UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 8th August 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Urbanisation and associated issues

Subject: Indian Society

Why in News?

With the increasing pace of urbanisation along with the baggage of problems it comes.

About Urbanisation:

• Urbanisation is the process of transformation that occurs as a society evolves from predominantly rural to predominantly urban areas.
• It involves the increase in the proportion of a country’s population residing in urban areas, leading to the expansion and growth of cities and towns.
• Urbanisation is not just about the physical expansion of cities but also encompasses social, economic, and cultural transformations.
• It involves the migration of individuals from rural to urban areas in pursuit of employment opportunities, improved living standards, access to better education and healthcare facilities, and a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Important characteristics of the urban system

Population Density: Urban areas are characterised by high population density, with a large number of people residing in relatively small geographical areas.

• This density leads to the concentration of social, economic, and cultural activities, promoting interaction and exchange.

Diverse Economic Activities: Urban systems are centres of economic growth and diversification.

• They offer a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors such as manufacturing, services, finance, technology, and creative industries.
• The presence of diverse economic activities attracts people seeking better job prospects.

Infrastructure and Services: Urban areas typically have better-developed infrastructure compared to rural areas.

• This includes transportation networks, communication systems, water supply, sanitation, electricity, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and recreational amenities.
• These amenities are crucial in attracting and sustaining urban populations.

Social Heterogeneity: Urban areas are characterised by social diversity and cultural heterogeneity.

• They serve as melting pots of different ethnicities, languages, religions, and lifestyles.
• This diversity fosters social interaction, multiculturalism, and the exchange of ideas, leading to vibrant urban communities.

Urban Planning and Governance: Effective urban planning and governance are essential for the functioning and development of urban systems.

• Urban planning involves the systematic allocation of land for various purposes, ensuring the provision of infrastructure and public services, and addressing issues like housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

Urbanization in India:

• The population residing in urban areas in India, according to the 1901 census, was 11.4%, increasing to 31.16% by the 2011 census, and is now currently 34% in 2017 according to The World Bank. .
  • According to a survey by UN, in 2030 40.76% of country’s population is expected to reside in urban areas.
• Population and economic growth has fostered urbanization in the country and the number of urban towns and cities have drastically increased.
• This growth is expected to continue in the years to come and India has to step up its game in order to catch up with this kind of change. Investments have to be made in order to better serve the country.

Positive impacts of urbanisation

• Economic Growth and Opportunities: Urban areas serve as engines of economic growth. According to the World Bank, more than 80 per cent of global GDP is generated in the cities.
  • The concentration of industries, businesses, and services in urban centers leads to increased productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities.
• Improved Infrastructure and Services: Urban areas tend to have better-developed infrastructure and a wider range of services compared to rural areas.
  • Urbanisation drives the expansion of transportation networks.
• Social and Cultural Exchange: Urbanisation fosters social interaction and cultural exchange due to the diversity of people from different backgrounds residing nearby.
  • Urban centers become melting pots of diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and ideas.
• Education and Skill Development: Urban areas offer better access to educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities.
  • This facilitates higher levels of education and skill development among urban populations.

Issues Associated to Urbanisation

• Excessive Population Pressure: On the one hand, the rural-urban migration accelerates the pace of urbanisation, on the other; it creates excessive population pressure on the existing public utilities.
  • Consequently, the cities suffer from the problems of slums, crime, unemployment, urban poverty, pollution, congestion, ill health and several deviant social activities.
• Inadequate Housing: Among the numerous social problems of urbanisation, the problem of housing is the most distressing.
  • A vast majority of urban population live under conditions of poor shelter and in highly congested spaces.
  • In India, more than half of the urban households occupy a single room, with an average occupancy per room of 4.4 persons.
• Unplanned Development: The model of building a developed city comprises unplanned development, which only bolsters the dichotomy prevailing in urban cities between the rich and the poor.
• Pandemic-Induced Problems: The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the misery of urban poor or slum dwellers.
• The sudden implementation of complete Covid lockdown severely affected the ability of slum dwellers to earn their living.
• Non-Inclusive Welfare Schemes: The benefits of welfare schemes for urban poor often reach only a small part of the intended beneficiaries.
  • Most relief funds and benefits do not reach slum dwellers, mainly because these settlements are not officially recognised by the government.

