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THE CONTEXT: The ISRO has launched two missions in the five months since its success with Chandrayaan-3. The Aditya L-1 space probe to study the sun and the XPoSat to study polarised X-rays emitted in astrophysical phenomena. XPoSat has been launched in a two-part mission, onboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on its C58 flight.

WHAT IS X-RAY POLARIMETER SATELLITE (XPOSAT)?

• It aims to analyse the polarisation of X-rays emanating from bright celestial sources in the medium frequency band.
• XPoSat comprises two payloads, including Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT). They have been built by Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre respectively, both located in Bengaluru. The spacecraft is designated for observation from low earth orbit.
• Together, they are expected to shed light on intense X-ray sources such as pulsars and black holes.
• The observations will be done when the magnetars or neutron stars are in transit through the Earth’s shadow during the eclipse period.

SCIENTIFIC PAYLOADS ONBOARD XPOSAT:

• POLIX: It is the world’s first instrument designed to operate in the medium X-ray of 8 to 30 kilo electron Volt (keV) energy band. It comprises a collimator, which is the key component to filter light originating from bright sources in the field of view. Moreover, there is a scatterer consisting of four X-ray proportional counter detectors that prevent the trapped light from escaping. It will observe a few tens of astronomical sources.
• XSPECT: It is designed to conduct fast timing and high spectroscopic resolution in a soft X-ray energy band (0.8-15 keV). It will observe a variety of sources like X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars, active galactic nuclei and magnetars.

ISRO’s MISSION SIGNIFICANCE:

• Significance of PSLV: This is only the third time ISRO has operated the PSLV fourth stage in this way. The PSLV C58 mission represents a union of the aspirations of professional scientists, aspiring students of science, and India’s private spaceflight sector.
• Increasing demands: This mission is an illustration of the increasing demands of ISRO itself as it shows increasing technological capabilities based on scientific missions. The PSLV C58 mission is a symbol of the demands being made of
• Research oriented: It is being observed that the ratio of scientific to technological missions that ISRO has launched is skewed in favour of the latter, at the expense of research in the sense of discovery. Those science-oriented missions have all been exceptional.
• Cost effective mission: ISRO has been successful in cost effective missions. Through a strategic blend of innovation and planning, ISRO consistently executes missions that meet its objectives while maintaining affordability.
• Collaborations: There is enduring partnership of ISRO with educational institutions, research organizations, and private industry to leverage diverse expertise and resources leading to innovation.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Unique needs and priorities: The science-technology skew is a reminder that ISRO is among one of the world’s spacefaring organisations with its unique needs and priorities. This is exemplified by the second part of the C58 mission.
• Striking a balance: India faces competition with established space powers like the US, Russia, and China, who have made significant strides in space exploration. There is a need of striking a balance between collaborating with international space agencies to compete on global stage.
• Enhancing capabilities of state: There is a need for enhancing capabilities of the state to establish frameworks and procedures that can overcome financial constraints and enable the harnessing of important resources.
• Promote Indigenous Technologies: There is a need to encourage the development of indigenous technologies that ensures self-reliance and reduces dependence on external sources for space technologies.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s space missions are full of promises and upcoming missions hold the potential to reshape our understanding of space. There is a need for constant enhancing of our technological capabilities to solidify India’s position as a prominent player in the realm of space exploration.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (2019)

Q.2 Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS:

Q.1 India has achieved remarkable successes in space missions in recent years. In this regard, discuss the challenges and opportunities for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/sign-of-the-future-the-hindu-editorial-on-isros-pslv-c58-mission/article67695030.ece#:~:text=The%20XSPECT%20payload%2C%20by%20ISRO’s,as%20pulsars%20and%20black%20holes.

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Nobel Prize in Economics for 2023 has been awarded to Claudia Goldin, for her comprehensive research on women’s contribution to the labour market. This article analyses the significance of the research, its implications and the issues faced by women in the labour market from the UPSC PERSPECTIVE.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN ECONOMICS, 2023

• The Nobel prize has been awarded for the research that has advanced the understanding of the gender gap in the labour market. It has provided “the first comprehensive account of women’s earnings and labour market participation through the centuries.
• The work has challenged the belief that women’s labour force participation always increased with economic growth. The work looked at the historical data spanning 200 years and found that women’s involvement in economic activities varied.
• It is revealed that there is a U-shaped curve in female labour force participation over time, influenced by structural changes and evolving social norms.
• The reason was change in the education of females relative to males as educational resource constraints. Before industrialisation, more women worked in agriculture and cottage industries. With industrialisation, work shifted to factories, limiting women’s opportunities to work outside their homes.

• Research also explores the reasons behind the gender wage gap using data concerning the last 200 years. It reveals the causes of change, as well as the main sources of the remaining gender gap. While the research focused on the US, the findings are applicable to many other countries.
• According to research, women are vastly underrepresented in the global labour market and demonstrated the gender differences in employment rates and earnings despite modernisation, economic growth and rising proportions of employed women in the twentieth century.

AN OVERVIEW OF INDIAN SOCIO-ECONOMIC SCENARIO

• Since Independence in 1947, India took long steps towards the progress of the nation. The concerted and coordinated efforts of governments through various Five Year Plans have changed the economic scenario of the country considerably.
• Agriculture production has risen steadily, and progress of industrialization has increasingly played a role in India’s economic development.
• Various factors, such as the level of literacy, female education, nutritional standards, and income distribution, contribute to the striking variations among regions and people.
• Despite the development, it is the gender bias that still exists at every social strata, even in the most educated and developed society.
• Currently, the participation of women in the workforce in India is one of the lowest globally. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) among women with secondary education or higher was 29.2%, less than half that of their male peers (73.1%), as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report for 2022-23.
• Most women in India are engaged in subsistence-level work in agriculture in rural areas and in low-paying jobs such as domestic service and petty home-based manufacturing in urban areas.

WOMEN’S ROLE IN AGRARIAN AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN INDIA

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

• The agriculture sector employs 80% of all economically active women and they comprise 33% of the agricultural labour force and 48% of self-employed farmers.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) research revealed that the participation of women is 75% in the production of major crops, 79% in horticulture, 51% in post-harvest work and 95% in animal husbandry and fisheries.
• The All India Report of Agriculture Census (2015-16) shows that the total number of operational holdings in the country increased from 138.35 million in 2010-11 to 146.45 million in 2015-16, showing an increase of 5.86 per cent.
• Male operational holdings (excluding institutional) constituted 86.0 per cent while female holdings were 14.0 per cent in 2015-16 against 87.2 per cent and 12.8 per cent respectively in 2010-11. This data indicates the rising participation of females in the management and/or operation of agricultural holdings in the country.

