Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: G20, Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)
Mains level: India's G20 presidency and leadership in disaster risk management
Central Idea
- The endorsement of a new working group on disaster risk reduction by the G20, under India’s presidency, presents an opportunity to prioritize disaster risk financing and achieve the targets set by the Sendai framework for 2030. The increasing occurrence of natural and human-made catastrophes globally has highlighted the need for competent financial risk management and insurance.
The Need for Disaster Risk Financing
- Recent years have witnessed a surge in both natural and human-made catastrophes worldwide. Disasters not only exacerbate poverty and hinder development but also generate social polarization.
- Lack of competent financial risk management and insurance has allowed risks to proliferate, causing havoc in society and the economy. Annual disaster losses have a significant impact on low-income economies
The Role of the G20 in Strengthening Financial Risk Management
- Enhancing Risk Understanding and Integration: The G20 can support countries in enhancing their understanding of disaster risks and integrating them into government planning and budget processes. This includes promoting the development and dissemination of risk assessment tools, methodologies, and best practices.
- Strengthening Regulation and Supervision in the Insurance Industry: Effective regulation, legislation, and supervision are crucial for the insurance industry to play a proactive role in managing disaster risks. The G20 can facilitate dialogue and cooperation among regulators and policymakers to establish robust frameworks that ensure fair and transparent insurance practices
- Facilitating Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships are essential for managing and financing disaster risks effectively. The G20 can foster an enabling environment for partnerships between governments, private sector entities, and financial institutions.
- Shifting from Ex-post to Ex-ante Financing Mechanisms: Traditionally, financial resources for disaster response, recovery, and reconstruction have been mobilized after an event occurs (ex-post financing). The G20 can advocate for a shift towards ex-ante financing mechanisms, where financial resources are pre-arranged and readily available to respond to disasters.
- Encouraging Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction: There is a scarcity of investment in a development-oriented approach that focuses on reducing disaster risks. The G20 can promote investment in disaster risk reduction by raising awareness about the benefits of resilience-building measures and creating incentives for both public and private sectors to allocate resources towards risk reduction initiatives.
What is Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)?
- The Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group is a newly endorsed working group within the G20 that focuses on disaster risk reduction.
- It serves as a platform for member countries to collaborate and share knowledge on effective strategies for managing and reducing disaster risks.
- It aims to address key components of comprehensive financial management strategies for disaster risks, including risk assessment, insurance coverage, financial assistance, and risk transfer mechanisms.
Facts for prelims
What is Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)?
- The CDRI is an international coalition of countries, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions that aim to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure.
- Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.
- It was launched by the Indian PM Narendra Modi at the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019.
- CDRI’s initial focus is on developing disaster-resilience in ecological, social, and economic infrastructure.
|
Significance of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG)
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: The DRRWG provides a platform for member countries to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in disaster risk reduction. It facilitates collaboration and learning from diverse approaches and methodologies employed by different nations.
- Harmonization and Standardization: The DRRWG promotes harmonization and standardization of definitions, methodologies, and data collection practices related to disaster risk assessment and financing. This improves comparability and enables better analysis and benchmarking of disaster risks across different regions.
- Access to International Markets: By harmonizing definitions and methodologies, the DRRWG helps countries improve access to international (re)insurance markets. Standardized approaches and better data quality enhance the confidence of insurers and reinsurers, facilitating the availability of insurance coverage and risk transfer mechanisms.
- Comprehensive Financial Management Strategies: The DRRWG aims to address all key components of comprehensive financial management strategies for disaster risks. Comprehensive strategies enhance countries’ abilities to manage and reduce disaster risks effectively.
- Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction: The DRRWG emphasizes the importance of investment in disaster risk reduction initiatives. By providing screening criteria for disaster-resilient investments and entities, the DRRWG helps guide investment decisions toward reducing risks and building resilience.
- Global Resilience Building: The efforts of the DRRWG contribute to global resilience-building against disasters. By fostering cooperation, sharing expertise, and promoting best practices, the DRRWG strengthens the collective capacity of member countries to mitigate, manage, and recover from disasters, ultimately enhancing global resilience.
