Weekly Current Affairs (1st to 7th July 2024) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS3/Economy

UNODC Report on Illicit Drugs

Why in news?

• Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its World Drug Report 2024 drawing global attention to escalating concerns in the international drug landscape.

What are the Highlights of the Report?

Rising Drug Use:

• In 2022, the number of drug users worldwide reached 292 million, representing a 20% increase over the past decade.

Drug Preference:

• Cannabis remains the most popular drug, with 228 million users, followed by Opioids, Amphetamines, Cocaine, and Ecstasy.

Emerging Threats:

• The report warns about nitazenes, a new class of synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl. These substances are linked to an increase in overdose deaths, particularly in high-income countries.

Treatment Gap:

• Out of 64 million people suffering from drug use disorders, only one in 11 receive treatment.

Gender Disparity in Treatment:

• The report reveals a significant gender gap in treatment access. Only one in 18 women with drug use disorders receive treatment, compared to one in seven men.

Drug Use In India:

• The number of people becoming addicted to drugs has risen sharply. According to data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), there are currently around 100 million people in the country addicted to various narcotic substances.
• According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab are the top three states with the highest number of FIRs registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) in three years between 2019 and 2021.

Who are the Major Drug-Producing Regions in the World?

The Golden Crescent:

• It comprises Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, a major global hub for opium production and distribution.
• It affects Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

The Golden Triangle:

• It is located at the intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand notorious for heroin production (Myanmar produces 80% of global heroin).
• Trafficking routes pass through Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and India.

What are the Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse in India?

Poverty, Unemployment, and Escapism:

• Individuals in lower-income groups use cheap, readily available drugs to temporarily escape harsh realities like poverty, unemployment, and poor living conditions. A slum rehabilitation program in Chennai reported that 70% of adult drug users cited poverty-related stress as a key factor.

Peer Pressure and Social Influences:

• Teenagers experiment with drugs at parties to fit in or appear cool. Youth emulating celebrities or social media influencers who portray drug use as fashionable. A 2023 cybercrime unit investigation uncovered a network using Instagram to advertise pharma parties in Goa, reaching over 100,000 potential attendees.

Legal System Loopholes:

• Organized crime syndicates exploit legal system loopholes, such as weak border controls, to smuggle drugs. They often misuse trade routes from Africa and South Asia for drug trafficking purposes. In 2023, the Border Security Force reported a 35% increase in drug seizures along the India-Pakistan border, highlighting the ongoing challenges in controlling illicit drug flows through these routes.

What are the Various Challenges For India in Drug Trafficking?

Border Vulnerabilities and Public Health Risks:

• India-Myanmar border, characterized by rough terrain and dense forests, presents security challenges. Illicit drug flows through India threaten both national security and public health.

Socio-Economic Factors:

• Poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy in the North Eastern regions contribute to local involvement in drug-related criminal activities. Some local tribes and residents may participate out of economic necessity or misplaced sympathy.

Global Drug Supply Hub:

• The Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle regions collectively meet about 90% of the world's drug demand. India's proximity to these areas increases its exposure to drug trafficking.

Evolving Smuggling Techniques:

• This technological shift presents new challenges for law enforcement. Recent incidents in Punjab have revealed the use of drones for cross-border drug and weapon smuggling.

Emerging Cocaine Market:

• India has unexpectedly become a popular destination for cocaine, controlled by South American cartels. These cartels have established complex networks involving Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in countries like Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and various European nations, as well as local drug dealers and gangsters in India.

Way Forward

Comprehensive Strategy:

• Prevention, treatment, and law enforcement as recommended by UNODC for community-based programs to raise awareness.

Prevention:

• A national review and consultation organized by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) focused on a 'Joint Action Plan to Prevent Drug and Substance Abuse and Combat Illicit Trafficking'.
• Media campaigns targeting vulnerable populations.
• Early intervention strategies in schools and workplaces equipping people with knowledge and skills to resist drug use. These programs go beyond simple "Just Say No" campaigns and include accurate information about drug effects and risks, coping strategies for peer pressure and stress, decision-making skills, and self-esteem building, providing comprehensive recovery support services, and addressing the stigma associated with seeking help for drug abuse.

Law Enforcement:

• Strengthening border security to intercept drug shipments.
• Improving intelligence sharing between agencies like Interpol and countries (Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle).
• Targeting high-level drug traffickers and their financial networks.

