In News: The Iran-Pakistan relationship has deteriorated due to Iranian missiles and drones targeting alleged Jaish al-Adl (JAA) bases in Pakistan's Balochistan.

Jaish al-Adl: A Sunni Militant Group

• Background and Objectives
  • Emerged in 2012 as an offshoot of Jundullah.
  • Comprised mainly of Baluch community members.
  • Advocates for Baluch rights and independence in Iran's Sistan and Pakistan's Baluchistan provinces.
• Geopolitical Tensions
• Source of tension between Iran and Pakistan.
• Accusations of supporting militant activities on both sides.

Pakistan-Iran Relationship Dynamics: A Historical Overview

• Pre-1979 Alliance
• Allied to the United States and part of CENTO.
• Iran supported Pakistan in wars against India.
• Post-1979 Shift
• Rise of conservative Shiite regime in Iran.
• Pakistan's Islamization under General Zia-ul-Haq.
• Shift from allies to opposing ends of the sectarian divide.
• Geopolitical Differences
• Iran's distrust due to Pakistan's close ties with the U.S.
• Iran's foreign policy focus on exporting the revolution.
• Differences in the approach towards Afghanistan.
• Attempts at Reconciliation
• Historical attempts to improve ties.
• Relations soured after General Pervez Musharraf took power in 1999.

Balochistan Dynamics: Iran and Pakistan

• Geographical and Demographic Context
• Baluch inhabit both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border.
• Strong ties based on shared cultural, ethnic, and historical connections.
• Marginalization and Grievances
• Baluch face political and economic challenges in both countries.
• Economic disparities despite rich natural resources.
• Nationalist Movements
• Historical roots of Baloch nationalism.
• Separatist movements seeking "Greater Balochistan."
• Insurgency and Cross-Border Movements
  • Baloch insurgents operate on both sides of the border.
  • Involvement of groups like the Baloch Liberation Army.

Implications of Escalating Tensions: Pakistan-Iran

• Regional Stability
• Potential for regional instability.
• Impact on diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
• Proxy Dynamics
• Accusations of supporting proxies in regional conflicts.
• Heightened proxy dynamics in ongoing conflicts.
• Impact on Balochistan
  • Increased unrest and momentum for nationalist movements.
  • Involvement of other regional actors may complicate the situation.
• Security Concerns
  • Raise security concerns for neighboring countries, particularly Afghanistan.
  • Heighten existing security challenges in the region.
• Implications for India
  • Impact on India's relations with Iran, especially concerning projects like the Chabahar port.
  • Balancing ties with Iran and the United States.

India’s Stance on the Pakistan-Iran Faceoff

• Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism
• India's consistent stance against terrorism.
• Emphasis on zero tolerance.
• Understanding Actions in Self-Defense
• Recognition and understanding of actions taken in self-defense.
• Acknowledgment of complex security dynamics in the region.

Conclusion: Navigating Complex Geopolitical Landscape

• Multifaceted Implications
• Extends beyond bilateral relations.
• Potential impact on regional stability, security, and geopolitics.
• Call for Diplomatic Efforts
• Emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts.
• De-escalation measures crucial to mitigate risks.
• Role of International Forums
• Suggests raising the terrorism issue at international forums.
• Presenting evidence of Pakistan's involvement in supporting militant groups.

Source: IE

In News: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has resolved a critical vulnerability, reported by a cybersecurity expert, exposing personal details of VVIPs.

CERT-In: Safeguarding Cyber Security in India

• Overview
• CERT-In, the national nodal agency, manages cybersecurity threats under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• Operational since January 2004.
• Functions of CERT-In
• Designated by the IT Amendment Act 2008.
• Key functions include collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
• Provides forecast, alerts, and emergency measures for handling cybersecurity incidents.
• Coordinates response activities and issues guidelines, advisories, and vulnerability notes.
• Plays a crucial role in safeguarding critical information infrastructure.
• Importance for India
• Protects critical information infrastructure and digital assets from cyber-attacks.
• Enhances cyber resilience across sectors, including government, defense, banking, and telecom.
• Contributes to national security and economic development by promoting a safe and secure cyber environment.