India’s Initiatives for Urbanization:

• Smart Cities
• AMRUT Mission
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
• Aspirational district programme

Way Forward:

Multi-stakeholder involvement, adequate financial resources, and institutional support  will strengthen urban governance to reorient our strategy of urban planning and management. In the end, this will ensure desired green cover in cities for our current generations as well as for the future. New approaches to urban planning and effective governance are the need of the hour. Necessary actions should be taken to build sustainable, robust and inclusive infrastructure.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

Rahul Gandhi’s MP status restored

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose conviction in a defamation case over remarks on the Modi surname was stayed by the Supreme Court, returned to the Lok Sabha.

• The Lok Sabha Secretariat has notified the restoration of Rahul’s membership.

What are the legal provisions regarding the disqualification of MPs/MLAs?

• Disqualification of a lawmaker is prescribed in three situations.
  • First is through the Articles 102(1) and 191(1) for disqualification of a member of Parliament and a member of the Legislative Assembly respectively.
    • The grounds here include holding an office of profit, being of unsound mind or insolvent or not having valid citizenship.
  • The second prescription of disqualification is in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
    • This provides for the disqualification of the members on grounds of defection.
  • The third prescription is under The Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951.
    • This law provides for disqualification for conviction in criminal cases.

What does the RPA say?

• There are several provisions that deal with disqualification under the RPA.
  • Section 8 of the RPA deals with disqualification for conviction of offences.
    • Section 8(1A) of the act includes specific offences such as promoting enmity between two groups, bribery, and undue influence or personation at an election.
    • Section 8(2A) lists offences that deal with hoarding or profiteering, adulteration of food or drugs and for conviction and sentence of at least six months for an offence under any provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
    • Section 8(3A) disqualifies a convicted person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years.
      • He is disqualified from the date of such conviction and shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.
  • Section 9 deals with disqualification for corruption or disloyalty, and for entering into government contracts while being a lawmaker.
  • 
    
    • Section 9(A): Disqualification for Government contracts, etc.
  • Section 10: Disqualification for office under Government company.
    • Section 10(A). Disqualification for failure to lodge account of election expenses.
  • Section 11: Removal or reduction of period of disqualification.
    • Section 11(A): Disqualification arising out of conviction and corrupt practices.
    • Section 11(B): Removal of disqualifications.

How does the disqualification operate?

• The disqualification can be reversed if a higher court grants a stay on the conviction or decides the appeal in favour of the convicted lawmaker.
• In 2018, in ‘Lok Prahari v Union of India’ case, the SC clarified that the disqualification will not operate from the date of the stay of conviction by the appellate court.
  • Here, it should be noted that the stay cannot merely be a suspension of sentence, but a stay of conviction.
  • Under Section 389 of the CrPC, an Appellate Court can suspend the sentence of a convict while the appeal is pending.
    • This is akin to releasing the appellant on bail.

How does an appeal against the conviction impact disqualification?

• Section 8(4) of the RPA stated that the disqualification takes effect only after three months have elapsed from the date of conviction.
  • Within that period, a person can file an appeal against the sentence before the higher Court.
• Earlier, the law had provided for a pause on disqualification if an appeal against the conviction was filed before a higher court.
• However, in the landmark 2013 ruling in ‘Lily Thomas v Union of India’ (later in Lok Prahari vs UoI,2018 also), the Supreme Court struck down Section 8(4) of the RPA as unconstitutional.
• This means that simply filing an appeal will not be enough to prevent disqualification.
  • The convicted MP must secure a specific order of stay against the conviction of the trial court.

Background of the present case:

• In March 2023, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was held guilty and sentenced to two years in jail by a court in Gujarat’s Surat.
• He was sentenced in a 2019 defamation case over his remarks about the “Modi surname”.
• A day after the conviction, Lok Sabha Secretariat notified that Rahul Gandhi would stand disqualified as the Member of Parliament from Wayanad constituency.
  • He was disqualified under the Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA).
• Rahul had moved the Sessions Court seeking a stay of the conviction.
  • Under 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, an Appellate Court can suspend the sentence of a convicted person who is sentenced to imprisonment of not more than three years.
• The Sessions Court rejected the plea, prompting Rahul to move the HC, which also rejected the plea.
• Finally, on August 5, the Supreme Court stayed Rahul’s conviction and sentence awarded by Surat court in March 2023.
  • The SC’s stay essentially means that Rahul’s conviction will be kept in abeyance — as though it did not exist.
  • However, this is only till the Appellate Court decides the case.
    • An appeal against the conviction is pending before the Surat Sessions Court.