Use of Technology:

• Develop an online reporting system where citizens can report drug abuse and trafficking activities.
• Big Data and analytics and AI to identify and track drug trafficking networks.
• The new portal 'Prahari' will be launched to conduct quarterly activities for awareness of drugs and substance abuse in schools.

Humanitarian Approach:

• In response to the limitations of punitive measures in addressing drug-related cases, there is a need to amend legislation to adopt more reformative approaches.
• Viewing drug use through a lens of public health and human rights promotes understanding and empathy towards individuals affected by addiction.
• Redirecting resources from incarceration towards can lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities.

Mains Questions:

• How do drug trafficking challenges intersect with border management issues, particularly in regions like India, and what strategies are being employed to address these complexities?

GS3/Economy

Amendments Proposed in MSME Act

Why in news?

• Recently, on the occasion of International MSME Day (27 June), 2024, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) organised the 'Udyami Bharat-MSME Day' event and proposed amendment to MSME Development Act, 2006 to improve dispute resolution for delayed payments and address the changing needs of the MSME sector. The event witnessed the launch of several initiatives by the Union Minister for MSME, including the proposed upgradation of the Samadhan Portal, proposed amendments in the MSME Development Act, 2006 and the Yashasvini campaign.

What are the Key Facts About MSME?

About MSMEs:

• MSME stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. These are businesses that produce, process, and preserve goods and commodities.

MSME Regulation in India:

• Ministry of Small-Scale Industries and Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries were merged in 2007 to form the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This ministry develops policies, facilitates programs, and monitors implementation to support MSMEs and aid in their growth.

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act of 2006:

• The act addresses various issues affecting MSMEs, establishes a National Board for MSMEs, defines the concept of "enterprise," and empowers the Central Government to enhance MSME competitiveness.

Significance of the MSME Sector:

• Global: According to the United Nations data, MSMEs account for up to 90% of businesses, 60% to 70% of jobs worldwide, and half of global GDP.
• GDP Contribution and Employment Generation: MSMEs currently contribute approximately 30% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.
• Export Promotion: Currently MSMEs contribute nearly 45% of India's total exports.
• Contribution to Manufacturing Output: MSMEs contribute significantly to the country's manufacturing output, particularly in sectors like food processing, engineering, and chemicals.
• Rural Industrialization and Inclusive Growth: MSMEs play a pivotal role in driving rural industrialisation and promoting inclusive growth.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The MSME sector fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.

What are the Key Amendments Proposed in MSME Development Act, 2006?

MSME Development Act, 2006:

• It provides a framework for the promotion and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Key Amendments Proposed:

• Faster Payment Resolutions: The Samadhan portal is proposed to upgrade to a full-fledged online dispute resolution platform for MSMEs.
• Strengthened MSME Representation: This will include representatives from all State Secretaries.
• Modernising the Act: The 2006 MSME Act requires updates to address contemporary issues like delayed payments and evolving support needs of MSMEs.

What are the Key Initiatives Announced by the Ministry of MSME?

MSME Trade Enablement & Marketing (TEAM) Initiative:

• It aims to facilitate the onboarding of 5 lakh micro and small enterprises onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Yashasvini Campaign:

• This is a series of mass awareness campaigns formalising women-owned informal micro enterprises and providing capacity building, training, handholding, and mentorship to women-owned enterprises.

6 Pillars for the Government's MSME Initiatives:

• Building a Stronger Foundation
• Expanding Market Reach
• Technological Transformation
• Skilling the Workforce
• Going Global with Tradition
• Empowering Entrepreneurs

What are the Challenges Faced by MSMEs?

• Limited Access to Finance and Credit
• Technological Deficiency
• Market Access and Competition
• Skilled Labour Shortage
• Economic Vulnerability
• Raw Material Shortage
• Issues With Current Litigation System

Way Forward

• Financial Empowerment and Access
• Digital Transformation and Market Expansion
• Regulatory Reforms and Skilling
• Infrastructure, Risk Management, and Policy Awareness
• Global Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement

Mains Question:

Question: Analyse the challenges faced by MSMEs in India and evaluate the government's initiatives in addressing these challenges.
Description: Elaborate on the challenges encountered by MSMEs in India and assess how the government's initiatives aim to tackle these issues.