WOMEN IN INDUSTRIES

• Data from the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) shows, of the 8 million workers employed in India’s formal manufacturing industries in 2019-20, 1.6 million (19.7%) were women and this share has remained largely unchanged for over two decades.
• Among the five most industrialised states, the picture is mixed  with Maharashtra (12%), Uttar Pradesh (5.7%) and Gujarat (6.8%) having large gender gaps and Tamil Nadu (40.4 %) and Andhra Pradesh (30.2%) faring much better. Women’s share among industrial employees was less than 10% in 16 states and Union territories.
• Apart from that, Women workers are concentrated in a handful of industries. An industry-wide analysis of female employment from ASI 2019-20 shows a skewed gender workforce across most industries.
• There are also highest gender wage gaps across sectors in the country. Much of this wage gap is unexplained by gender-specific differences in education, occupation, or age/marital profiles, pointing to potential discrimination.

WOMEN IN INDIA’S SERVICES SECTOR

• In the early 20th century, the growth of the services sector played a pivotal role in women’s access to higher education and employment opportunities. This sector offered more opportunities for women to enter the workforce.
• Overall, data suggest that access to higher education increases mobility and widens the scope for economic opportunity, leading to jobs and financial empowerment for women.
• The IT sector is considered the largest employer of the country’s white-collar workforce and has the highest representation of women in the workforce.
• The Indian IT sector has witnessed a significant increase in the number of women employees over the past decade. Currently, over 20 lakh women are employed in the sector, accounting for 36% of the total workforce.
• This growth can be attributed to various factors such as progressive policies, increased availability of computer science courses, visible examples of women in leadership roles, and policy frameworks enabling women to work night shifts.

ISSUES FOR WOMEN WORKFORCE IN INDIA

MARITAL AND SOCIETAL CONSTRAINTS IN INDIA

• The Nobel prize research work found that by the beginning of the 20th century, while around 20 per cent of women were gainfully employed, the share of married women was only five per cent.
• The research noted that legislation known as “marriage bars” often prevented married women from continuing their employment as teachers or office workers.
• Another issue is of societal expectation based that doesnot expect women to take a long, uninterrupted, and fruitful career and have a career as long as the independence of women does not threaten the existing socio-moral order.
• As per a report by NFHS, only 32% of married women are employed in India right now and around 15 per cent of the women who are working are not paid at all. (This percentage for men is just 4 percent.)

TRADITIONAL ROLES VS. MODERN ASPIRATIONS

• The research noted that a female’s educational choices, which are made at a relatively young age, are influenced by the experiences of females of previous generations.
• Traditionally, it has been observed that women tend to have lower career aspirations as compared to men in regards to professional careers in view of their traditional gender role attitudes that attached the role of earning livelihood solely to the men in the house.
• Women, hence, are allowed to be modern only until their idea of modernity is limited to ‘looking modern’. Herein comes the idea of “a modern woman rooted in tradition”. This “superwoman” character is a working professional who manages to take care of the household as well as look after her children, all by herself. They are under the constant pressure to strike a balance between households and career.

GENDER-SPECIFIC JOB ROLES

• There is a general consensus in managerial and sociological research that certain occupations are gendered. For example, public relations, nursing, and teaching are considered “female-gendered” occupations, whereas stock trading, engineering, and construction are considered “male-gendered” occupations.
• STEM fields are often viewed as masculine, and teachers and parents often underestimate girl’s abilities in STEM starting as early as preschool.
• Gender roles and the pressures to conform to these roles for women vary across regions, religions and households.

PARENTHOOD AND GENDER PAY GAP IN INDIA

• The research compares the income and wage trajectories of women to those of their male partners before and after parenthood.
• As women had to shoulder more of the parenting responsibilities, they were punished for this at the work front in terms of a slower rise on the pay scale.
• While historically, the earnings difference between men and women could be blamed on educational choices made at a young age and career choices, the research found that the current earnings gap was now largely due to the impact of having children.
• For working mothers, societal expectations continue to define their expected roles and responsibilities, making it challenging to navigate the demands of career and family life. Many women find themselves torn between fulfilling their professional aspirations and meeting social ideals of motherhood.
• There are issues of insufficient Maternity Leave during child-rearing years, the unemployment penalty for women is longer. This means that when women take longer leaves, they have a much harder time getting rehired.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION

In India, the government has come up with several initiatives for improving opportunities for women workforce. Some of them are mentioned below:

• Article 39 of our constitution directs that States shall, in particular, have policies towards securing equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
• Acts for equal wages: The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides for payment of equal remuneration to men and women workers for same work or work of similar nature without any discrimination. Further, under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the wages fixed by the appropriate Government are equally applicable to both male and female workers and the Act does not discriminate on the basis of gender.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: The POSH Act is a legislation enacted in 2013 to address the issue of sexual harassment faced by women in the workplace. The Act aims to create a safe and conducive work environment for women and provide protection against sexual harassment.
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: It provides for enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees.
• The Factories Act, 1948: The Factories Act is a legislation to secure to the workers employed in a factory, health, safety, welfare, proper working hours, leave and other benefits. The Factories Act also has exclusive provisions for women workers.
• Mission Shakti: It is an integrated women empowerment programme launched as an umbrella scheme for the safety, security and empowerment of women to increase their participation in workforce. It has included the existing schemes of National Creche Scheme for children of working mothers and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) for holistic development of women.

Further, in order to enhance the employability of female workers, the Government is providing training to them through a network of Women Industrial Training institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional Vocational Training Institutes. A number of protective provisions have been incorporated in various labour laws for creating congenial work environment for women workers.