How India can guide G20’s disaster management initiatives?
- Setting the Agenda: India, as the G20 president, can prioritize disaster management on the agenda of G20 meetings and discussions. By emphasizing the importance of disaster resilience and risk reduction, India can ensure that member countries address these issues at the highest level of international cooperation.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: India can lead efforts to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among G20 member countries in the field of disaster management. This can involve organizing workshops, training programs, and conferences to promote the exchange of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches.
- Policy Advocacy: India can advocate for policy measures that strengthen disaster management capabilities. This includes encouraging the adoption of robust regulatory frameworks, promoting risk-based approaches, and supporting the integration of disaster risk reduction into national development plans and policies.
- Financial Commitments: As the G20 president, India can encourage member countries to allocate financial resources towards disaster risk reduction and resilience-building initiatives. By highlighting the economic and social benefits of such investments, India can mobilize support for increased funding and financing mechanisms for disaster management.
- Public-Private Partnerships: India can promote partnerships between governments and the private sector to enhance disaster management efforts. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, technologies, and resources, India can facilitate the development of innovative solutions and strengthen resilience across sectors.
- International Cooperation: India can leverage its position as G20 president to strengthen international cooperation in disaster management. This involves collaborating with other international organizations, regional bodies, and stakeholders to coordinate efforts, share data and information, and foster a collective response to global disaster risks.
Conclusion
- Prioritizing disaster risk financing within the G20, under India’s presidency, presents an opportunity to convert intentions into investment opportunities. India’s experience in dealing with natural disasters positions it to lead in disaster risk management.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DNA analysis applications
Mains level: DNA analysis in criminal investigations and and issues
Central Idea
- The recent judgments by the Supreme Court have raised concerns about the admissibility of DNA reports as conclusive evidence in criminal cases. Highlighting issues of suspicion, lack of examination of underlying findings, and reliable application of techniques, the Court has emphasized the need to establish a robust framework for the acceptance of DNA analysis.
What is DNA analysis?
- DNA analysis, also known as DNA profiling or DNA testing, is a scientific method used to identify and analyze genetic material present in an individual’s cells.
- It involves examining specific regions of DNA to create a unique DNA profile for identification purposes.
- DNA analysis is widely used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, ancestry research, and other fields where genetic identification is required.
Facts for prelims: Basics
| Characteristic |
DNA |
RNA |
| Structure |
Double-stranded |
Single-stranded |
| Sugar |
Deoxyribose |
Ribose |
| Bases |
Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) |
Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) |
| Base Pairing |
A-T, C-G |
A-U, C-G |
| Primary Function |
Stores genetic information |
Transfers and expresses genetic information, protein synthesis |
| Types of RNA |
Not applicable |
Messenger RNA (mRNA), Transfer RNA (tRNA), Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) |
| Presence in Viruses |
Yes |
Yes |
| Stability |
Relatively stable |
More prone to degradation |
The process of DNA analysis
- Sample Collection: Biological samples such as blood, saliva, semen, hair, or tissues are collected from the individual or the crime scene.
- DNA Extraction: The collected sample undergoes a process of DNA extraction, which involves isolating the DNA from other cellular components.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is used to amplify specific regions of the DNA. This technique allows the production of numerous copies of the targeted DNA sequences.
- Short Tandem Repeats (STR) Analysis: STR analysis is performed by examining specific regions of DNA called short tandem repeats. These regions consist of repeating DNA sequences that vary in length among individuals. The number of repeats at each STR locus is determined and used to create a DNA profile.
- Electrophoresis: The amplified DNA fragments are separated by size using a technique called electrophoresis. The DNA fragments are placed in a gel matrix and subjected to an electric current, causing them to migrate through the gel. This process separates the DNA fragments based on their sizes.
- DNA Profile Generation: The separated DNA fragments are visualized, and the resulting pattern is captured as an individual’s DNA profile. The DNA profile consists of a series of bands corresponding to the sizes of the amplified STR regions.
