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The Daily News Simplified - 19th June

Jun 20, 2024

The Daily News Simplified - 19th June

Cyber Warfare Blueprint

  • Article Source: The Hindu
  • Key Topic: Release of cyber warfare blueprint by Chief of Defense Staff
  • **Main Points: **
    • India faces threats from several dimensions: land, air, sea, and now cyberspace.
    • Armed Forces have developed a joint warfare protocol for cyberspace threats.
  • **Importance: **
    • Critical for cyber security in India (GS Paper 3 relevance)
    • Relevant for recent mains exam questions, e.g., 2022 mains.
  • **Impact of Cyber Attacks: **
    • Financial loss: Over 10,319 crores lost due to cyber crimes from 2021 onwards
    • Potential for a $20 billion loss in the next 10 years if unchecked
    • Threats to personal and sensitive data due to digital initiatives (e.g., Aadhaar, DigiLocker)
    • Risks to critical infrastructure (telecom, transport, power)
    • Information and communication sector contributes significantly to employment and exports (projected to be a $330 billion industry by 2027)
    • Exposure of a large number of internet users (820 million) to vulnerabilities due to low digital literacy
  • **Government Measures: **
    • Institutional: National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Center, National Cyber Security Coordination Committee, CERT-In
    • Legislative: Information Technology Act (2000), National Cyber Security Policy (2013)
    • International Cooperation: Cyber diplomacy, engagement with bodies like World Economic Forum and International Telecommunication Union
  • **Challenges: **
    • Distributed data management across multiple organizations
    • Lack of public awareness about cyber security
    • Outdated policies and lack of international cooperation (e.g., non-participation in Budapest Convention)
    • Lack of skilled professionals for cyber security
  • **Way Forward: **
    • Integrate cyber security into the national security fabric
    • Enhanced synergy between different security agencies
    • Foster international cooperation and sign conventions like the Budapest Convention
    • Update cyber security policies and frameworks at both national and state levels
    • Promote security audits and extend self-reporting frameworks
    • Develop domestic capabilities for cyber insurance

National Commission for Women’s Complaints

  • Source: The Hindu
  • Key Topic: Increase in complaints received by National Commission for Women (12,600 complaints in 2023)
  • **Importance: **
    • The body is a statutory organization (GS Paper 2 relevance)
    • Relevant past questions (e.g., 2020 mains on the constitutional status of the commission)
  • **Details: **
    • Created by legislation, acts as an apex body monitoring state policies on women's issues
    • Functions via different divisions: Complaints & Counseling, Legal, Research
  • **Achievements: **
    • Contributed to the enactment of Domestic Violence Act (2005)
    • Introduced a WhatsApp helpline during COVID-19 pandemic
    • Proposed amendments to key laws (e.g., MTP Act, Maternity Benefits Act, Dowry Prevention Act)
    • Conducted legal awareness and welfare programs
    • Organized Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats for grievance redressal
  • **Challenges: **
    • Non-binding recommendations
    • Government control over appointments and finances
    • Inadequate support staff and resources
    • Lack of coordination between National and State Women’s Commissions
    • Symbolic rather than substantive effectiveness
  • **Way Forward: **
    • Constitutional recognition of the commission
    • Enhanced legal powers and independence
    • Increased funding and capacity building
    • Better awareness and outreach, particularly in remote areas
    • Employ mass media and social media for legal awareness
    • Capacity building for local-level challenges

Importance of Census

  • Source: The Hindu
  • Key Topic: Delayed census (census was to be held in 2021 but postponed)
  • **Importance: **
    • Census data is critical for government planning and resource allocation (GS Paper 1 relevance, PYQ 2015 on population)
  • Details:
    • Comprehensive enumeration of the country’s population every 10 years
    • Legal sanctity provided by Census Act (1948)
    • Conducted by Ministry of Home Affairs (Registrar General and Census Commissioner)
    • Vital for policy planning, resource allocation, and demographic insights
    • Important for services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and political constituency delimitation
    • Impact of delayed census: Potential legal challenges, inadequate resource allocation (e.g., subsidized food grains under NFSA)

Environmental Consequences of Nicobar Projects

  • Source: The Hindu
  • Key Topic: Economic projects in Great Nicobar and associated environmental concerns
  • **Importance: **
    • Environmental impact (GS Paper 3 relevance)
  • Projects:
    • International transshipment terminal, international airport, township, and power projects
  • Significance:
    • Economic: Increased port revenue, tourism growth
    • Strategic: Military preparedness, Indian Ocean Region power projection
  • Environmental Concerns:
    • Deforestation, destruction of coral reefs, impact on vulnerable species
    • Impact on indigenous tribes (Shompen)
    • High seismic vulnerability (e.g., 2004 tsunami)

Inauguration of Nalanda University Campus

  • Source: The Hindu, Indian Express
  • Key Topic: Inauguration of new Nalanda University campus
  • **Importance: **
    • Cultural heritage and educational significance (GS Paper 1 relevance, PYQ 2016 on ancient education systems)
  • Details:
    • Nalanda University, an ancient center of learning, now a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Initially established in the Gupta Empire period by King Kumaragupta I
    • Patronized by Harshavardhana and Pala rulers
    • Famous for scholars like Nagarjuna and Aryadeva
    • Destroyed in 1190s by Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji

KAVACH Train Protection System

  • Source: The Hindu, Indian Express
  • Key Topic: Implementation and functioning of KAVACH system
  • **Importance: **
    • Innovation and technology in railways (GS Paper 3 relevance, PYQ 2018)
  • Details:
    • Indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System
    • Developed by Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) and Indian industry
    • Features: Permissible speed alerts, automatic braking, SOS messages during emergencies
    • Operates on GPS, RFID technology

Role of Pro-tem Speaker in Lok Sabha

  • Source: Indian Express
  • Key Topic: Appointment and roles of the Pro-tem Speaker
  • **Importance: **
    • Parliamentary functions (GS Paper 2 relevance, PYQ 2022 on presiding officers)
  • Details:
    • Senior-most member of the house appointed as Pro-tem Speaker (as per Parliament Affairs Ministry handbook)
    • Administered oath by President
    • Powers: Same as regular Speaker, oversees first sitting, administers oath to new members

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