UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 29th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

Wikipedia and ANI’s Defamation Suit

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

In early 2024, the Indian news agency Asian News International (ANI) initiated a defamation lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators. ANI claimed that derogatory statements on its Wikipedia page harmed its reputation. The Delhi High Court has ordered Wikimedia to reveal the identities of these administrators, marking a crucial development in the case.

Key Allegations by ANI:

• Defamatory Statements:ANI asserted that its Wikipedia page contained claims that accused it of:
  • Functioning as a propaganda instrument for the central government.
  • Spreading content from unreliable news sites.
  • Misrepresenting events.
• Editing Issues: Efforts by editors linked to ANI to correct these statements were either reverted or altered by independent editors. Subsequently, the page was placed under 'extended confirmed protection', which limited further edits by ANI-related editors.
• Legal Accusations: ANI contended that Wikimedia breached safe-harbour provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. They sought to hold Wikimedia and its administrators accountable for disseminating defamatory content.

How Does Wikipedia Function?

• Community-Driven Platform:Wikipedia is primarily managed by volunteers who create and edit content. Its structure includes:
  • Editorial Process: Anyone can edit articles as long as their contributions are supported by reliable and verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed, and unpublished arguments or analyses are removed.
  • Editing Histories: The editing history of each page is transparent and can be viewed via the "view history" tab.
  • Protection Measures: Controversial topics can be placed under 'full protection' to maintain neutrality. 'Extended protection' limits edits to experienced users, while 'full protection' restricts editing to administrators only.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Administrators: These are elected by the community based on their reputation, with Wikimedia not playing a role in their selection.
  • Wikimedia’s Role: The organization provides the technical framework for the platform and supports editors but does not interfere in content management.

Legal & Structural Implications:

• Safe-Harbour Status: This legal provision protects intermediaries like Wikimedia from being held liable for user-generated content. ANI's lawsuit challenges this status, potentially making Wikimedia liable for Wikipedia's content.
• Impact on Wikipedia:
  • Loss of Anonymity: If the details of editors are revealed, it could discourage volunteers from contributing due to fears of backlash.
  • Global Precedents: Countries such as China, Russia, and Pakistan have censored Wikipedia, and similar actions in India could undermine its democratic image.
• Initial Directives: The Delhi High Court initially instructed Wikimedia to provide the details of its administrators in a sealed cover.
• Potential Blocking: The court has indicated that failure to comply with its orders could lead to blocking Wikipedia in India.

Wider Implications:

• Impact on Democracy: Wikipedia's open and democratic framework fosters free knowledge sharing. Any judicial or legislative interference could jeopardize this principle.
• India’s Response: How India manages this case will showcase its approach to balancing freedom of speech with accountability.
• Comparison with Other Nations: Other countries have taken restrictive measures against Wikipedia, leading to censorship. India risks aligning with these trends.

Conclusion:

This defamation case raises essential questions regarding intermediary liability, freedom of expression, and the operation of community-driven platforms like Wikipedia. While ANI seeks accountability, the broader ramifications for Wikipedia's functioning and India’s democratic values are significant. A balanced approach is necessary to maintain both accountability and the open character of platforms like Wikipedia.

GS2/Governance

Census 2025 as a Comprehensive Citizen Registry

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

The 2025 Census is a significant demographic exercise that integrates the updating of the National Population Register (NPR). This marks the initial move towards the establishment of the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC), an essential initiative designed to differentiate citizens from non-citizens, thereby creating a solid framework for governance and security. It is vital to examine the origins, goals, processes, and challenges of the NRIC while also addressing concerns related to its implementation, data privacy, and the potential for exclusion.

Historical Context and Legislative Basis of NRIC

• The idea of the NRIC stems from the Citizenship Act of 1955, which was initially conceptualized after the 1951 Census.
• It gained renewed focus after the Kargil War in 1999, with the Subrahmanyam Committee advocating for a comprehensive database of citizens and non-citizens to bolster national security.
• This led to the inclusion of Section 14A in the Act, mandating citizen registration and the issuance of identity cards.
• Numerous pilot projects, like the Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) and fishermen identity cards, have been initiated, providing insights into implementation challenges.