- Comparison and Interpretation: The generated DNA profile is compared to known reference samples, such as those from suspects or victims. The comparison is used to determine if there is a match or exclusion. Statistical calculations, such as the random match probability (RMP), may be used to assess the significance of the match.
Role of DNA analysis in criminal investigations
- Identification: DNA analysis is used to identify individuals involved in a crime. By comparing DNA profiles from crime scene samples to reference samples, such as those collected from suspects or victims, investigators can establish or exclude a person’s presence at the crime scene.
- Linking Suspects to Crime Scenes: DNA evidence can be compared to a suspect’s DNA profile to determine if they were present at the crime scene. If a match is found, it provides strong evidence connecting the suspect to the crime.
- Exclusion of Innocent Individuals: DNA analysis can be used to exclude individuals who are not connected to a crime. If a DNA profile from the crime scene does not match a suspect’s DNA, it can help establish their innocence.
- Cold Case Investigations: DNA analysis has been instrumental in solving cold cases where conventional evidence has been limited. Revisiting old DNA samples or re-analyzing evidence using advanced techniques can lead to the identification of previously unknown suspects or the exoneration of wrongly convicted individuals.
- Establishing Biological Relationships: DNA analysis is employed in cases involving missing persons, unidentified bodies, and disputed paternity or maternity claims. By comparing DNA profiles, investigators can determine familial relationships or confirm parentage.
- Sexual Assault Cases: DNA analysis is particularly significant in sexual assault cases. DNA evidence collected from the crime scene, victim, or perpetrator can provide crucial information for identifying and convicting the offender.
- Decoding Crime Scene Evidence: DNA analysis can help decipher complex crime scene evidence. By analyzing DNA profiles from different sources, such as mixed DNA samples, touch DNA, or degraded DNA, forensic experts can unravel critical information about the sequence of events and potential contributors.
- Corroboration of Witness Testimony: DNA evidence can corroborate or challenge witness testimony. When witness accounts are in question, DNA analysis can provide objective evidence to support or refute their claims.
Critical Examination of DNA Reports
- In recent judgments, such as Rahul v. State of Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs (2022) and Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2022), the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the reliability and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal cases.
- Rahul v. State of Delhi:
- In Rahul v. State of Delhi, the Court expressed reservations about the reliability of DNA evidence based on the suspicion surrounding the collection and sealing of samples sent for examination.
- Despite a match result and other findings, the Court acquitted all three individuals accused of rape and murder.
- Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh:
- In Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh, the Court identified the likelihood of contamination in the DNA analysis due to the absence of mentioning the random occurrence ratio.
- The Court emphasized the importance of considering the statistical ratio or ‘random match probability’ (RMP), which indicates the frequency of a particular DNA profile in a population. The lack of mention of RMP led to the exclusion of the DNA evidence in this case.
Concerns over the admissibility of DNA reports
- Reliability of Techniques: The Court has questioned whether the techniques used in DNA analysis were reliably applied. It is crucial to ensure that the methods employed are scientifically sound and that the experts conducting the analysis possess the necessary expertise.
- Examination of Underlying Findings: The Court has criticized the failure of trial courts and higher courts to examine the underlying basis of the findings in DNA reports. It is essential to scrutinize the methodology, procedures, and conclusions drawn from the analysis to determine the accuracy and reliability of the results.
- Chain of Custody: The Court has expressed concerns about the integrity of DNA samples and their handling throughout the chain of custody. Proper documentation and maintenance of the chain of custody are vital to establish the authenticity and reliability of the evidence.
- Possibility of Contamination: Contamination of DNA samples can significantly impact the reliability and accuracy of the analysis. The Court has highlighted instances where contamination may have occurred, such as improper collection, storage, or handling of samples.
- Random Occurrence Ratio (RMP): The Court has emphasized the importance of including the random occurrence ratio or RMP in DNA reports.