THE WAY FORWARD

• Reforms in laws: There is need for legal reforms affecting women’s pay, laws affecting women’s work after having children, constraints on women starting and running a business, gender differences in property and inheritance. It’s necessary to improve legal equality for keeping the rights of women workforce intact. Major regulations for equal remuneration for work of equal value, allowing women to work at night and in an industrial job in the same way as men, etc need to be implemented.
• Family planning: Investments in family planning and women’s reproductive health yield large benefits for women, children, and entire Even the research has highlighted the role of contraceptive pills. Women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) often manifests in higher maternal ages at first birth, lower fertility, and longer birth spacing. This is important for women’s health and the economy, leading to lower costs for health systems as well as increased LFP, educational attainment, and lifetime earnings for women
• Impact of research: The research for which Nobel prize is awarded can be applied in making the Government policies more gender sensitive. It can also be used to design special policies for women employment. As the research has provided significant insights on the status, role and participation of women in the workforce, it provides sufficient data about underlying barriers hindering women employment.
• Global Relevance: Gender inequality in the workplace is not limited to one country but rather, it is a global issue. The Nobel Prize research has implications beyond the United States, as gender disparities exist worldwide. The work contributes to the international dialogue on gender economics and need to address gender gap in labour economy worldwide.
• Gender Equality and Rights: There is a need to enhance women’s ability to participate equally and help to access decent work which promotes meaningful participation in economic decision-making. It can help achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development i.e Goal 5: to achieve gender equality, Goal 8: to promote full and productive employment and Goal 10: reducing inequalities.

THE CONCLUSION: Empowering the women in the workforce is not only essential for economic growth but also aligns with global goals of gender equality. Greater gender equality can enhance economic productivity, improve development outcomes for the next generation, and make institutions and policies more representative.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 Discuss how the recognition by the Nobel committee brings global attention to the issues faced by women in the workforce. How can India leverage this attention and bring about systemic changes to address gender disparities in the workforce?

Q.2 How marriage and parenthood influence women’s career decisions in India? Discuss this in the context of traditional vs modern aspirations. Suggest measures to address the issue.

THE CONTEXT: The government has set a target of six months to ensure the full saturation of government’s welfare schemes. In this regard, the ruling government is undertaking a “saturation drive” to take the total number of farmer-beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) to about 8.75 crore, from the current 8.12 crore or so.

PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMMAN NIDHI

• It is a Central Sector Scheme to provide income support to all landholding farmers families in the country to supplement their financial needs for procuring various inputs related to agriculture and allied activities.
• Under the Scheme, the entire financial liability towards transfer of benefit to targeted beneficiaries will be borne by Government of India.
• It receives allocation of more than 50% of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s budget to the PMKISAN scheme in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• Under the PM-KISAN scheme, all landholding farmers’ families shall be provided the financial benefit of Rs.6000 per annum per family payable in three equal installments of Rs.2000 each, every four months.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is responsible for the effective implementation of the scheme.

Not eligible to get the benefits of the PM-Kisan scheme:

(a) All institutional Landholders

(b) Farmer families in which one or more of its members belong to following categories:-

• Former and present holders of constitutional posts
• Former and present ministers/ State Ministers and former/present Members of Lok sabha/ Rajya sabha/ state Legislative Assemblies/ State Legislative councils, former and present mayors of Municipal corporation, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.
• All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/ State Government ministries /Offices/Departments and its field units Central or State PSEs and Attached offices /Autonomous institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies (Excluding Multi Tasking staff / Class
  lV/Group D employees).
• All superannuated/retired pensioners Rs.10,000/-or more (Excluding multi Tasking employees) All Persons who paid lncome Tax in last assessment year
• Professionals like Doctors, Engineers’ Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practices.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SCHEME:

• Income Support to farmers:Farmers receive much-needed financial support from the scheme of Rs. 6,000 annual direct income support. It helps them pay for their urgent needs and lessens their reliance on unofficial lending sources.
• Poverty Alleviation:The program helps to reduce poverty by giving farmers a steady income, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the only source of income.
• Rural Development:By directly supplying capital to the rural economy, boosting small enterprises, and generating jobs, the PM-Kisan initiative is essential to advancing rural development.
• Boosting Agricultural Productivity:With improved access to financial resources, farmers can invest in high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities, leading to increased agricultural productivity and overall crop yield.
• Equal treatment: The scheme ensures that every eligible landowning farmer in the country gets covered under this flagship scheme. The scheme is a Direct Income Support (DIS) programme. Every farmer is paid equally irrespective of the crops they grow in whatever quantities and sells to whomsoever at any price. The payment does not depend on the inputs used, whether chemical fertilisers and insecticides or organic manure and biological control of pests and diseases.

ISSUES

• Insufficient reach: PM-KISAN is not reaching all farmer households as intended. There are various issues leading to exclusion of beneficiaries. This scheme is not pro-poor since recipients of PM-KISAN seemed to be farmers who are richer than the general rural population.
• Operational challenges: There are concerns at operational level with issues in land record reconciliation, digitization of land records, costs incurred in consolidation of land records. There are various challenges in identifying beneficiaries due to inadequate digitalization of land records.
• Inadequate transfers: The scheme does not provide a clear design of transfers and a framework for effective grievance redress. Also, market volatility tends to lower the effect of the cash transferred to families which has been insufficient to purchase products as the market price increased substantially.
• Issues in beneficiaries: PM KISAN tends to distribute cash transfer equally to both large and middle farmer which is not appropriate as needs are different. Also, PM-KISAN covers small and marginal farmers, landless agricultural labourers and tenant farmers are left in the lurch.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Identification and Inclusion:It is still difficult to make sure that all farmers who are eligible for the program are found and enrolled. It is imperative to endeavor towards optimizing the beneficiary identification procedure and resolving any concerns pertaining to coverage gaps.
• Strengthening Last-Mile Delivery:To optimize the benefits of the PM-Kisan, funding must be disbursed to farmers in a timely and effective manner. There is a need to improve the delivery methods by coordinating with stakeholders and using technology to speed up the transfer of payments.
• Refinement of the scheme: There is a need for refinement of the scheme within this overall framework of the scheme. For instance, Direct Income Support can be given on a per-acre, rather than per-farmer, basis. For example, The Telangana government’s Rythu Bandhu scheme provides farmers up to Rs 12,000 per acre per year. Those farming larger holdings or growing more crops also incur higher expenditures. Such farmers, who are probably more dependent on income from agriculture than marginal holders, deserve extra support.
• Address the price fluctuation: Due to the volatile market and price fluctuations in different regions, it is important to index the cash transfers to local inflation.