Objectives and Benefits of NRIC

• Enhancing National Security: The primary aim of the NRIC is to strengthen national security by maintaining a verified registry of Indian citizens. In an era fraught with illegal immigration and identity fraud, the NRIC acts as a protective measure, clearly differentiating citizens from non-citizens to identify potential security threats.
• Streamlining Identity Verification: Another significant goal is to create a unified identity verification system, reducing the dependence on multiple documents. This uniformity helps clarify citizenship status, which is crucial in legal disputes and property claims.
• Facilitating Targeted Welfare Programs: The NRIC can enhance the efficiency of welfare schemes by ensuring that resources reach the intended beneficiaries. Accurate identification of citizens helps prevent misuse of public funds, ensuring that benefits like subsidies are reserved for eligible individuals.
• Furthermore, a well-implemented NRIC can foster public trust in governance by providing a reliable and universally recognized identity document, enhancing civic engagement.

The NPR-NRIC Process and Aadhaar vs NRIC Debate

• The NRIC creation process includes several phases, starting with demographic data collection during the Census house listing, followed by biometric data collection for accuracy.
• A crucial aspect involves inviting public claims and objections to promote transparency, along with a verification process for residents to challenge or amend records.
• Citizenship status verification is conducted, leading to the issuance of identity cards as mandated by the Citizenship Act.
• The 2025 Census will likely replicate the data collection patterns of the 2011 Census, covering demographic details such as name, gender, nationality, and residency, although biometric data might be omitted since it is already available in the Aadhaar database.
• A common query is the necessity of the NRIC in light of the existing Aadhaar system. Aadhaar provides a unique identification number to all residents, irrespective of citizenship, primarily for service access. Conversely, the NRIC serves as a citizenship verification tool, requiring proof of citizenship and acting as a definitive record for citizens.

Challenges of Implementing Nationwide NRIC:

• Documentation Challenges: Many individuals, particularly in rural areas, may lack proper documentation to establish their citizenship, which is particularly challenging for marginalized groups such as tribal communities and women.
• Privacy and Data Security: The nationwide NRIC would necessitate the collection and management of vast amounts of sensitive demographic data, raising significant concerns about data misuse and unauthorized access without robust protection laws.
• Exclusion Fears: Large-scale verification could alienate vulnerable populations, leading to social unrest and legal challenges, highlighting the need for an inclusive and transparent process.

Way Forward

• Lessons from Assam on the Challenges of Implementation: The experience in Assam with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) provides valuable lessons. The NRC aimed to identify illegal immigrants but stringent documentation requirements led to the exclusion of many rural residents, raising concerns about fairness and accuracy.
• Addressing Privacy Concerns: Privacy issues remain significant despite judicial guidelines. The potential misuse of demographic data necessitates stringent data protection measures.
• Citizen Engagement and Moving Forward: For the NRIC to succeed, active citizen participation is crucial. Public awareness campaigns must ensure that all residents are informed and engaged in the process, addressing exclusion fears to make the NRIC inclusive and effective.

Conclusion:

• The 2025 Census and NRIC initiative signify a major move towards establishing a verified citizen registry. While it holds the promise of improved governance and national security, challenges regarding data privacy, exclusion, and logistical execution must not be ignored.
• Learning from the Assam experience and ensuring transparency throughout the process will be vital for success.

GS2/Governance

Salient Features of AMRUT 2.0

Source:PIB

Why in News?

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 is a significant initiative launched on October 1, 2021, aimed at transforming Indian cities into self-sufficient and water-secure urban areas.

• The mission is a continuation of the original AMRUT scheme, which was initiated in June 2015 as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
• Its primary objective is to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
• The scheme aims to ensure that every household has access to a reliable tap water supply and sewerage connection.
• Another goal is to increase green spaces in urban areas and reduce pollution through the promotion of public transport and facilities for non-motorized transport.
• Funding for the mission is allocated among States/UTs based on an equitable formula, with a 50:50 weightage distribution, covering 500 cities and all municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000.

About AMRUT 2.0

• Launched on October 1, 2021, as a successor to AMRUT 1.0.
• The mission focuses on improving urban infrastructure, specifically in wastewater management and the rejuvenation of water bodies.
• The duration of the mission is set for five years, running from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26.