Challenges to India’s Cybersecurity

• Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability
• Power grids, transportation systems, and communication networks are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
• The attempted cyber attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear power plant in October 2019 highlights risks to critical infrastructure.
• Financial Sector Threats
• High-risk cyberattacks targeting banks, financial institutions, and online payment systems.
• Instances like the City Union Bank’s SWIFT system attack in March 2020 can result in financial losses and identity theft.
• Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns
• Increased storage of personal and government data online raises the risk of data breaches.
• Incidents like the leak of Common Admission Test (CAT) data in May 2021 pose severe consequences for privacy and security.
• Cyber Espionage
• India is a target for cyber espionage activities aiming to steal confidential information.
• Examples include Operation SideCopy in 2020 targeting Indian military and diplomatic personnel.
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
• Sophisticated and prolonged cyber attacks pose a challenge.
• The targeting of India's power sector by a China-linked APT group in February 2021 underscores the severity of this threat.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• Weaknesses in software or hardware components create supply chain vulnerabilities.
• The global cyberattack on SolarWinds in December 2020 affected Indian organizations, including the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Way Forward: Enhancing Cybersecurity in India

• Legal Framework and Legislation
• The Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000 governs cyber crimes.
• Gaps and limitations include unclear definitions, procedures, and penalties.
• Need for comprehensive and updated laws covering cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, espionage, and fraud.
• Initiatives and Policies
• India has various initiatives and policies to improve cybersecurity.
• Includes the National Cyber Security Policy, Cyber Cells, Cybercrime Investigation Units, Reporting Platforms, and Capacity Building and Training programs.

Source: TH

In News: The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) for this year took place from January 15 to January 19.

World Economic Forum: Overview

• Foundation and Purpose
• Founded in January 1971 by Klaus Schwab.
• International non-governmental organization for Public-Private Cooperation.
• Engages global leaders to shape agendas but lacks independent decision-making power.
• Headquarters and Annual Meeting
• Headquarters: Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland.
• Annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, known as the Davos Agenda.
• Objective: Orient global leaders on imperatives for the year ahead.
• WEF Annual Reports
• Produces various annual reports, including:
• Global Competitiveness Report
• Global Information Technology Report
• Global Gender Gap Report
• Global Risks Report
• Global Travel and Tourism Report
• Global Enabling Trade Report.

Key Takeaways from Davos Meeting 2024

• Artificial Intelligence
• Central theme of the meeting.
• Discussions on transformative abilities and potential threats.
• Concerns about regulation, job losses, misinformation, and inequality.
• Consensus: Positives outweigh negatives, with no major threat to human intelligence.
• War and Uncertainty
• Highlighted risks from geopolitical situations, wars, threats to global supply chains, and food security uncertainty.
• Estimated $15 billion needed for Gaza reconstruction, contingent on lasting peace.
• Climate
• Emphasized the need for businesses to adapt to climate change.
• Call for global unity on climate action despite differences.
• Highlighted the necessity for developed countries to assist in financing climate action in developing nations.
• China’s Economy
• China sought Western investment amid a slowing economy.
• GDP growth at 5.2% in 2023, below pre-pandemic levels.
• Battling efforts to isolate in the semiconductor trade standoff.
• India-Specific Observations
• McKinsey assessment: India transforming rapidly as a major economy.
• Focus on technology, talent, healthcare, and other areas.
• Launch of Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality.
• Aim: Bring global best practices, knowledge sharing, and investments in women's health, education, and enterprise.
• Supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, housed by CII Centre for Women Leadership.
• WEF as a 'Network Partner,' Invest India as an 'Institutional Partner.'

Source: PIB

In News: The Ministry of Mines has suggested dispatching a delegation from the Indian industry to copper-abundant Zambia for deliberations on potential copper exploration and mining ventures in the African nation.

Copper Mining: An Overview

• Introduction to Copper
• A chemical element with a distinctive reddish-brown color.
• Excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
• Found in various ores in the Earth's crust, including chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, and malachite.
• Mining Stages and Methods
• Involves multiple stages, from discovery to extraction and processing.
• Various mining methods based on factors like deposit depth, ore type, and economic considerations.
• Open-Pit Mining
• Used for shallow deposits.
• Large pits excavated for surface ore extraction.
• Accounts for 80% of global copper mining operations.
• Underground Mining
• Employed for deeper deposits.
• Involves digging shafts or tunnels to reach ore underground.
• Global Copper Production
• Chile leads global copper production with 27% share.

• Peru follows as the second-largest producer, contributing 10% to global production.

Applications of Copper

• Electrical Conductors
• Widely used in electrical wiring and components due to high conductivity.
• Piping and Tubing
• Commonly utilized in plumbing for pipes and tubing.
• Alloys
• Alloyed with metals like zinc and tin to create brass and bronze with diverse industrial and artistic applications.
• Electronics
• Utilized in electronic devices, printed circuit boards, and other components.
• Roofing and Architecture
• Used in roofing materials and architectural applications for corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.

