC was enacted in 1860 as the principal law specifying offences and penalties. Since then, several laws have been enacted to deal with specific offences.
• This leads to duplication as well as inconsistency across these laws. In some cases, the penalties are different and also a person may face prosecution under different laws for the same action. For example, the Bill (like the IPC) overlaps with several other Acts such as those related to food adulteration, sale of adulterated drugs, bonded labour, and rash driving.

Ambiguities in definitions and drafting:

• There are ambiguities in definition of some terms in the Bill. For example, the definition of mental illness is the same as in the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. This allows full exemption to offenders but not to a person who is unable to understand the consequences of their actions due to mental retardation.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Simplify and modernise the laws: The reforms aim at modernizing and simplifying the criminal laws, which are outdated and complex. Laws need to be in tune with the Indian spirit and ethos, and reflect the changing nature of crime, society, and technology.
• Awareness in citizen: There is a need to empower the citizens by making them aware to access justice system. This is for effective protection of the constitutional rights of citizens, such as right to life, liberty, dignity, privacy, and fair trial.
• Capacity Building: There is a need to invest in training and infrastructure to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, judiciary, and legal aid services. Adequate resources will lead to more efficient and fair administration of justice.

THE CONCLUSION:

As these Bills will become the basis of the criminal justice system.  There needs to be proper parliamentary scrutiny of the new Bills replacing the IPC, the CrPC and the IEA to ensure a fair, just and efficient criminal justice system.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. (2014)

Q.2) Mob violence is emerging as a serious law and order problem in India. By giving suitable examples, analyze the causes and consequences of such violence. (2015)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 An effective criminal justice system upholds the rule of law, protects human rights, and effectively serves the needs of its diverse population. Comment in the context of the new Criminal Laws Bills being formulated by the government.

REFER TO MAINS FOCUS ARTICLES FOR MORE INFORMATION:

https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/11/01/time-and-change-on-the-parliamentary-standing-committee-on-home-affairs-and-new-criminal-laws/

https://blog.lukmaanias.com/2023/10/03/criminal-law-bills-and-a-hollow-decolonisation/

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/revamping-the-criminal-justice-system-to-fit-the-bill/article67522334.ece