Way ahead
- Standardized Guidelines: Establish standardized guidelines for DNA analysis in forensic laboratories, including protocols for sample collection, handling, storage, and analysis. These guidelines should encompass best practices to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure the integrity of DNA evidence.
- Quality Control Measures: Implement rigorous quality control measures in DNA analysis processes. This includes regular proficiency testing, accreditation of forensic laboratories, and adherence to international quality standards.
- Chain of Custody: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a proper chain of custody for DNA samples. Accurate documentation and strict adherence to protocols will help ensure the integrity and admissibility of DNA evidence in court.
- Research and Technological Advancements: Encourage research and development in the field of DNA analysis to further enhance the reliability and accuracy of techniques. Explore emerging technologies, methodologies, and advancements in forensic genetics that can improve the analysis of DNA evidence.
- Expert Testimony: Enhance the understanding of DNA analysis among legal professionals, judges, and juries. Training programs and workshops can help educate stakeholders about the principles, limitations, and significance of DNA evidence. This will facilitate better comprehension and assessment of DNA reports during legal proceedings.
- Collaboration and Peer Review: Foster collaboration among forensic laboratories, DNA experts, and legal professionals to promote knowledge sharing and peer review. This will help maintain high standards of DNA analysis and ensure continuous improvement in the field.
Conclusion
- Despite recent concerns, DNA analysis continues to be a valuable tool in criminal cases. By addressing the raised issues through standardized guidelines, quality control, and improved understanding, the admissibility and reliability of DNA reports can be enhanced, contributing to a fair administration of justice.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SHW Act
Mains level: Women saftet at workplace
Central Idea
- The Supreme Court of India has identified “serious lapses” and “uncertainty” in the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act).
- It has directed the Union, States, and UTs to verify the formation of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) in government bodies and ensure strict adherence to the Act’s composition requirements.
What is the POSH Act?
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act was passed in 2013.
- It defined sexual harassment, lay down the procedures for a complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken.
- It broadened the Vishakha Guidelines, which were already in place.
What are Vishakha Guidelines?
- The Vishakha guidelines were laid down by the Supreme Court in a judgment in 1997. This was in a case filed by women’s rights groups, one of which was Vishakha.
- In 1992, she had prevented the marriage of a one-year-old girl, leading to the alleged gangrape in an act of revenge.
Guidelines and the law
- The Vishakha guidelines, which were legally binding, defined sexual harassment and imposed three key obligations on institutions :
- Prohibition
- Prevention
- Redress
- The Supreme Court directed that they should establish a Complaints Committee, which would look into matters of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
The POSH Act broadened these guidelines:
- It mandated that every employer must constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.
- It lay down procedures and defined various aspects of sexual harassment, including the aggrieved victim, who could be a woman “of any age whether employed or not”, who “alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment”.
- This meant that the rights of all women working or visiting any workplace, in any capacity, were protected under the Act.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Under the 2013 law, sexual harassment includes “any one or more” of the following “unwelcome acts or behaviour” committed directly or by implication:
- Physical contact and advances
- A demand or request for sexual favours
- Sexually coloured remarks
- Showing pornography
- Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
The Ministry of Women & Child Development has published a Handbook on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace with more detailed instances of behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment at the workplace. These include, broadly:
- Sexually suggestive remarks or innuendos; serious or repeated offensive remarks; inappropriate questions or remarks about a person’s sex life
- Display of sexist or offensive pictures, posters, MMS, SMS, WhatsApp, or emails
- Intimidation, threats, blackmail around sexual favours; also, threats, intimidation or retaliation against an employee who speaks up about these
- Unwelcome social invitations with sexual overtones, commonly seen as flirting
- Unwelcome sexual advances.
Unwelcome behavior
- The Handbook says “unwelcome behaviour” is experienced when the victim feels bad or powerless; it causes anger/sadness or negative self-esteem.
- It adds unwelcome behaviour is one which is “illegal, demeaning, invading, one-sided and power based”.