GS1/History & Culture

Simla Agreement 1972

Why in news?

• Recently, the 52nd anniversary of the Simla Agreement, signed on July 1972 by then Prime Minister of India and Pakistan was observed.

What is Simla Agreement?

Origins and Context:

• Post-1971 War Dynamics: The agreement was a direct consequence of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, which resulted in the independence of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). India's military intervention played a crucial role in this conflict, significantly altering the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
• Key Negotiators: Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan’s President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto aimed to establish peace and normalize relations between the two countries after the intense hostilities.

Objectives of the Simla Agreement:

• Resolution of Kashmir Issue: India aimed for a bilateral resolution to the Kashmir dispute, restraining Pakistan from internationalizing the issue.
• Normalization of Relations: Hoping for improved relations with Pakistan based on the new regional power balance.
• Avoiding Humiliation of Pakistan: India chose not to press for turning the ceasefire line into a permanent boundary to prevent further resentment and potential revanchism in Pakistan.

Key Provisions:

• Conflict Resolution and Bilateralism: The agreement emphasized resolving all issues between India and Pakistan through peaceful means, primarily through bilateral negotiations. It aimed to put an end to the conflict and confrontation that had marred their relations.
• Status of Kashmir: One of the most contentious issues addressed was the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, established after the 1971 war. Both sides agreed to respect this line without prejudice to their respective claims and to refrain from altering its status unilaterally.
• Withdrawal of Forces: It stipulated the withdrawal of forces to their respective sides of the international border, marking a significant step towards de-escalation.
• Future Diplomacy: The agreement also laid down provisions for future meetings between the heads of both governments and ongoing discussions to establish durable peace, normalize relations, and address humanitarian issues like the repatriation of prisoners of war.

Significance:

• Geopolitical Tensions: The agreement remains relevant today as the Kashmir issue and broader Indo-Pak relations continue to be a flashpoint in South Asian geopolitics.
• Legal and Diplomatic Framework: It provides a legal framework for future discussions and negotiations between the two countries, despite its limitations and differing interpretations.

Criticism:

• Unfulfilled Potential: The Simla Agreement fell short of its intended goals of fostering lasting peace and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances continue to hinder progress.
• Nuclearisation and Strategic Shifts: Both countries conducted nuclear tests post-1998, significantly altering the strategic calculus. This nuclear capability has led to a deterrence-based stability rendering Simla agreement less relevant.
• Long-term Impact: Despite its intentions, the Simla Agreement did not lead to a sustained peace process or normalization of relations between India and Pakistan.
• International Perspective: The international community generally respects the Simla Agreement's bilateral approach to resolving issues between India and Pakistan. It has often been cited to discourage international intervention in Kashmir.

How India-Pakistan Relations Have Been Over the Years?

Partition and Independence (1947):

• Partition of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947 was a pivotal moment, resulting in the creation of two separate nations, India a secular nation and Pakistan a theocratic nation.
• Maharaja of Kashmir initially sought independence but eventually acceded to India due to Pakistan’s attack on Kashmir which resulted in the first Indo-Pak War in 1947-48.

Wars, Agreements and Terror:

• 1965 and 1971 Wars: 1965 war began with border skirmishes and escalated into a full-scale conflict. It ended with a UN-mediated cease-fire and no major territorial changes. In 1971, India intervened in East Pakistan's struggle for independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
• Simla Agreement (1972): Signed after the 1971 war, it established the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
• Insurgency in Kashmir (1989): Pakistan supported a militant insurgency in Kashmir, leading to widespread violence and human rights abuses.
• Kargil War (1999): Pakistan-backed forces infiltrated Indian-controlled territory in Kargil, sparking war that ended with Indian military victory but strained relations further.
• Mumbai Attacks (2008): Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants launched coordinated attacks in Mumbai, killing 166 people. This event severely strained relations and led to international pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorism.

Current Situation (2023-2024):

• Continued political instability in Pakistan, coupled with ongoing militant activities and cross-border tensions, perpetuate the cycle of violence and distrust between the two nations.
• Geopolitical Dimensions: China's growing influence in the region, including its strategic partnership with Pakistan and territorial disputes with India, adds another layer of complexity to the Indo-Pakistani dynamic.