Copper Mining in India

• Overview
• Approximately 700 copper mines globally, with 127 in India.
• Copper Reserves and Production in India
• India has low copper reserves and production.
• Low-grade copper ore (less than 1% metal content) compared to the global average of 2.5%.
• Leading producer: Madhya Pradesh (53% of Indian copper production).
• Rajasthan contributes 43%, while Jharkhand accounts for 4%.

Source: IE

In News: Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has introduced 'Havisure,' India's first indigenous Hepatitis A vaccine, in Hyderabad.

Havisure Vaccine: A Brief Overview

• Vaccine Details
• Two-dose vaccine regimen.
• Initial dose administered above 12 months, with the second dose given at least six months later.
• Recommended for routine childhood immunization and individuals at risk or traveling to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
• People with occupational risk or chronic liver diseases also advised to undergo Hepatitis A vaccination.

Key Facts About Hepatitis A

• Definition and Causes
• Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
• Primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water with the feces of an infected person.
• Types of Hepatitis
• Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) infections.
• Various causes, including viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), alcoholic hepatitis, toxic hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis.
• Transmission and Spread
• Viral hepatitis spreads through different routes, including blood contact.
• Hepatitis B, C, and D may also transmit through other body fluids, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex.
• Symptoms
• Some infected individuals may not exhibit symptoms.
• Common symptoms include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.
• Treatment
• No specific treatment for hepatitis A.
• Recovery from infection symptoms may be gradual, taking weeks or months.

Source: DH

In News: The deployment of the Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube in Ayodhya aims to enhance medical preparedness and response capabilities for the upcoming 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.

Arogya Maitri Cube: Revolutionizing Mobile Hospitals

• Overview
  • Integral part of "Project BHISHM" – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri.
  • A cutting-edge mobile hospital designed for rapid response and comprehensive care.

Features

• Capacity and Rapid Deployment
  • Tailored for up to 200 casualties.
  • Remarkable ability to deploy within 12 minutes in mass casualty incidents.
• Innovative Tools
  • Equipped with innovative tools for enhanced disaster response and medical support during emergencies
• Technological Integration
  • Integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
  • Facilitates effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services.
• Portability and Flexibility
  • Consists of 72 easily transportable components
  • Can be carried by hand, cycle, or drone, ensuring unmatched flexibility.
• Robust Design
  • Robust, waterproof, and lightweight.
  • Ideal for various emergency scenarios, from airdrops to ground transportation
• Advanced Medical Equipment
  • Equipped with advanced medical equipment.
  • RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment.
• BHISHM Software System
  • State-of-the-art BHISHM software system integrated into a provided tablet.
  • Enables quick item location, usage and expiry monitoring, and readiness for subsequent deployments.

Source: PIB

In News: The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Centre, urging transparency regarding its strategies to conserve the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.

Great Indian Bustard: Overview

• Scientific Information
• Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
• Among the heaviest flying birds.
• Distribution and Population
• Current viable population: 100-150 individuals in India.
• Mainly found in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, hosting approximately 100 individuals.
• Habitat
• Inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands.

Distinctive Features

• Size and Appearance
• Among the largest flying birds.
• Horizontal body, long bare legs, resembling an ostrich.
• Males and females are roughly the same size.
• Largest individuals weigh up to 15 kg (33 pounds).
• Coloration
• Distinguished by a black crown on the forehead.
• Pale neck and head.
• Brownish body with wings marked in black, brown, and grey.
• Breeding and Lifespan
• Breeds during the monsoon season.
• Females lay a single egg on open ground.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years.
• Feeding Habits
• Opportunist eaters.
• Diet varies with seasonal food availability.
• Feed on grass seeds, insects (grasshoppers, beetles), and occasionally small rodents and reptiles.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 1.
• CITES: Appendix 1.

Source: TH

In News: The researchers have christened the newly discovered genus as 'Dravidoseps,' a fusion of the Sanskrit terms 'Dravid' and 'Seps.'

Skink: An Overview

• Family and Common Name
• Belongs to the family Scincidae.
• Commonly known as skinks.
• Physical Characteristics
• Typically smooth, shiny skin.
• Often possesses small or rudimentary legs.
• An ancient reptile species dating back to the time of dinosaurs.
• Behavior and Foraging
• Primarily ground dwellers or burrowers.
• Highly alert, agile, and fast-moving.
• Actively forage for various insects and small invertebrates.
• Habitat and Adaptability
  • Occupy diverse habitats from deserts to rainforests.
  • Known for exceptional camouflage abilities.
  • Can blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
• Global Distribution
  • Represented worldwide but especially diverse in:
  • Southeast Asia and its associated islands.
  • Deserts of Australia.
  • Temperate regions of North America.