News Summary: Rahul Gandhi’s MP status restored

• Two days after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a criminal defamation case, the Lok Sabha Secretariat cleared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s return to Parliament.

What are the perks that will be restored for Rahul?

• As an MP, Rahul is entitled to receive a salary of ₹1 lakh per month during his term in office.
• When Parliament is in session, an MP is entitled to an additional Rs 2,000 for each day.
• MPs are also entitled to a travel allowance, which includes fee transit by railways.
• Other perks include medical facilities for the MP and family members, housing, telephone, water, and electricity.
• The Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament Act, 1954 prescribes the range of benefits that an MP is entitled to.

Source: The Hindu

Language Complexity in India’s Judiciary

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court rejected a plea to transfer a motor accident case from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Farrukhabad, UP, to the MACT in Darjeeling, West Bengal.

• The court emphasized that language should not be a barrier, and witnesses should communicate in Hindi, the national language, during proceedings

Why discuss this?

• The Supreme Court’s assertion that Hindi is the national language sparked debates, given India’s linguistic diversity.
• While no language is officially designated as the “national language,” Hindi holds a significant position as the official language of the Union.

Official Languages and the Constitution

• Article 343: The Constitution designates Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, with English used for official purposes during the initial 15 years after the Constitution’s commencement in 1950.
• Article 351: The Constitution directs the Union to promote the spread of Hindi while respecting the forms and expressions of other languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.

Eighth Schedule and Linguistic Diversity

• Eighth Schedule: The Constitution’s Eighth Schedule lists 22 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, as recognized languages. The Schedule has expanded over time to accommodate languages like Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
• Demands for Inclusion: Various languages such as Bhojpuri, Garhwali (Pahari), and Rajasthani are vying for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. The MHA acknowledges the dynamic nature of language evolution but faces challenges in establishing criteria for inclusion.
• Official Languages Act, 1963: Despite Hindi being an official language, the Act ensures the continuation of English for official purposes even beyond the initial 15-year period.

Status of English in Judiciary

• Apex Courts: The use of English is mandated in proceedings of the Supreme Court and High Courts, ensuring uniformity in legal communication. The Rajasthan High Court introduced Hindi for court proceedings, citing Article 348 (2) and the Official Languages Act.
• Subordinate Courts and Regional Languages:

1. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC): The State Government has the authority to determine the language of subordinate courts within the state.
2. Code of Civil Procedure (CPC): While the language of subordinate courts is initially maintained, the State Government can declare a language and character for applications and proceedings.

Way Forward

• Balancing Diversity and Accessibility: The debate on regional languages in courts underscores the need to make legal proceedings accessible to all citizens, considering linguistic diversity.
• Gradual Transition: While the use of regional languages in courts is a growing conversation, any transition must be gradual and carefully implemented to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Socio-Linguistic Dynamics: Encouraging the use of local languages in legal proceedings aligns with PM’s vision to facilitate understanding of the judicial process among citizens.

Source: Economic Times

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which replaces the ordinance on control of services in Delhi, has been passed by both the Houses of the Parliament.

Background:

• Article 239 AA was inserted in the Constitution by the 69^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991.
  • Based on the recommendations of S Balakrishnan Committee (1987), it gave special status to Delhi.
• It says that the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi will have an Administrator and a Legislative Assembly.
  • The Legislative Assembly “shall have power to make laws for the whole or any part of the NCT w.r.t. any of the matters in the State List or Concurrent List in so far as any such matter is applicable to Union territories”.
  • However, the legislative assembly of Delhi cannot legislate on the following three subjects – Police, Public Order, and Land.
• However, in the past few years, governance in the NCT has often been a subject of conflict between the Delhi government and the L-G.

Central & Delhi Government’s Arguments:

• The Delhi government has argued that in the interest of federalism, the elected representatives must have power over transfers and postings.
• On the other hand, the Central Government has consistently maintained that because Delhi is the national capital and the face of the country, it must have control over administrative services, which include appointments and transfers.