Conclusion:

• Overall, the India-Pakistan conflict remains a complex and volatile issue with deep historical roots, intertwined with geopolitical rivalries, domestic politics, and aspirations for regional dominance. Efforts towards lasting peace face significant challenges amid recurring episodes of violence, militant activities, and mutual distrust.
• While the Simla Agreement of 1972 represented a significant effort towards peace between India and Pakistan after the 1971 war, its limitations and controversies underscore the complex and enduring nature of Indo-Pakistani relations. Its legacy remains pivotal in understanding the dynamics and challenges of South Asian diplomacy and security.

Mains Question:

Discuss the relevance of the Simla Agreement of 1972 in shaping contemporary India-Pakistan relations.

GS3/Defence & Security

High Court Upholds Hijab Ban in Colleges

Why in news?

• Recently, the Bombay dismissed a plea by 9 students who have challenged the college's new dress code that banned the wearing of hijabs, burqas, niqabs, and any other religious identifiers inside the college premises. The court held that the dress code was decided in the "larger academic interest" of the students.

What were the Key Arguments and Court’s Ruling?

Arguments of Students:

• Students argued that the college dress code infringes on their religious freedom and right to education.
• They believe the college doesn't have the authority to impose such restrictions, especially since it hinders access to education for minority communities.
• They claim the restrictions violate specific articles of the constitution Article 19(1)(a) (Right to Freedom of Expression) and Article 25 (Right to Freedom of Religion).
• They also claimed the decision was in violation of University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012 meant to increase access to higher education for SC, ST, OBC and minority communities.

Arguments of College Administration:

• The college administration, however, argued that the dress code was applicable to all students, across religious and community lines.
• They relied on the 2022 judgement of Karnataka High Court which stated that donning the hijab or niqab was “not an essential religious practice” for women professing Islam.
• The college also said that this was an internal matter, a part of its right to maintain discipline.
• It held that the dress code, which prescribed "any Indian/western non-revealing dress" for girls, was applicable to all students across religious and community lines.

Bombay High Court’s Ruling:

• The Bombay HC rejected the students' argument that wearing the hijab is an "essential religious practice" emphasising the dress code was applicable uniformly to all students, irrespective of their "caste, creed, religion or language” which did not violate the UGC regulations on promoting equity in higher education.
• It held that between the competing rights of a student's choice of dress and the institution's right to maintain discipline "larger rights" of the college must prevail, as students are expected to attend the institution for academic advancement.
• The court relied on and expressed "full agreement" with the 2022 judgement of the Karnataka High Court (HC) on Resham v. State of Karnataka, 2022 which had validated the state government's ban on hijabs in government colleges.

Challenged in Supreme Court:

• However, the Karnataka HC judgement on hijab ban is itself currently under challenge in the where a 2-judge bench delivered a split verdict in October 2022. The case has now been referred to a larger bench of the Supreme Court.
• This Bombay HC verdict is also likely to be contested in the

How Have Courts Ruled so far on the Issue of a Hijab?

Bombay High Court, 2003:

• In Fathema Hussain Sayed v Bharat Education Society, the court held that the Quran does not prescribe the wearing of a headscarf, and a girl student not wearing a headscarf cannot be seen as violating Islamic injunctions.

2015 Kerala High Court Cases:

• Two petitions challenged the dress code for the All India Pre-Medical Entrance, which prescribed light clothes with half sleeves and slippers instead of shoes.
• Central Board of School Education (CBSE) argued that the dress code was to prevent unfair practices.
• The Kerala HC directed the CBSE to implement additional measures for students wishing to wear religious attire.
• In Amna Bint Basheer v CBSE, 2016, The Kerala HC ruled that wearing a hijab is an essential religious practice but upheld the CBSE dress code, allowing additional measures and safeguards as in 2015.

Kerala High Court, 2018:

• In Fathima Thasneem v State of Kerala, the court ruled in favour of a Christian missionary school's decision to deny permission to wear headscarves, stating that the "collective rights" of the school must take precedence over individual student rights.