Circumstances amounting to SHW
The Act mentions five circumstances that amount to sexual harassment implied or explicit:
- Promise of preferential treatment in her employment
- Threat of detrimental treatment
- Threat about her present or future employment status
- Interference with her work or creating an offensive or hostile work environment
- Humiliating treatment likely to affect her health or safety
Procedure for complaint
|
Description |
| Filing a complaint |
Aggrieved victim has the option to file a complaint with the ICC, but it is not compulsory for the ICC to act. |
| Assistance in filing a complaint |
Any member of the ICC must provide reasonable assistance to the victim in filing a written complaint. |
| Filing a complaint on behalf of the victim |
If the victim is unable to file a complaint due to incapacity, death, or other reasons, her legal heir may file it on her behalf. |
| Time limit for filing a complaint |
Complaint must be made within 3 months from the date of the incident |
| Extension of time limit |
ICC has the authority |
| Monetary settlement and conciliation |
Yes |
| Forwarding complaint or initiating an inquiry |
Must be completed within 90 days. |
| Confidentiality of information |
Act ensures the confidentiality of the woman’s identity, respondent’s identity, inquiry details, recommendations, and actions taken |
Requirements imposed on employers
|
Description |
| Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) |
Employers with more than 10 employees must establish an ICC to address sexual harassment complaints. |
| Composition of ICC |
The ICC must include women employees, another employee, and a third-party member familiar with sexual harassment issues. |
| Local Committee (LC) for smaller organizations |
Organizations with fewer than 10 employees must create an LC to receive complaints from the informal sector. |
| Complaint filing process |
Women can file written complaints to either the ICC or LC within three to six months of the incident. |
| Resolution methods |
The Act provides two resolution methods: conciliation between the parties involved or conducting an inquiry by the committee. |
| Annual audit report |
Employers must file an annual audit report on sexual harassment complaints and take responsibility for conducting workshops, awareness programs, and orientation for ICC members. |
| Non-compliance penalties |
Non-compliance with the Act can result in penalties, including fines. |
Hurdles to the Act’s Implementation
|
Description |
| Inadequate constitution of ICCs |
Improper constitution of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) with inadequate members or absence of mandatory external members. |
| Lack of accountability |
Unclear specification of responsibilities for ensuring compliance with the Act, leading to ineffective enforcement. |
| Inaccessibility for informal sector workers |
Limited accessibility of the law for women in the informal sector, comprising a significant portion of the female workforce. |
| Underreporting of sexual harassment cases |
Significant underreporting of cases due to fear of repercussions, power dynamics, and lack of awareness about the process. |
| Reliance on evidence and due process |
Excessive reliance on concrete evidence, discouraging victims from coming forward and potential penalties during inquiries. |
| Lack of clarity in conducting inquiries |
Lack of clarity in inquiry procedures, resulting in confusion and inefficiency in addressing sexual harassment cases. |
Recent concerns and directions from the Supreme Court
|
Description |
| “Serious lapses” and “uncertainty” in implementation |
Supreme Court expressed concerns about the implementation of the PoSH Act, citing serious lapses and uncertainty in its enforcement. |
| Verification of Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) |
It directed to verify the formation of ICCs in government bodies. |
| Strict adherence to composition requirements |
Emphasis was placed on ensuring strict adherence to the Act’s composition requirements for ICCs. |
| Inadequate constitution of ICCs |
The Court highlighted the issue of improperly constituted ICCs, including the absence of mandatory external members. |
| Proactive approach for enforcement |
A proactive approach from both State and non-State actors was called for in enforcing the Act. |
| Publication of committee details |
Directions were given to publish committee details on websites within a specified timeframe. |
| Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace |
The importance of providing a safe and secure workplace, ensuring the dignity and respect women deserve, was emphasized. |
| Accountability and effective enforcement |
The Court’s directions aimed to ensure accountability and effective enforcement of the PoSH Act. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Adopt a Heritage Scheme
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Private firms, companies, and public sector units can adopt and maintain State-owned archaeological sites or monuments through agreements with the Union Ministry of Culture.