Control over Administrative Services:

• In 2019, a two-judge bench of the SC delivered a split verdict on the aspect of who controls administrative services in Delhi.
• The two-judge bench had recommended that a three-judge bench be set up to decide the issue of control of administrative services.
• Further, in May 2022, a three-judge Bench had referred this case to a larger Bench on the Central government’s plea.
• The three-judge Bench had decided that the question of control over administrative services required “further examination”.
• In May 2023, a five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court held that the Delhi Government will have legislative and executive control over administrative services in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) except with regard topublic order, police and land.
  • Earlier, it was the Lieutenant-Governor, Chief Secretary and the Secretary of the Services Department who took a call on these issues.

Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023:

• Immediately after the Supreme Court’s judgment in favour of the Delhi Government w.r.t. control of administrative services, the President promulgated the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023.
• The objective of the Ordinance is to “provide for a comprehensive scheme of administration of services” which “balances the local and domestic interests of the people of Delhi with the democratic will of the entire nation reflected through the President of India”.
• The ordinance gave back the Lieutenant Governor power over the services. It required the LG to consult the Chief Minister only at his “discretion”.

News Summary:

• The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which replaces the ordinance on control of services in Delhi, has been passed by both the Houses of the Parliament.
• Key Features of the Bill –
  • National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) –
    • The Bill establishes the National Capital Civil Services Authority to make recommendations to the LG on certain matters related to services.
    • These include: (i) transfers and postings, (ii) matters related to vigilance, (iii) disciplinary proceedings, and (iv) prosecution sanctions of Group A of All India Services (except Indian Police Service), and DANICS.
    • The Authority will consist of the: (i) Chief Minister of Delhi as Chairperson, (ii) Principal Home Secretary of the Delhi government as Member Secretary, and (iii) Chief Secretary of the Delhi government as member.
    • The central government will appoint both the Principal Home Secretary and Chief Secretary.
    • All decisions of the Authority will be based on a majority vote of the members present and voting.
  • Powers of the LG –
    • Under the Act, matters where the LG may act on his discretion are: (i) matters outside the legislative competence of the Delhi Legislative Assembly but which have been delegated to the LG, or (ii) matters where he is required by a law to act in his discretion or exercise any judicial or quasi-judicial functions.
    • The Bill specifies that in these matters, the LG will act in his sole discretion.
    • It expands the discretionary role of the LG by giving him powers to approve the recommendations of the Authority, or return them for reconsideration.
    • In the case of a difference of opinion between the LG and the Authority, the former’s decision will be final.
  • Disposal of Matters by Ministers –
    • A Minister of the Delhi government may issue standing orders for the disposal of matters brought to his attention.
    • The order should be issued in consultation with the concerned Department Secretary.
    • Certain matters must be submitted to the LG, through the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, for his opinion prior to the issue of any order.
  • Duties of Secretaries –
    • Additionally, the concerned Department Secretary must bring certain matters to the notice of the LG, the Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary.
    • These include matters which may bring the Delhi Government into controversy with the central or any state government, the Supreme Court, or High Court of Delhi.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

Recent reports suggest that the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) delivered record performances in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 so far.

Background:-

• NMDC is paving the way towards becoming a 100 Million Tonnes (MT) mining company.

About National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC):-

• Establishment: 1958.
• Ministry: Ministry of Steel.
• HQ: Hyderabad.
• Vision: To emerge as a global Environment-friendly Mining Organization and as a quality Steel producer with a positive thrust on Social Development. .
• It is India’s largest iron ore producer. 
• The company has been categorized by the Department of Public Enterprises as a “Navratna” Public Sector Enterprise in 2008.

Objectives of NMDC:-

Macro Objectives

• To expand the operations in the areas of Mining and Mineral Processing to meet the growing demands from domestic and international Markets.
• Achieve international standards in per capita productivity, value addition, and cost-effectiveness.
• To increase the iron ore production capacity to 67 MTPA by FY 2025.
• Setting up of Steel Plant at Nagarnar.

Micro Objectives

• Give thrust to the exploration and exploitation of iron ore and other strategic & critical minerals.
• To maintain environmental protection.
• To conserve mineral resources through scientific mining.
• To maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
• To improve the quality of life of people in general and the socio-economic environment in and around the mines in particular.

Source: AIR

India’s Mining Policy Shift

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

India’s Parliament recently passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023.