THE CONCLUSION:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers across the nation. There is a need of regular monitoring and evaluation of the scheme’s implementation to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 The right to fair compensation and transparency land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement act, 2013 has come into effect from 1 January 2014. What implication would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India? (2014)

Q.2 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is necessary for bringing the unbanked to the institutional finance fold. Do you agree with this for financial inclusion of the poor section of the Indian society? Give arguments to justify your opinion. (2016)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1 The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) aims to ensure direct financial support to farmers to improve agricultural activities and overall livelihood. Examine.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-the-pm-kisan-model-not-the-way-forward-9088031/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Throughout 2023, an impressive team of 180 birdwatchers from across India meticulously documented rare ‘pelagic’ birds, predominantly found in open ocean habitats, off the coast of Karnataka.

EXPLANATION:

• The noteworthy sightings included various species like Sooty Shearwater, Brown Skua, Brown Booby, Streaked Shearwater, Masked Booby, Pomarine Skua, Arctic skua, Long-tailed skua, Swinhoes storm-petrel, Wilson’s storm-petrel, Flesh-footed shearwater, Persian shearwater, greater crested tern, lesser crested tern, common tern, and Bridled tern.

Significant Discoveries:

• Individuals organized expeditions leading to exceptional sightings, including the first-ever Sooty Shearwater sighting in Karnataka, a rarity usually found in the United States, Australia, and Africa.
• Additionally, the sighting of a Brown Skua, noted for its unusually large size, marked another remarkable observation and the first of its kind in Karnataka.

Insights into Pelagic Bird Populations:

• The birdwatchers’ network noted a decline in the density of pelagic birds compared to the previous year.
• This decline is indicative of reduced fish stocks near the coast, impacting the availability of food for these oceanic birds.
• Observations suggested that reasons behind this decline could be attributed to factors such as rainfall over the sea, leading to fish moving deeper into the waters.

Environmental Initiatives and Impact on Bird Habitats:

• Efforts toward creating a ‘green port’ at New Mangalore Port (NMP) resulted in a substantial increase in green cover, fostering the return of various bird species.
• The strategic planting of specific tree species at the port facilitated the resurgence of birdlife, creating conducive habitats.
• Such initiatives have led to the return of bird varieties that had been absent for over three decades, emphasizing the importance of suitable habitats and sustenance for avian populations.

Expanded Bird Habitats and Human Engagement:

• The augmentation of green spaces and conscious efforts by residents, such as setting up bird feeders, water pots, and birdbaths, contributed to the increased presence of birds in residential areas.
• The attraction of diverse bird species to these habitats highlights the role of community engagement in fostering biodiversity.

Bird Diversity Around Kaiga Nuclear Power Generating Station:

• The Kaiga Nuclear Power Generating Station in Uttara Kannada district has become a focal point for birdwatchers due to its rich avian diversity.
• Annual bird-watching marathons organized by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have identified over 213 bird species in the vicinity, indicating the area’s suitability for avian habitation.

Environmental Sustainability Indicated by Bird Population:

• The thriving avian population around the Kaiga Nuclear Power Generating Station serves as an indicator of the area’s safety and suitability for various life forms, validating the region’s ecological sustainability.

Conclusion:

• The meticulous documentation of rare pelagic birds, along with the resurgence of avian populations in diverse habitats across Karnataka, reflects the significance of environmental initiatives, habitat conservation, and community engagement in fostering biodiversity.
• The birdwatchers’ efforts not only highlight rare bird sightings but also underline the broader ecological implications of declining fish stocks impacting pelagic bird densities.
• It emphasized the intricate interplay between marine ecosystems and avian populations.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/birders-network-finds-rare-pelagic-birds-on-karnataka-s-coast-93633

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Union government announced adjustments in the interest rates for certain small savings schemes for the first quarter of 2024.

EXPLANATION:

• The Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSAS) witnessed an increase in returns from 8% to 8.2%, while the interest on 3-year time deposits rose from 7% to 7.1%.
• However, several other small savings schemes, including the widely popular Public Provident Fund (PPF), maintained their existing interest rates.

Continued Freeze on PPF Rates:

• The PPF rate remains static at 7.1%, which has been unchanged since April 2020, marking the sixth consecutive quarter without any alteration.
• Notably, ahead of the last Lok Sabha election in January 2019, there were significant hikes in returns on various schemes, including the PPF which was raised to 7.9%.
• However, this time, the PPF rate has remained constant for yet another quarter.

Stagnant Rates despite RBI Recommendations:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) suggested that the PPF return should have been set at 7.51% for the October to December 2023 quarter, in adherence to the formula-based rates system implemented in 2016.
• Similarly, the rates on 5-year recurring deposit (RD) accounts were expected to increase to 6.91% for the upcoming quarter.
• However, these rates have been kept unchanged at 6.7%.

Factors Influencing Rate Adjustments:

• The interest rates for the next quarter, as per the formula adopted, are linked to government bond yields prevailing between September and November 2023, specifically for securities with corresponding maturities.
• The decision to maintain stability in some small savings schemes’ rates, including the PPF, might be attributed to various economic factors and the government’s strategic approach to managing returns in line with prevailing bond yields.

Impact on Investors and Tax Implications:

• The decision has implications for investors relying on these small savings schemes for stable returns and tax benefits.
• Both the PPF and the SSAS offer tax-free returns, contributing to their popularity among investors seeking tax-efficient savings options.

The Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSAS):

• Introduced in 2016, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account (SSA) is a central government scheme aimed to cater to a girl child.
• The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government savings scheme created with the intention to benefit girl child under the initiative called “Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao”.
• The parent or guardian of the girl child who is 10 years of age or younger can open an account under this scheme.
• This scheme carries a higher interest rate along with several tax benefits.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) Scheme:

• The PPF Scheme is a very popular long-term savings scheme in India because of its combination of tax savings, returns, and safety.
• The PPF was first offered to the public in the year 1968 by the Finance Ministry’s National Savings Institute.
• It aims to help individuals make small savings and provide returns on the savings.
• It is one of the safest investment products. i.e., the government of India guarantees your investments in the fund
• Tenure: 15 years (Can be renewed in blocks of 5 years).
• Interest rate: Interest rates currently payable on such accounts stand at 7.1%.
• Investment Amount: Minimum Rs.500, Maximum Rs.1.5 lakh p.a.

Conclusion:

• The recent adjustment in interest rates for select small savings schemes, particularly the slight increases in SSAS and 3-year time deposit rates, signifies a nuanced approach by the government towards managing returns in alignment with prevailing economic conditions.
• However, the decision to maintain the PPF rate stagnant for multiple quarters raises questions about the government’s strategy amid evolving economic landscapes and RBI’s recommendations based on formula-driven rates for small savings schemes.
• Investors and individuals availing of these schemes may continue to assess the implications of these rate adjustments on their financial portfolios and future investments.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/no-pre-poll-small-savings-sops-yet/article67687487.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a historic tripartite peace deal with the Government of India and the state government of Assam.