Salient Features and Mission

• Universal Coverage: Aims to provide comprehensive water supply and sewage services in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns.
• Circular Economy: Emphasizes water recycling, the reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation.
• Technology Integration: Incorporates global technologies for enhanced water management practices.
• Pey Jal Survekshan: A survey designed to evaluate water distribution, wastewater reuse, and foster healthy competition among cities.

Its Implementation and Further Roadmap

• Project Approval: A total of 8,998 projects have been approved with an estimated expenditure of ₹1,89,458.55 crore.
• Funds Distribution: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) releases funds to States/UTs, which are then allocated to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs are required to complete their SWAP and obtain approval within two years of the mission's launch.
• Future Plans: The focus will be on sustainable water management and extending the benefits of AMRUT 1.0 to additional towns.

GS3/Defence & Security

K-4 ballistic Missile

Source:Economic Times

Why in news?

Recently, India conducted a successful test of the K-4 ballistic missile launched from the submarine INS Arighaat, located off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

About K-4 ballistic Missile:

• The K-4 is a nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
• It has an impressive operational range of approximately 3,500 kilometers.
• This missile is solid-fuelled, allowing for quicker launch capabilities.
• It has undergone testing at least five times in recent years from submerged platforms.
• The successful launch of the K-4 missile enhances India's nuclear triad, which comprises land-based missiles, air-launched nuclear weapons, and submarine-launched systems.
• The K-4 missile is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Significance:

• The K-4 missile represents a significant advancement in India's nuclear deterrence and strategic military capabilities.

Key facts about the INS Arighaat:

• INS Arighaat was commissioned in August 2024.
• It is India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following the INS Arihant.
• This submarine was constructed at the Indian Navy's Ship Building Centre (SBC) located in Visakhapatnam.
• INS Arighaat can carry up to four nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), each with a range exceeding 3,500 kilometers.
• Alternatively, it can accommodate twelve conventional K-15 SLBMs, which have a range of approximately 750 kilometers.

GS3/Environment

Siberian Demoiselle crane

Source:Times of India

Why in news?

A Siberian Demoiselle crane, affectionately named Sukpak, has achieved a remarkable milestone by completing the longest migratory flight to Rajasthan, India, covering an impressive distance of over 3,676 kilometers.

About Siberian Demoiselle crane:

• This species is the smallest among cranes and exhibits both solitary and social behaviors.
• In Indian culture, this bird holds symbolic importance and is commonly referred to as Koonj or Kurjaa.
• These cranes are known for their migratory nature, traveling significant distances between their breeding and wintering habitats.

Habitat:

• Siberian Demoiselle cranes prefer habitats such as fields, deserts, steppes, and plains, typically found near water sources.

Distribution:

• These cranes are predominantly found across Central Euro Siberia, with their range extending from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.

Breeding range:

• They breed in Central Eurasia, specifically from the Black Sea region to Northeast China and Mongolia.
• During winter, they migrate to the Indian subcontinent and sub-Saharan Africa.
• While most Demoiselle cranes typically travel through the Himalayan valleys into India via Nepal, Sukpak took a unique route through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan before arriving in India through Jaisalmer.

Conservation efforts in India:

• Khichan has become a significant stopover for migratory birds in Rajasthan and is recognized as India's first reserve specifically dedicated to the Siberian Demoiselle crane.

Conservation status IUCN:

• The conservation status of the Siberian Demoiselle crane is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Threats:

• These cranes face various threats, including the drainage of wetlands, loss of habitat, illegal pet trade, and hunting pressures.

GS1/Geography

BALTIC SEA

Source:New York Times

Why in news?

The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has labeled the Baltic Sea as a "high risk" area following a suspected sabotage incident involving undersea cables. This declaration came during a meeting with leaders from Nordic and Baltic nations. The Prime Minister refrained from speculating about the possible perpetrators responsible for the damage to two fiber optic telecom cables in the region. Notably, a Chinese vessel, the Yi Peng 3, was present near the cables around the time they were cut and has since remained anchored in the Kattegat strait, which lies between Sweden and Denmark, since November 19.

About Baltic Sea

• The Baltic Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean, stretching northward from southern Denmark towards the Arctic Circle.
• It acts as a natural divider between the Scandinavian Peninsula and continental Europe.