• This bill aims to encourage private sector participation in mineral exploration and mining, thus addressing import dependencies and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Provisions of the Mines and Minerals Bill 2023

• Expanding Exploration Rights: The Bill allows private sector engagement in the exploration of critical and strategic minerals previously reserved for government entities.
• Exploration Licenses (EL): The Bill introduces a new type of license, EL, for private exploration activities. Exploration licenses will be granted through competitive bidding and will be issued for specified critical, strategic, and deep-seated minerals.
• Revenue Model: ELs aim to generate revenue through a share of the premium paid by the miner after successfully auctioning a mined deposit.

Critical Minerals and their Importance

Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.

• Recent categorization: Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
• Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The global supply chains for various commodities, including critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements, have been shown to be susceptible to shocks, leading to shortages and rising prices.
• Impact on Various Sectors: Critical minerals are essential for manufacturing, infrastructure development, and clean energy transitions. They are crucial for electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors, wind turbines, and other technological advancements.

Import Dependency and Vulnerabilities

• Import Dependency: India heavily relies on imports for critical and deep-seated minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
• Supply Chain Disruption: The concentration of extraction and processing in a few geographical locations, like China’s dominance in cobalt and rare earth elements, can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Projected Demand: A World Bank study anticipates a nearly 500% increase in demand for critical metals like lithium and cobalt by 2050.

Global Initiatives for Supply Chain Resilience

• Mineral Security Partnership (MSP): Major economies like the U.S., UK, Japan, and the EU have established the MSP to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals. India joined this partnership to secure access to these resources.
• Strategic Lists: Countries are compiling lists of critical minerals based on their economic needs and supply risks, aligning with their industrial strategies. This aims to secure stable access to these resources.

Private Sector Participation

• Exploration and Mining: Mineral exploration is a multi-stage process, from reconnaissance to detailed exploration, before actual mining. India’s exploration efforts have been led by government agencies with limited private-sector involvement.
• Resource Potential: India’s geological setting holds potential for mineral resources similar to mining-rich regions. However, only a fraction of its obvious geological potential has been explored.

Challenges and Concerns

• Incentives and Risks: Private sector involvement in exploration requires substantial investments and carries inherent risks, making it necessary to create favourable conditions and incentives.
• Revenue Generation Delays: Private explorers’ primary revenue source is a share of auction premiums, contingent on successful mine auctioning, which can take considerable time due to government clearances.
• Auction Process Challenges: Auctioning ELs before exploration begins raises uncertainty regarding future revenue and value estimation.
• Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling emphasized the significance of secure utilization of explored resources, which the new policy does not guarantee.

Conclusion

• The recent legislation signals India’s commitment to attracting private sector investment in mineral exploration.
• However, challenges such as revenue uncertainty, the auction method’s suitability, and the need for efficient mechanisms to incentivize private participation need careful consideration.
• Balancing the interests of the private sector, resource availability, and the nation’s strategic goals will be pivotal for the successful implementation of these policy amendments.

Source: Money Control

Cybersecurity threats from online gaming

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The video gaming industry has come a long way from Pong in 1972 to the release of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023. The recent surge has been a result of COVID-19, when the market expanded by about 26 percent between 2019 and 2021. However, this popular form of recreation has also imperiled cybersecurity.

Central idea

• The video gaming industry has experienced tremendous growth, transforming from a niche form of entertainment to a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. With over US$227 billion in revenue in 2022 and an expected 3.32 billion gamers by 2024, the industry’s popularity is unprecedented. However, this remarkable expansion has also led to a surge in cyberattacks, imperiling cybersecurity.

A Surge in Cyberattacks

• The gaming sector has become a prime target for cybercriminals, experiencing a staggering 167 percent increase in web application attacks in 2021 alone.
• In 2022, the industry witnessed an unprecedented wave of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, with gaming platforms accounting for approximately 37 percent of all such attacks.
• These cyber threats have put gamers at risk, with account takeovers, cheating mods, credit card theft, and fraud becoming disturbingly common.

The Pentagon Leak Case

• One of the most alarming cyber incidents occurred in April 2023, when a Discord server centered around the popular video game Minecraft, became the source of the worst Pentagon leak in years.
• Classified documents, some marked top Secret, were exposed, containing sensitive information about the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, potential issues with Ukrainian ammunition supplies, and intelligence regarding the Russian military.
• Shockingly, the documents also hinted at US surveillance of its allies, specifically Israel and South Korea.