EXPLANATION:

Assamese Identity and the Emergence of ULFA:

• The Assamese people, possessing a distinct culture and language, faced a growing sense of insecurity as economic development in the 19th century attracted migrants, altering the demographic landscape.
• The aftermath of Partition further fuelled tensions, leading to a six-year mass movement.
• In 1985, the Assam Accord aimed to address the issue of foreigners in Assam.
• Amidst this backdrop, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was established on April 7, 1979, by radical thinkers seeking a sovereign Assamese nation.

Decades of Insurgency and Conflict:

• ULFA’s founders envisioned achieving Assam’s sovereignty through armed struggle against the Indian state.
• Over 44 years, this pursuit has been marked by violence including kidnappings, extortions, executions, and bomb blasts, resulting in tragic loss of life in Assam and beyond.
• In response, the Indian government launched operations like Operation Bajrang in 1990, imposing President’s rule and invoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Assam.

Complexities in ULFA’s Existence:

• The group has faced internal divisions and alleged external support.
• Factionalism within ULFA led to the emergence of Surrendered ULFA (SULFA), accused later of carrying out “secret killings.”
• Despite challenges, ULFA maintained camps in neighbouring countries like Myanmar, previously in Bangladesh and Bhutan, serving as operational bases and training grounds.

International Connections and Allegiances:

• ULFA has established links with other Northeast insurgent groups, organizations in Myanmar, and even affiliations with Islamic terror outfits like Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami and Al-Qaeda.
• Reports suggest interactions between ULFA’s military chief Paresh Baruah and Osama Bin Laden.
• Furthermore, ULFA’s connection with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and open support for Pakistan during the Kargil War highlight its international engagements.

Shift Towards Peace Talks:

• In 2005, ULFA formed the ‘People’s Consultative Group’ (PCG) for talks, but the group later resumed violence.
• Some ULFA commanders, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, initiated peace talks in 2008.
• However, opposition from Paresh Baruah led to internal division, culminating in the formation of ULFA (Independent).
• The pro-talks faction under Rajkhowa submitted demands to the central government in 2012, which led to discussions and culminated in the recent tripartite peace agreement.

Assessing the Peace Accord and the Future:

• The recent tripartite peace agreement signifies a positive step, potentially contributing to Assam’s peace and development.
• Experts and observers emphasize the need for government commitment to ensure the success of this accord.
• While the signed deal is considered a significant milestone, concerns remain regarding its comprehensive implementation and inclusivity.
• Assam’s Chief Minister expressed willingness to engage with the anti-talks faction led by Baruah, hinting at the complexities in achieving a complete resolution.

ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT, 1958

• The Act came into force in 1958 in the context of increasing violence in the Northeastern States, which the State governments found difficult to control.
• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament, and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.
• AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.
• Under the Act, armed forces have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
• If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search a premises without a warrant and ban the possession of firearms.
• Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest.

Conclusion:

• The journey of ULFA from insurgency to peace talks reflects a complex narrative entrenched in regional identity, conflict, and aspirations for sovereignty.
• The recent peace accord marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s history, but its true impact and sustainability depend on the commitment of all stakeholders involved, necessitating inclusive dialogue and comprehensive resolution of long-standing grievances.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sports/politics-and-sport-arts-of-the-possible-9088072/

TAG: GS 2: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Mines Ministry, operating through the state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), has initiated strategic agreements and exploration endeavors with key global players in Argentina, Chile, and Australia to tap into lithium reserves.

EXPLANATION:

• India is making significant strides in securing lithium resources, a pivotal mineral crucial for the nation’s transition towards green energy, thereby aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.

Strategic Agreements and Exploration Initiatives:

• KABIL has forged a draft exploration and development agreement with Argentinian miner CAMYEN for potential acquisition and development of several lithium blocks.
• Additionally, a non-disclosure agreement has been established with Chilean miner ENAMI, aiming at potential exploration, extraction, processing, and commercialization of lithium resources.
• Furthermore, KABIL has engaged consultancy major PwC to identify viable investment projects in Australia, a nation known for substantial lithium production.

Global Dominance in Lithium Reserves:

• Latin American countries, especially Chile and Argentina, currently contribute 30–35% of the world’s lithium supplies.
• Chile, holding 11% of global lithium reserves, supplies 26% of global requirements, while Argentina, possessing nearly one-fifth of the world’s lithium resources, provides about 6% of the global supply.
• Australia is also a significant producer in the global lithium market.

Advancements in Argentina:

• The negotiations for lithium block acquisitions in Argentina have progressed to “advanced stages.”
• The anticipated cost of these acquisitions in Argentina might reach a “couple of hundred crores,” requiring Cabinet approval for the proposal’s finalization.
• KABIL’s board approved the “Draft Exploration and Development Agreement,” leading to the Ministry’s clearance for the opening of a branch office in Catamarca, Argentina, earlier approved in June.

India’s Increasing Focus on Critical Minerals:

• Over the past year, India has intensified its quest for critical minerals like lithium, recognizing its pivotal role in green energy adoption.
• Termed as ‘white gold,’ lithium stands as a cornerstone in India’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions, encompassing various sectors like electric vehicles (EVs), lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and energy storage solutions.
• Currently, India’s lithium requirements are predominantly met through imports, culminating in a significant import bill of approximately ₹24,000 crore.

Role of KABIL and Global Engagements:

• KABIL, a joint venture comprising entities like NALCO, HCL, and MECL, is actively engaged in sourcing lithium and cobalt, another critical mineral, for the domestic market.
• The entity is strategically partnering with projects and companies in Australia, Argentina, and Chile to secure these vital resources.
• Argentina, as of September 2023, hosts two operational lithium mines and has multiple lithium projects in various stages of development.