Boundaries:

• West:Bordered by Denmark and the Kattegat Strait, which connects to the North Sea through the Skagerrak.
• North:Flanked by Sweden and the Gulf of Bothnia.
• East:Encompasses Finland, Russia, and the Gulf of Finland.
• South:Includes Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Countries Bordering the Baltic Sea:

• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Russia
• Sweden

Characteristics of the Baltic Sea:

• The water in the Baltic Sea is brackish, resulting from limited water exchange with the North Sea and significant freshwater inflow from rivers.
• The coastline features a rugged landscape dotted with numerous islands, peninsulas, and notable gulfs, including the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland.

Major Rivers Flowing into the Baltic Sea:

• Vistula River (Poland)
• Oder River (Germany/Poland)
• Neva River (Russia)
• Daugava River (Latvia)

Shipping and Trade:

• The Baltic Sea serves as a vital shipping route that connects Central and Eastern Europe to the global market.
• Key ports like Gdańsk (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia), and St. Petersburg (Russia) play significant roles in trade activities.
• Coastal resorts and historical cities such as Stockholm, Helsinki, and Riga attract millions of tourists each year.

GS2/International Relations

What is AUKUS?

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

The Chinese ambassador to New Zealand has warned that New Zealand's involvement in AUKUS could negatively impact its relations with China.

AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership formed in 2021 between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Its primary objective is to enhance technology sharing within the Indo-Pacific region. This alliance is perceived as a strategic response aimed at countering Chinese aggression and its aspirations in this vital area.

The partnership is built on two main pillars:

• Pillar 1: AUKUS supports Australia in obtaining its first fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Importantly, this agreement does not entail the transfer of nuclear weapons to Australia.
• Pillar 2:This pillar focuses on collaboration across eight advanced military capabilities, including:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Quantum Technologies
  • Innovation
  • Information Sharing
  • Cyber Operations
  • Undersea Warfare
  • Hypersonic and Counter-Hypersonic Technologies
  • Electronic Warfare

Submarine Component: AUKUS aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). Australia is expected to acquire a total of new nuclear submarines, designated as SSN-AUKUS. These submarines will be based on British design but will incorporate American technology and combat systems.

As a result of AUKUS, Australia will become the seventh nation globally to possess nuclear-powered submarines, following the United Kingdom, which is the second nation (after the UK) with whom the United States has shared this technology. This partnership will significantly improve Australia’s undersea capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, given that nuclear-powered submarines offer advantages such as:

• Extended operational range
• Greater endurance
• Enhanced stealth capabilities

Despite these advancements, the involved countries have clarified that their intention is not to arm the new submarines, in adherence to Australia's commitment as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which prohibits the acquisition or deployment of nuclear weapons.

GS2/Governance

What is Japanese Encephalitis?

Source:Hindustan Times

Why in News?

The national capital has reported an "isolated" case of Japanese Encephalitis, official sources said recently.

About Japanese Encephalitis:

• Japanese Encephalitis is a potentially severe viral zoonotic disease caused by the Japanese Encephalitis (B) virus.

Transmission

• The virus is transmitted from animals, particularly pigs and birds from the Ardeidae family, such as cattle egrets and pond herons, to humans through the bite of the Culex mosquito of the Vishnui group.
• There is no human-to-human transmission of the virus.
• This disease is most prevalent in rural areas of Asia, especially during the monsoon season when conditions are favorable for mosquito breeding.

Symptoms

• Japanese Encephalitis primarily affects the brain, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting.
• Neurological issues may arise, including confusion, seizures, and paralysis.
• While many individuals infected with the virus may experience mild or no symptoms, severe cases can result in permanent brain damage or even death.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing Japanese Encephalitis, especially in regions where the disease is endemic.
• Early diagnosis and supportive care can help in managing symptoms, but there is no specific antiviral treatment available for the disease.
• According to central government guidelines, two doses of the vaccine have been part of the Universal Immunisation Programme since 2013.

GS2/Polity

NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD

Source:Hindustan Times

Why in news?

In response to a significant increase in terrorist activities in the Jammu region, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set up a permanent hub for the National Security Guard (NSG) in Jammu city. This initiative aims to ensure a swift response to potential major attacks. Recent months have seen a rise in terror incidents across several districts, including Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi.