Source: DH

In News: The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has issued a caution to users about various scams conducted through the messaging platform WhatsApp.

Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D): An Overview

• Establishment and Evolution
• Inaugurated in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Replaced the Police Research and Advisory Council.
• Objectives
• Needs Identification
• Identify the needs and challenges faced by the police in the country.
• Research and Studies
• Undertake research projects and studies.
• Propose solutions to overcome challenges and fulfill police requirements.
• Technology Adoption
• Keep abreast of developments in science and technology.
• Promote the use of appropriate technology in police work.
• Modernization Assistance
• Assist states in modernizing State Police Forces and Correctional Administration.
• Initial Divisions
  • Established with two divisions: Research, Statistics & Publication, and Development.
  • Added a Training Division in 1973 based on Gore-Committee recommendations.
• National Police Mission
• Entrusted with anchoring and coordinating the National Police Mission.

Source: TH

In News: A recent survey of fauna at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has contributed 11 new species records to its database, comprising three birds, four butterflies, and four odonates.

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Overview

• Location
• Situated in the Nelliampathy–Anamalai landscape of the Western Ghats in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Kerala.
• Tiger Reserve Declaration
• Designated as a Tiger Reserve in 2009.
• Encompasses a total area of 643.66 sq km.
• Vegetation
• Diverse habitat types: evergreen, semievergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, shola forests.
• Unique habitats like montane and marshy grasslands, locally known as 'vayals.'
• Flora
• Presence of teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and neem trees.
• Hosts the world’s first scientifically managed teak plantation.
• Home to the world’s oldest and tallest teak tree, 'Kannimara,' aged 450 years and standing at 40 meters.
• Fauna
• Common animals include Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Barkingdeer, Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Sloth Bear, and Wild dog.
• Nilgiri Tahr, the only South Indian wild goat, found on high-altitude rocky hills and grasslands.
• Habitat for rare small animals like Tarantula (large-bodied spiders).

Source: TH

In News: A recent article explores the Parliament's recent approval of the Post Office Act, 2023, replacing the colonial-era Indian Post Office Act, 1898

Key Highlights of the Post Office Act, 2023

• Director General of Postal Services
• The Act grants authority to the Director General of Postal Services for regulating additional services and fixing charges without parliamentary approval.
• Interception of Shipments
• Empowers the Central Government to intercept, open, or detain postal items in the interest of security, public order, or preventing contraventions.
• Identifiers and Post Codes
• Introduces digital addressing standards, replacing physical addresses with precise geographical coordinates.
• Removal of Offences and Penalties
• Omits penalties for theft or destruction of postal articles by a Post Office officer, creating potential legal gaps.
• Penalty under Section 7
• Specifies liability for charges related to Post Office services and outlines the recovery process.
• Removes Centre’s Exclusivity
• Eliminates the exclusive privilege of the Centre for conveying all letters by post, allowing private courier services to operate more freely.

Deficiencies in the Post Office Act, 2023

• Regulation of Postal Services different from Courier Services
  • Maintains distinct frameworks for regulating public and private postal services, leading to disparities.
• Lack of Procedural Safeguards Violates Fundamental Rights
• Fails to specify procedural safeguards for intercepting postal articles, potentially infringing on privacy and freedom of speech.
• The Ground of ‘Emergency’ is Beyond the Reasonable Restrictions
• The term 'emergency' lacks clear definition, potentially providing broad grounds for interception, raising constitutional concerns.
• Exemption from Liability for Lapses in Services
• Lacks a framework for addressing lapses in postal services, contrasting with the accountability established for the Railway sector.
• Removal of all Offenses and Penalties
• Eliminates consequences for illegal opening of postal articles, potentially impacting individuals' right to privacy.
• Lack of Clarity on Consequences in Certain Cases
• Fails to specify consequences for officers involved in fraudulent or wilful actions, leaving potential legal ambiguities.

Way Forward for the Post Office Act, 2023

• Incorporate Robust Procedural Safeguards
• Introduce oversight mechanisms, judicial warrants, and adherence to constitutional principles for intercepting articles.
• Define the Grounds for Interception
• Clearly define and refine grounds for interception, especially the term 'emergency,' aligning with constitutional reasonable restrictions.
• Balanced Liability Framework
• Establish clear rules for accountability without compromising the Post Office's independence, preventing misuse of interception powers.
• Addressing Unauthorized Opening
• Reintroduce specific offenses and penalties for unauthorized opening of postal articles, holding individuals accountable.

Conclusion

Emphasizes the need for legislative amendments to strike a balance between security imperatives and individual rights, urging proactive steps to address constitutional challenges.

Source: TH