Conclusion:

• India’s concerted efforts to secure lithium resources from countries like Argentina, Chile, and Australia signify the nation’s commitment to embracing renewable energy and reducing dependence on carbon-intensive sources.
• This strategic pursuit of critical minerals aligns with India’s ambitious goals of fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly future, leveraging the potential of green energy technologies and mitigating environmental impact.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/india-closing-in-on-lithium-deal-with-argentina-tapping-australia-and-chile-too/article67686689.ece

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Scientists have discovered an ancient underwater mountain range hidden within the world’s strongest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

EXPLANATION:

• It was an expedition conducted by an Australian and international research team.
• The team embarked on a high-resolution mapping endeavour aboard the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) research vessel Investigator.
• Spanning an expansive 20,000 square kilometers between Tasmania and Antarctica, the mission aimed to chart the seafloor with unprecedented precision, reaching depths of up to 4,000 meters.

The high-resolution mapping expedition conducted by an Australian and international research team.

Revelation of an Ancient Underwater Mountain Range:

• The meticulous three-dimensional mapping revealed an awe-inspiring chain of eight long-dormant volcanoes concealed beneath the world’s most robust oceanic current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
• This submerged mountain range boasted peaks soaring as high as 1,500 meters, a testament to the intricate and dynamic geological history of the region.

Scientific Significance of Discoveries:

• A geophysicist with CSIRO, expressed exhilaration over the findings.
• Among these discoveries were four previously unknown volcanoes, complemented by comprehensive details on seamounts and a fault line ridge partially mapped during earlier expeditions.
• Situated atop the tectonically active Macquarie Ridge, these seamounts were formed by hotspot magmatism within the last 20 million years.

Synergistic Approach: Mapping from Sea to Space:

• The FOCUS voyage is strategically designed to align with the capabilities of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite.
• FOCUS voyage is a joint venture by NASA and the French space agency CNES, underscored the significance of collaborative scientific exploration.
• This synchronized effort facilitated concurrent mapping from both maritime and space perspectives, furnishing an all-encompassing view of the ocean’s intricate features.

Understanding the Ocean’s Role in Climate Dynamics:

• The chief scientist spearheading the voyage, emphasized the pressing need to comprehend the ocean’s pivotal role as a ‘climate shock absorber.’
• The ocean absorbs more than 90% of the heat stemming from global warming and approximately 25% of human-induced CO2 emissions.
• The team concentrated on delineating how heat transits towards Antarctica, influencing ice melt and contributing to the alarming rise in sea levels, a critical concern in the realm of climate change mitigation efforts.

Insights into Ocean Dynamics and Climate Mitigation:

• Co-chief scientist from the University of Tasmania, underscored the profound impact of the seafloor’s topography on ocean dynamics.
• The interaction between the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the seafloor spawns eddies, pivotal in transporting heat and carbon deeper into the ocean.
• This mechanism acts as a buffer against global warming, elucidating the critical role of underwater topography in influencing climate dynamics.

Beyond Geological Wonder: Implications for Climate Study:

• The discovery of this hidden underwater mountain range transcends mere geological marvels.
• It offers invaluable insights into the intricate behaviour of ocean currents and their profound impact on climate dynamics.
• By unravelling the mysteries of these submerged landscapes, scientists strive to enhance their understanding of climate systems and aid in formulating effective strategies for climate change mitigation.

Conclusion:

• The revelation of this ancient underwater mountain range, shrouded within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, stands as a testament to the inexhaustible wonders of the natural world.
• This discovery not only unveils geological marvels but also serves as a beacon illuminating the path toward a deeper comprehension of our planet’s climate dynamics and the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/ancient-underwater-mountain-range-discovered-in-southern-ocean-2480544-2023-12-26

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: NASA has recently initiated a mission to intercept Apophis using the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft.

EXPLANATION:

• This spacecraft, formerly known as OSIRIS-REx, completed a seven-year mission aimed at collecting samples from the Bennu asteroid in September.
• Repurposed for the Apophis mission, OSIRIS-APEX’s objective is to study and analyze any alterations caused by Earth’s gravitational forces during the asteroid’s close encounter in 2029.

Background and Significance of Apophis

• Apophis, referred to as the ‘God of Chaos’ asteroid, is a substantial celestial object measuring approximately 1,000 feet in width.
• Initially discovered in 2004, this near-Earth asteroid has attracted significant attention due to its close proximity to Earth’s orbit, specifically its anticipated flyby on April 13, 2029.
• Named after an ancient Egyptian deity, Apophis has stirred interest due to its potential impacts on Earth’s orbit, length of day, and geological consequences.

Objectives and Scientific Goals

• The mission’s principal investigator highlighted the significance of Apophis’s approach as a unique scientific opportunity.
• By descending to within 16 feet of the asteroid’s surface and utilizing its thrusters to disturb rocks and dust, OSIRIS-APEX aims to provide insight into the asteroid’s composition and structure.
• This close observation will enable scientists to explore the foundational processes of planetary formation, including tidal forces and the accumulation of debris that contribute to planet formation in the early solar system.

Implications and Potential Outcomes

• The close encounter between Apophis and Earth in 2029 is anticipated to alter Apophis’s orbit and may have implications for Earth’s geology.
• Scientists expect this event to shed light on geological phenomena such as landslides and seismic activities on the asteroid’s surface.
• Furthermore, it presents an opportunity to study the role of such encounters in the formation and evolution of celestial bodies, offering insights into the early stages of planetary formation.

Importance of the Mission

• NASA’s mission to intercept Apophis holds immense scientific importance, providing a rare chance to observe and analyze the effects of a close celestial encounter on an asteroid of significant size.
• The data gathered from this mission will contribute to our understanding of planetary evolution, debris accumulation in the early solar system, and potential hazards posed by near-Earth objects.

Conclusion

• NASA’s deployment of the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft for the mission to intercept Apophis represents a groundbreaking scientific endeavour.
• The close observation and analysis of the ‘God of Chaos’ asteroid during its 2029 flyby offer a unique opportunity to unravel the mysteries of celestial objects, planetary formation, and their impacts on the solar system’s evolution.
• This mission stands as a testament to humanity’s pursuit of knowledge about the cosmos and its dynamic forces.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/nasa-deploys-spacecraft-to-intercept-god-of-chaos-asteroid-nearing-earths-orbit-101703765402625.html

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Delhi Police have sought permission from the court to conduct a polygraph test on six accused individuals related to the Parliament security breach.

EXPLANATION:

• Additional Sessions Judge postponed the matter to January 2, noting the absence of legal representation for some of the accused.