Supreme Court Split Verdict on Hijab Ban:

• What is the Constitutional Framework for Religious Freedom in India?
• Right to Freedom of Religion: Articles 25-28 Part-3 (Fundamental Rights of the Constitution confers the right to freedom of religion to all persons.
• Article 25(1): This article grants the "freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion." It establishes a negative liberty, wherein the state cannot obstruct the exercise of this right.
• Article 26: This article provides the "freedom to manage religious affairs" subject to public order, morality, and health. It allows religious denominations to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes.
• Article 27 prohibits the state from compelling any citizen to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion. It upholds the principle of secularism.
• Article 28: This article deals with the freedom to attend religious instruction or worship in certain educational institutions. It allows the state to provide religious instruction in state-recognized or state-funded educational institutions Further, 29 and 30 of the Constitution deal with the protection of the interests of minorities.

Way Forward

• Judicial Consensus & Supreme Court's Role: Aligning High Court judgments can indicate an emerging judicial view. The Supreme Court's verdict will be crucial for a clear legal framework.
• Balancing Rights & Institutional Needs: The challenge lies in balancing individual religious freedom with institutions' autonomy to implement dress codes. This needs careful consideration in each educational context.
• Comprehensive Guidelines & Inclusivity: Lack of national-level dress code guidelines necessitates clear policies from the UGC ensuring uniformity and protecting fundamental rights. Formulating dress codes through a consultative process involving all stakeholders is needed to foster inclusivity and address concerns regarding diverse religious practices.

Conclusion

The Bombay HC verdict is a significant development in the hijab controversy, reaffirming the courts' position on the permissibility of dress code regulations in educational institutions. However, it requires a balanced approach that upholds the fundamental rights of students while also preserving the autonomy and academic interests of educational institutions.

Mains Question:

Discuss the potential impact of the Bombay High Court's judgement on the ongoing legal and social debates surrounding the hijab controversy in India.

GS1/History & Culture

Foundation Day of Puducherry

Why in news?

• Every year, the 1st July is marked as the foundation day of Puducherry as on this day Government of Union Territories Act 1963 providing with Legislative Assemblies and Council of Ministers came into force.

What are Key Facts about Puducherry?

• About:
• The present Union Territory of Puducherry was formed in 1962 out of the four former colonies of French India.
• These regions are surrounded by the state of Tamilnadu while Yanam is surrounded by the state of Andra Pradesh.
• To accommodate the diverse culture, due to its multi-state location, Puducherry has been recognized as a Union Territory.

History of Pondicherry

• Puducherry has a flourishing maritime history and excavations at Arikamedu show that Romans came here to trade in the 1st Century AD.
• In around the fourth century A.D. Puducherry area was part of the Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram after which Chola took over it.

Colonial History:

• The foundation of modern Puducherry was laid in the year 1673 after the French East India Company successfully obtained firman from the Qiladar of Valikondapurarm.
• Puducherry was captured by the Dutch in 1693 but was returned to the French company by the Treaty of Ryswick in 1699.

Post Independence:

• On 1 November 1954, Puducherry became a Union Territory after the French possessions in India were transferred to the Indian Union.
• Puducherry became officially an integral part of India after the French Parliament in Paris ratified the Treaty with India in 1963.

Political Status of Pondicherry:

• In accordance with Article 239 of the Constitution of India and the Government of Union Territories Act 1963, the President of India has framed the Business of the Government of Puducherry (Allocation) Rules 1963.
• The Puducherry Assembly can legislate on any issue under the Concurrent and State Lists.

Puducherry has long demanded statehood to gain greater powers for attracting industries, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing infrastructure for tourism.

Culture:

• Sri Aurobindo Ashram (a well-planned town with Franco Tamil architecture) and Auroville (an experimental township) was an attempt to implement Sri Aurobindo's vision of new forms of individual and collective life, preparing the way towards a brighter future for the whole earth.
• Puducherry is an Indian Union Territory that offers a taste of France in India due to its colonial history.

Mains Question:

The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process. Discuss this in the context of the statehood demand of Puducherry.

GS3/Economy

Regulating Facial Recognition Technology in India

Why in news?

• Recently, the NITI Aayog, the premier public policy think-tank of the Government of India, has called for comprehensive policy and legal reforms to regulate the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in the country. This step is considered a major development amid growing worries about privacy, transparency, and accountability.

What are the Proposals to Regulate the Use of FRT in India?

Status of Regulation in India:

• Currently, there is an absence of any comprehensive legal framework present to regulate the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) in India.

Need For Regulating FRT:

• FRT presents distinct challenges compared to other technologies due to its ability to capture and process sensitive biometric data remotely.
• Existing regulations might not adequately address these specific concerns.