The virtual economy of video games

• The monetization of video games through in-game currencies and microtransactions has given rise to virtual economies.
• While developers offer players the ability to purchase virtual items using real money, the practice has come under scrutiny due to its perceived predatory nature, particularly concerning minors.
• Some countries have outright banned such practices, deeming them a form of online gambling. For example, Belgium banned the purchase of FIFA points, an in-game currency, in the famous football franchise FIFA.
• In February 2023, Austria followed suit, declaring FIFA packs illegal gambling.

The current policy framework around online gaming

• As of April 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India has implemented new rules to regulate the online gaming industry.
• The current policy framework divides online games into two categories:

1. Online real money games: Games that involve real money and are registered with Self-Regulatory organizations (SROs). These games are subject to specific regulations and oversight.
2. Games that do not involve real money: Games that do not have any monetary transactions or betting and wagering involved.

The key provisions of the current policy framework

• Ban on online games involving betting and wagering: The new rules explicitly ban online games that have elements of betting and wagering. This move aims to curb illegal gambling activities within the gaming space.
• Obligations for online gaming intermediaries: The rules define the responsibilities and obligations of online gaming intermediaries. These intermediaries are required to follow certain norms, including Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, parental consent, and grievance redressal mechanisms. The objective is to enhance transparency and accountability in the sector.
• Establishment of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs): The policy requires the appointment of three SROs, consisting of industry representatives, educationists, and other experts. These SROs play a crucial role in determining which online games are permissible under the regulations.

Limitations of the current policy framework

• Narrow focus: The rules primarily target online games that involve real money transactions and betting. They do not comprehensively address other potential threats like microtransactions, loot boxes, and money laundering using virtual currencies.
• Loopholes: Many online games can bypass the regulations by offering rewards and prizes in virtual currency instead of real money. This allows certain gaming practices, resembling gambling, to continue unchecked.
• Ignoring loot boxes: The rules do not specifically address the issue of loot boxes, which have been controversial and deemed potential forms of gambling in many countries.
• Lack of collaboration: The current policy framework appears to be a unilateral effort by the Indian government without substantial consultation with relevant stakeholders, including industry experts and gamers.

Way Forward

• Strengthen the Regulatory Framework: Expand and make the current policy framework more comprehensive, including microtransactions and loot boxes, to tackle potential gambling-related issues.
• Collaborate with Industry Experts: Engage with gaming companies, cybersecurity experts, and gamers to gain insights into specific cybersecurity threats and devise effective regulations.
• Raise Awareness among Gamers: Educate users about cybersecurity threats, secure practices, and reporting mechanisms for suspicious activities.
• Invest in Robust cybersecurity. Prioritize cybersecurity by investing in encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits.
• Develop Reporting Mechanisms: Implement efficient reporting systems within gaming platforms to address cyber threats promptly.
• International Cooperation: Collaborate globally to share intelligence and best practices in combating cybercrime.
• Ethical Game Design: Encourage ethical practices that prioritize player well-being over excessive monetization.

Conclusion

• Online gaming is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global entertainment and media industry and provides a powerful new platform to unite people from all around the world. Consequently, we need to ensure that the industry continues to grow in a safe and responsible manner, and that bad actors looking to tarnish the experience for others are dealt with accordingly.

Source: The Hindu

Clouded Leopards

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018.

• Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam.

About Clouded Leopard

• The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests from the foothills of the Himalayas to mainland Southeast Asia and South China.
• It has large dusky-grey blotches and irregular spots and stripes on a dark grey or ochreous fur, resembling clouds, hence its name.
• It is the first cat that genetically diverged from the common ancestor of the pantherine cats around 9.32 to 4.47 million years ago.
• Currently, the clouded leopard is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• It is listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected in most of its range.

Habitat in India

• It inhabits dense forests in states such as Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is the State animal of Meghalaya (Note: Clouded Leopard National Park is located in Tripura).

Features of Clouded Leopards

• The mainland clouded leopard is agile and strong, often compared to the Ice Age sabretooth due to its large canines.
• It has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down headfirst from trees, distinguishing it from other felines.
• The cat has cloud-like spots on its hide, making it easily identifiable.

Source: The Hindu