Investigation

• The Delhi Police’s Special Cell continues its investigation into the Parliament breach.
• They took two accused to various locations in Delhi linked to the incident.
• Representing the Delhi Police, public prosecutor asserted that the breach was a meticulously planned attack.
• He emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation to uncover the actual motives behind the incident.
• There are suspicions regarding potential connections of the accused with hostile nations or terrorist organizations, warranting further investigation.
• Custody and Charges Against the Accused: There are six accused individuals. They are facing charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) along with other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy and evidence destruction, related to their alleged involvement in the Parliament security breach.
• The Delhi Police’s pursuit of a polygraph test aims to delve deeper into the motives behind the breach.
• Such tests may provide additional insights into the accused’s involvement, uncover any hidden associations, and shed light on the extent of their planning and connections.

Severity of Charges and Investigation Focus

• The application of UAPA and other stringent sections of the IPC highlights the seriousness of the alleged offense.
• The focus on uncovering any potential links with external entities or terrorist organizations signifies the gravity of the case and the need for a thorough investigation.

Polygraph test:

• A polygraph test is carried out on the assumption that physiological responses triggered when one is lying are different from what they otherwise would be.
• Rather than injecting drugs into the body, polygraph tests attach instruments like cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes to the suspect and measure variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, change in sweat gland activity, blood flow, etc., while the suspect is being questioned.

Narco test:

• In a ‘narco’ or narco analysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused, which transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state in which their imagination is neutralised.
• In this hypnotic state, the accused is understood as being incapable of lying and is expected to divulge information that is true.
• Sodium pentothal or sodium thiopental is a fast-acting, short-duration anaesthetic used in larger doses to sedate patients during surgery.
• It belongs to the barbiturate class of drugs that act on the central nervous system as depressants.
• Because the drug is believed to weaken the subject’s resolve to lie, it is sometimes referred to as a “truth serum”.

Article 20(3) of the Constitution:

• Indian Constitution provides immunity to an accused against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) which states ‘No person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself’.
• This privilege is only available to a person accused of an offence i.e. “person against whom a formal accusation relating to the commission of an offence has been levelled, which may result in prosecution”.
• In India, a formal accusation can be made by lodging of an F.I.R. or a formal complaint against a person accusing him of committing a crime, it is not necessary that the trial or enquiry should have commenced before a court.
• Article 20 (3) does not apply to departmental inquiries into allegations against a government servant since there is no accusation of any offence.
• The privilege against self-incrimination is available at both trial and pre-trial stage i.e. when the police investigation is going on and the person is regarded as an accused, or even if his name is not mentioned in the FIR as an accused.

Conclusion

• The developments in the Parliament breach case underscore the ongoing investigative efforts by the Delhi Police to ascertain the motives and associations behind the incident.
• The pursuit of a polygraph test and visits to key locations demonstrate a concerted effort to unravel the details of the well-planned breach.
• The legal proceedings and charges against the accused emphasize the gravity of the situation, necessitating a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice and uphold security standards.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/parliament-security-breach-delhi-police-moves-court-seeking-permission-for-polygraph-test/article67682836.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: In response to the court’s direction, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) collaborated with the Department of Legal Affairs and decided to grant notional promotion to PwD candidates effective from June 30, 2016.

EXPLANATION:

• However, the DoPT’s rules clarified that candidates receiving notional promotions wouldn’t receive financial arrears from their eligibility date until they assumed charge of the promoted position.
• This decision aimed to prevent major changes to seniority lists.
• The memorandum emphasized that these promotions wouldn’t impact the promotions of PwD candidates who already availed themselves of reservation benefits in earlier judgments.

BACKGROUND:

• PwD candidates have fought for over a decade for reservation in promotions, with the issue bouncing between different benches of the Supreme Court.
• In a landmark ruling on June 30, 2016, the Supreme Court mandated reservation for PwD candidates in promotions, regardless of whether the positions were initially filled through reservation.
• Despite subsequent government rules issued in 2021 following the court’s order, a petitioner filed a contempt petition in 2023, alleging non-compliance.
• The court highlighted that although some compliance occurred from July 15, 2023, the original judgment dated June 30, 2016, necessitated the implementation of the 1995 Act, emphasizing notional promotions for eligible PwD candidates from an earlier date.

Implementation Strategy and Supernumerary Posts

• The DoPT proposed a strategy to implement notional promotions without disrupting the seniority lists.
• It suggested creating supernumerary posts for eligible PwD candidates between the June 30, 2016 cut-off and the date they assumed their promoted roles.
• These supernumerary posts would be personalized for PwD employees receiving the benefit of reservation in promotions on a notional basis.
• The posts would cease to exist once the PwD employees were adjusted against available vacancies in their promoted grade or upon their retirement, further promotions, etc., whichever came earlier.
• The order recommended ministries and departments submit proposals outlining their requirements for supernumerary posts to the Department of Expenditure.

ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATIONS

Balance Between Rights and Practical Constraints

• The order’s decision to grant notional promotions from 2016 strikes a balance between implementing court directives and avoiding disruption in seniority lists.
• However, the denial of financial arrears till assuming the promoted post might face criticism for not compensating candidates for the delayed promotions.

Impact on Seniority Lists and Organizational Dynamics

• Creating supernumerary posts aims to prevent upheaval in seniority lists while ensuring a seamless implementation of notional promotions.
• However, this strategy might lead to administrative challenges in managing supernumerary roles and their eventual abolition once candidates assume regular positions or retire.

Adherence to Court Directives and Fairness

• The government’s move reflects compliance with court orders regarding reservation in promotions for PwD candidates.
• However, the absence of financial benefits until assuming the promoted role might be perceived as unfair, affecting the candidates’ remuneration and benefits.

Future Administrative Actions and Legal Ramifications

• Ministries and departments’ proposal submissions for supernumerary posts and their subsequent utilization will determine the practical implications and efficiency of this implementation strategy.
• Legal scrutiny and potential challenges may arise regarding the denial of financial arrears to eligible candidates during the notional promotion period.

Conclusion

• The government’s order to grant notional promotions to PwD candidates from June 30, 2016, while aiming to adhere to court directives, introduces certain complexities and practical challenges.
• The creation of supernumerary posts attempts to reconcile compliance with minimal disruption but raises administrative and fairness concerns.
• Further administrative actions and legal responses will shape the actual implications and effectiveness of this approach in providing equitable opportunities for PwD candidates in the government sector.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dopt-says-reservation-in-promotions-to-pwd-candidates-on-notional-basis-from-2016/article67684776.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: After being passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 3 amid uproar from the Opposition, the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 21.