- These businesses are referred to as “Monument Mitras” under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Scheme.
Adopt a Heritage scheme
- The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ scheme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Launched in September 2017, it aims to develop selected monuments and heritage sites across India with the participation of public and private entities.
- The scheme focuses on providing and maintaining basic amenities, improving accessibility, cleanliness, illumination, and advanced facilities like surveillance systems and night-viewing facilities.
Selection and Adoption Process
- Sites/monuments are selected based on tourist footfall and visibility, and they can be adopted by private and public sector companies and individuals known as “Monument Mitras.”
- The Oversight and Vision Committee, co-chaired by the Tourism Secretary and the Culture Secretary, selects the Monument Mitras based on their vision for developing the site.
- No financial bid is involved in the selection process, and corporate entities are expected to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the upkeep of the site.
- The adopted sites provide limited visibility to the Monument Mitras on the premises and on the Incredible India website.
- The oversight committee has the authority to terminate the memorandum of understanding in case of non-compliance or non-performance.
Previous Initiatives and Controversy
- The government previously formed the National Culture Fund and initiated the ‘Campaign Clean India’ scheme to involve the corporate sector in maintaining tourist sites.
- The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme faced controversy when it was reported that Dalmia Bharat, under a MoU, would build infrastructure and maintain the Red Fort.
- Critics argued that the involvement of private parties in iconic monuments raised concerns about the preservation of India’s heritage.
- The government defended the scheme, stating that it aimed to increase tourist footfall and improve the maintenance of sites.
Perils and Challenges of the Scheme
- Diminishing role of ASI: The scheme sidelines the role of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and disregards established guidelines for presenting excavated objects.
- Undue commercialization: Allowing businesses to occupy prime public land and build their brands can further diminish the grounds around iconic monuments.
- Demographic impacts: The involvement of big businesses in guided tours and illumination of monuments may impact local communities and their livelihoods.
- Disregarding historical preservation: Concerns arise about businesses altering the historical character of monuments not protected by the ASI or located in states without Archaeology Directorates.
Govt intention behind the scheme
- Businesses can help citizens understand why monuments matter: This can be done by earmarking CSR funds for grants for researching, writing, and publishing high-quality textbooks, and developing imaginative and effective ways of teaching history.
- Skillful conservation: Industrial houses can support the meaningful conservation of heritage buildings by looking within through their CSR.
- Collaborative efforts: The private sector’s resources and expertise may also help the ASI and State Archaeology Directorates to secure monuments from dams, mining projects, defacement, and looting.
- Cultural contribution: By embracing principles of historical preservation, businesses and organizations can showcase India’s progress in safeguarding its pluralistic heritage and inspire citizen participation in this endeavour.
Way ahead
- Transparent selection process: Implement a fair and transparent process for selecting entities or Monument Mitras to adopt heritage sites, ensuring accountability and avoiding favoritism.
- Robust monitoring mechanism: Develop a strong monitoring system to ensure that the adopted sites are maintained and developed according to the agreed-upon standards and guidelines.
- Preservation protocols: Strictly adhere to preservation guidelines set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other relevant authorities to protect the historical and cultural integrity of heritage sites.
- Engagement with local communities: Involve local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes, encouraging their participation, ownership, and contribution to the conservation efforts.
- Sustainable tourism practices: Promote sustainable tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact, respect the local culture and heritage, and provide socio-economic benefits to the communities living around the heritage sites.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Scammers are using silicone thumbs to operate biometric POS devices and ATMs, draining users’ bank accounts.
- Incidents of Aadhaar-linked fingerprint misuse and unauthorized withdrawals have been reported.
What is AePS?
|
Details |
| What is it? |
Enables online financial transactions using Aadhaar authentication, eliminating the need for OTPs and other details. |
| Supported transactions |
Cash deposit, withdrawal, balance inquiry, and fund transfer can be done with just the bank name, Aadhaar number, and fingerprint. |
| Default activation |
AePS may be enabled by default for most bank account holders when Aadhaar is linked to their account. |
| Mandatory linking for benefits and subsidies |
Users seeking benefits or subsidies under Aadhaar Act schemes must link their Aadhaar number with their bank account. |
Issues AePS
- Data breaches: These have been reported, although UIDAI denies breaching Aadhaar data.