Ensuring Responsible Development:

• The objective is to create a comprehensive governance framework that can ensure the responsible development and deployment of FRT in India.
• This is crucial to mitigate the risks and ethical concerns associated with the use of FRT, such as privacy violations, algorithmic bias, and abuse of surveillance powers.

International Thought Leadership:

• Proactive regulation will allow India to emerge as a global thought leader on FRT governance, shaping international discourse and policies.

Promoting Public Trust:

• Effective regulation will build public trust in the technology and facilitate its widespread adoption across various sectors.

Balancing Innovation and Safeguards:

• The reforms seek to strike a balance between promoting FRT innovation and putting in place necessary safeguards to protect individual rights and societal interests.

Key Proposals

Standardising Liability:

• Establishing a framework that imposes liability and defines the extent of damages for harms caused by FRT malfunctions or misuse. This would incentivize responsible development and deployment.

Ethical Oversight:

• Creating an independent ethical committee with diverse expertise to oversee FRT implementation. This committee would address issues of transparency, accountability, and potential bias within the algorithms.

Transparency in Deployment:

• Mandating clear and transparent guidelines on the systems. This would include informing the public about the use of FRT in specific areas and obtaining consent where necessary.

Legal Compliance:

• Ensuring FRT systems comply with the Supreme Court's established legal principles in its judgment given in Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) Vs Union of India case. These principles include legality (adherence to existing laws), reasonability (proportionality to the objective), and balancing the need for security with individual rights.

What is Facial Recognition Technology?

About:

• Facial recognition is an algorithm-based technology which creates a digital map of the face by identifying and mapping an individual's facial features, which it then matches against the database to which it has access.

Working:

• The facial recognition system works primarily by capturing the face & its features through the camera and then using various kinds of software to reconstruct those features.
• The captured face along with its features is stored into a database, which can be integrated with any kind of software that may be used for security purposes, banking services, etc.

Uses:

• Verification: The facial map is obtained for the purpose of matching it against the person's photograph on a database to authenticate their identity. For example, it is used to unlock phones.
• Identification: The facial map is obtained from a photograph or video and then matched against the entire database to identify the person in the photograph or video. For example, law enforcement agencies usually procure FRT for identification.

What are the Concerns Regarding the Use of FRT Technology?

Inaccuracy, Misuse and Privacy Concerns:

• FRT's limitations include misidentification, particularly across racial and gender demographics. This can lead to wrongful disqualification of legitimate candidates.
• The widespread use of FRT for surveillance and data collection can clash with the objectives of data privacy and protection, even in the presence of a legal framework.

Racial and Gender Biases:

• Studies reveal disparities in FRT accuracy based on race and gender, potentially excluding deserving candidates and reinforcing societal biases.

Exclusion from Essential Services:

• Failures in biometric authentication, such as under the Aadhaar system, have led to the exclusion of individuals from accessing essential government services.

Absence of Data Protection Laws:

• The lack of comprehensive data protection laws makes FRT systems vulnerable to misuse, with inadequate safeguards for the collection, storage, and use of biometric data.

Ethical Concerns:

• It also raises ethical questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights, as well as the potential for misuse and abuse of the technology. There are concerns about the erosion of anonymity and the potential for FRT to be used for social control and suppression of dissent.

Way Forward

Robust Legal Framework:

• Establish dedicated laws or regulations governing FRT deployment by both public and private actors. These laws should clearly define lawful purposes for FRT use, emphasize proportionality, and establish clear lines of accountability.

Ethical Oversight and Governance:

• There is a need for creation of independent ethical oversight committees to assess the ethical implications of FRT deployments, prescribe codes of practice, and ensure compliance.

Transparency and Data Protection:

• Make public disclosure of FRT deployments mandatory for both government and private entities and aligning FRT governance with India's upcoming data protection framework to ensure robust data protection safeguards.

Addressing Bias:

• There is a need to develop clear guidelines promoting fair and non-discriminatory use of FRT, particularly in high-stakes applications.

Global Leadership:

• Actively participate in international discussions on FRT governance to shape global standards. Leverage India's position as a technological leader to champion responsible AI development on the world stage.

Mains Question:

Discuss the major concerns associated with the deployment of FRT systems and suggest measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and address potential biases.