The National Security Guard, often referred to as the Black Cats, is a premier federal force recognized for its capability to handle anti-terrorism operations with precision. The NSG is specifically trained and equipped to address unique situations and is deployed only in critical scenarios to counter severe terrorist threats.

Formation and Background:

• The NSG was formed on October 16, 1984, as a direct response to the challenges posed by terrorism, particularly after Operation Blue Star.
• The force was inspired by the British Special Air Service and Germany's GSG 9.

Legislation:

• The establishment of the NSG was formalized through the National Security Guard Act of 1986.

Jurisdiction:

• The NSG operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs of India.

Recruitment:

• Personnel for the NSG are drawn from both the Indian Army and the Central Armed Police Forces.

Motto:

• The motto of the NSG is “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha,” which translates to “Best Security Everywhere.”

Major Operations:

• 1988: Operation Black Thunder – A counter-terrorism operation conducted at the Golden Temple.
• 1999: IC-814 Hijacking – The NSG was placed on standby during this incident but was unable to intervene as the aircraft was taken to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
• 2002: Akshardham Temple Attack – The NSG successfully neutralized terrorists during this incident in Gujarat.
• 2008: Mumbai Terror Attacks (26/11) – The NSG played a crucial role in eliminating terrorists and securing key locations like the Taj Hotel and Nariman House.

GS2/Governance

JARAWA TRIBE

Source:Nicobar Times

Why in news?

In a significant development, the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been formally integrated into India's democratic framework with their registration on the electoral roll. A total of 19 members from the Jarawa tribe have been enrolled, marking the first occasion that individuals from this community will engage in the electoral process.

• The Jarawa are an indigenous tribe located on the western coast of the South and Middle Andaman Islands. Their current population is estimated to range from 250 to 400 individuals. Historically, their numbers suffered a dramatic decrease during British colonial rule, but they have since stabilized.
• Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Jarawa are characterized by their small population, use of primitive technology, and relative isolation from mainstream society.
• The Jarawa tribe has its own distinct language, which belongs to the Ongan language family, differentiating it from other languages spoken in the Andaman Islands.

Lifestyle:

• Hunter-Gatherers: The Jarawa traditionally live as hunter-gatherers. They utilize bows and arrows for hunting wild pigs and monitor lizards, and they also fish in coastal waters.
• Diet: Their diet consists of wild fruits, roots, honey, and fish. The tribe is noted for its excellent nutritional health and strong physical condition.
• Housing: They construct temporary huts for their camps and employ simple rafts to navigate across streams and creeks.
• Contact with Outsiders:
  • Historical Isolation: The Jarawa have historically avoided interaction with outsiders until the 1990s.
  • Recent Interactions: Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in contact with settled populations, with some tribe members visiting nearby towns and settlements.

GS3/Environment

What is Bar-Tailed Godwit?

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

In an unusual occurrence, five bar-tailed godwits were spotted by a naturalist at Pulicat lake recently.

About Bar-Tailed Godwit:

• It is a migratory shorebird known for its remarkable endurance during migration.
• Scientific Name: Limosa lapponica

Distribution

The bar-tailed godwit species is found in:

• Northern Europe and Asia
• Western Alaska
• Africa
• The Persian Gulf
• India
• Southeast Asia
• China
• Australia
• These birds breed in the Arctic region.
• In India, they can be found during winter in various states, including:
  • Gujarat
  • Maharashtra
  • Karnataka
  • Goa
  • Kerala
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Odisha
  • West Bengal
  • Tripura
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Extraordinary Migration

• Bar-tailed Godwits hold the world record for non-stop flight.
• They have been documented flying an impressive distance of 13,500 km from Alaska to Tasmania in just 11 days.
• During this journey, they maintain an average speed of over 50 km/h, losing nearly half of their body weight in the process.

Features:

• Bar-tailed Godwits are large waders, with females being larger than males.
• They exhibit a mottled brown coloration on their upper body and a lighter, more uniform buff color on the underside.
• Their underwings are dull white.
• They possess a long, slightly upturned bill.
• As indicated by their name, they have a distinctive white tail with brown barring.

IUCN Red List

• Status: Near Threatened