- Information Leak: Criminals can obtain Aadhaar numbers from photocopies and soft copies, using Aadhaar-enabled payment systems to breach user information.
Securing Aadhaar
- Regulation: UIDAI proposes regulations to prevent sharing of Aadhaar details without redaction.
- New two-factor authentication: This combines finger minutiae and image capture for fingerprint liveness.
- Locking Aadhaar Online: Aadhaar can be locked using the UIDAI website or the myAadhaar app. Locking generates a 16-digit VID code needed for unlocking.
- Zero Liability: Customers’ entitlement to zero liability arises if unauthorized transactions are reported to the bank within three working days.
Way forward
- Immediately lock Aadhaar biometric information if suspicious activity occurs.
- Inform banks and authorities promptly to initiate necessary actions.
- Timely reporting ensures the possibility of returning money transferred fraudulently.
- Regularly check bank accounts for any suspicious activity and inform the banking institution promptly.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
Mains level: LiFE Initiative
Central Idea: The Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the ‘Meri LiFE, Mera Swachh Shehar’ campaign.
Meri LiFE Mera Swachh Shehar
- The campaign focuses on waste management and promotes the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (RRR).
- It aims to create awareness and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable daily habits for environmental protection.
- The campaign strengthens citizens’ commitment to reducing, reusing, and recycling under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.
- It aligns with Mission LiFE’s objective of adopting sustainable daily habits for environmental conservation.
Objectives of the Campaign
- The campaign involves setting up RRR Centres where citizens can contribute items such as clothes, shoes, books, toys, and plastic for reuse or recycling.
- The collected items will be refurbished or transformed into new products, aligning with the vision of a circular economy.
- The RRR approach empowers craftsmen, recyclers, Self Help Groups, entrepreneurs, and startups to convert waste into various products.
Key initiatives: RRR Centres and Circular Economy
- The RRR Centres to be launched nationwide will serve as one-stop collection centers for various unused or used items.
- Citizens, institutions, and commercial enterprises can deposit plastic items, clothes, shoes, books, and toys at these centers.
- The collected items will be refurbished for reuse or transformed into new products, promoting the government’s vision of a circular economy.
Back2Basics: Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)
- The LiFE movement was introduced by India during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
- It aims to promote an environmentally conscious lifestyle that emphasizes mindful and deliberate utilization rather than mindless and wasteful consumption.
- The movement seeks to replace the prevailing “use-and-dispose” economy with a circular economy characterized by conscious and deliberate consumption.
- The objective of the LiFE Movement is to leverage the power of social networks to influence social norms related to climate change.
- It plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals known as ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3) who are committed to adopting and promoting environmentally friendly lifestyles.
- Through the P3 community, the mission aims to establish an ecosystem that supports and sustains environmentally friendly behaviours.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has achieved a milestone with the signing of the 250th contract.
- The first contract under Mission DefSpace and the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract were signed on May 15.
What is Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)?
- IDEX is a government initiative launched in April 2018.
- Its objective is to contribute to the modernization of the Defence Industry.
- The initiative focuses on promoting innovation and technology development in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- Industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, are engaged under iDEX.
- IDEX provides funding and support to these industries to carry out Research & Development activities.
- The Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) funds and manages IDEX, serving as its executive arm.
Key achievements of IDEX
- The first IDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between officials of the MoD and InspeCity, a winner of the challenge for developing a micro propulsion system for CubeSats.
- InspeCity is working on a gas-based compact micro propulsion system that can be integrated with satellites, including the CubeSat swarm under Mission DefSpace.
- IDEX has received over 7,500 applications from individual innovators, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and startups.
- The initiative has generated thousands of jobs and attracted India’s talent back to the country.
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