EXPLANATION:

• The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 1, 2023.
• It repeals the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.

KEY FEATURES OF THE BILL INCLUDE:

Registration of periodicals: 

Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867

The Act provides for the registration of newspapers, periodicals, and books.

It also provides for the cataloguing of books.

The Act provides that a declaration specifying the printer/ publisher be made to the District Magistrate (DM).  The DM sends the declaration to the Press Registrar, who then issues a certificate of registration.

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

The Bill provides for the registration of periodicals, which include any publication containing public news or comments on public news.

Periodicals do not include books or scientific and academic journals.

The Bill allows the publisher of a periodical to obtain a registration certificate by filing an online application with the Press Registrar General and specified local authority.

Foreign periodicals:

• An exact reproduction of a foreign periodical may be printed in India only with the prior approval of the central government.
• The manner of registration of such periodicals will be prescribed.

Press Registrar General:

• The Act provides for the central government to appoint a Press Registrar who maintains a register of newspapers.
• The Bill provides for the Press Registrar General of India who will issue registration certificates for all periodicals.
• Other functions of the Press Registrar General include:

(i) maintaining a register of periodicals,

(ii) making guidelines for the admissibility of title of periodicals,

(iii) verifying circulation figures of prescribed periodicals, and

(iv) revising, suspending, or cancelling registration.

Registration of a printing press: 

• The Act requires a printing press to be declared before the DM.
• The Bill allows for information regarding printing presses to be submitted to the Press Registrar General through an online portal.

Suspension and cancellation of registration: 

• The Bill allows the Press Registrar General to suspend a periodical’s registration for a minimum period of 30 days which can extend to 180 days.
• The registration may be suspended due to:

(i) registration obtained by furnishing false information,

(ii) failure to publish periodicals continuously, and

(iii) giving false particulars in annual statements.

• The Press Registrar General may cancel the registration if the publisher does not correct such defects.
• Registration may also be cancelled if:

(i) a periodical has the same or similar title as any other periodical,

(ii) the owner/ publisher has been convicted of a terrorist act or unlawful activity, or for acting against the security of the state.

Penalties and appeal:

• The Bill empowers the Press Registrar General to impose penalties for:

(i) publishing periodicals without registration (up to five lakh rupees),

(ii) failing to furnish annual statement within the specified time (up to Rs 20,000 on first default).

• If a periodical is published without registration, the Press Registrar General may direct its publication to be stopped.
• Not complying with such direction within six months will be punishable with imprisonment of up to six months.
• Any person may appeal against the refusal to issue a registration certificate, suspension/ cancellation of registration, or imposition of penalty.
• Such appeals may be filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within 60 days.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/press-and-periodicals-bill-2023-features-9086946/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY GS : 3 INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: The Washington Post and Amnesty International alleged the continued use of Pegasus spyware targeting journalists in India.

EXPLANATION:

• In October 2023, a forensic analysis revealed that the phones of Siddharth Varadarajan (founding editor of The Wire) and Anand Mangnale (South Asia editor of OCCRP) were infected with Pegasus.
• These findings emerged after Apple issued security notifications to certain users, including MPs, about state-sponsored attacks on iPhones.
• Amnesty International’s Security Lab examined the infected devices and found evidence of Pegasus activity.
• They identified a “zero-click exploit” sent through iMessage to of OOCRP editor’s iPhone on August 23.
• This exploit facilitated the covert installation of Pegasus.

ZERO-CLICK EXPLOIT AND BLASTPAST MECHANISM

• A zero-click exploit allows spyware installation without user consent or action.
• BLASTPAST, a specific exploit allegedly used, operates in two phases:
  • attempting a link with Apple HomeKit and
  • sending malicious content through iMessage.
• The first phase aims to exploit the device or monitor it for future exploitation, while the second phase delivers the full spyware “payload.”

NSO’s Response

• NSO, the company behind Pegasus, stressed that its technology is licensed to vetted law enforcement and intelligence agencies for fighting terrorism and major crime.
• They claim policies and contracts prevent targeting journalists, lawyers, or human rights defenders not involved in serious crimes, asserting no visibility over targets or collected intelligence.

Previous Incidents and Responses

• In July 2021, the ‘Pegasus Project’ exposed possible surveillance of journalists, ministers, and constitutional positions in India using Pegasus.
• A database of 50,000 phone numbers suggested NSO Group clients’ interest.
• A Supreme Court committee investigated these allegations, finding the Indian government non-cooperative.
• In response to petitions alleging mass surveillance, the Centre refused detailed disclosure, citing national security concerns.

Analysis and Implications

• Persistent Targeting of Journalists
  • The recurrence of Pegasus allegations targeting journalists raises concerns about press freedom and privacy breaches.
  • The use of zero-click exploits demonstrates sophisticated surveillance capabilities, enabling surreptitious surveillance without user interaction.
• National Security vs. Transparency
  • The clash between demands for transparency and national security concerns poses challenges.
  • While activists seek accountability through detailed disclosure, governments may invoke national security as grounds for limited transparency, sparking debates about the balance between surveillance for security purposes and citizen rights.
• Legal and Ethical Concerns
  • NSO’s assertion of vetting customers and restricting targeting to combat crime contrasts with reported surveillance of journalists and activists.
  • The ethical implications of such surveillance and the potential misuse of surveillance tools for suppressing dissent warrant international scrutiny and potential legal ramifications.
• Judicial and Investigative Repercussions
  • The ongoing investigations by the Supreme Court and international bodies reflect attempts to address these allegations.
  • The findings of these inquiries may influence policies regarding surveillance technology, accountability frameworks for intelligence agencies, and privacy safeguards for journalists and citizens.

Pegasus Spyware

• Pegasus is a malware/spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group.
• The spyware suite is designed to access any smartphone through zero-click vulnerabilities remotely.
• Once a phone is infiltrated, the spyware can access entire data on that particular phone.
• It also has real-time access to emails, texts, phone calls, as well as the camera and sound recording capabilities of the smartphone.

Conclusion

• The allegations surrounding Pegasus spyware targeting journalists in India continue to raise significant ethical, legal, and privacy concerns.
• The clash between national security interests and demands for transparency.
• It underscores the complexity of balancing surveillance for security purposes with safeguarding fundamental rights, necessitating further scrutiny, accountability, and policy adjustments to protect privacy and press freedom.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/is-pegasus-spyware-targeting-journalists-in-india/article67683399.ece/amp/