A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.
Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’
The name ‘Fengal’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.
Cyclone Naming Process:
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘The Milkman of India’, Dr Verghese Kurien, who was credited with making India self-reliant in milk production.
AboutNational Milk Day:
Details
• Observed on November 26 to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien’s contributions to India’s dairy industry and the White Revolution.
• Celebrates India’s transformation into the world’s largest milk producer.
Contributions made by Varghese Kurien
• Born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
• Played a key role in establishing Amul (1949) and transforming it into a global dairy brand.
• Inaugural chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• Led Operation Flood, which revolutionized India’s dairy industry and made it self-sufficient in milk production.
• Received numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1963).
About the White Revolution and Milk Production in India
• Initiated in 1970 through Operation Flood to increase milk production and reduce dependence on milk powder imports.
• Empowered dairy farmers by promoting a cooperative-based model for milk production.
• By the late 1990s, India became the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the US.
• Milk production grew threefold, from 21.2 million tonnes in 1968-69 to over 55 million tonnes by 1991-92.
• Helped build the infrastructure for milk supply chains, processing plants, and storage facilities, making milk more accessible.
• Significantly improved the income and livelihood of rural farmers, boosting employment and economic development.
India is ranked 1st in milk production, contributing 24% of global milk production, reaching 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to submit the report on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka Pennaiyar River Water Dispute.
About Pennaiyar River
Origin and Geological Composition
• Also known as Thenpennai, originates on the eastern slope of Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: 497 km (2nd longest in TN); Catchment area: 3,690 km².
• 77% of the drainage basin lies in Tamil Nadu.
• Bounded by the Velikonda, Nagari, Javadu, Shevaroy, Chitteri, and Kalrayan hills of the Eastern Ghats.
• Lies in the tropical monsoon zone with monsoon (June–December) and non-monsoon (January–May) periods.
Tributaries
• Tributaries include Markandanadhi, Kambainallur, Pambar, Vaniyar, Kallar, Valayar Odai, Pambanar, Aliyar, Musukundanadhi, and Thurinjalar.
• Supported by monsoonal rains and reservoirs like Kelavarapalli, Krishnagiri, and Sathanur Dams.
Important Sites along its Basin
• Mentioned in Sangamliterature for its lush vegetation.
• Important temples include Penneswaraar Temple, Dakshina Tirupati, Veerateshwarar Temple, and Kabilar Kundru.
• Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a key protected area near the river.
• Used for irrigation in districts such as Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Viluppuram, and Cuddalore.
PYQ:
[2004] Assertion (A): West- flowing rivers of Peninsular India have no deltas:
Reason (R): These Rivers do not carry any alluvial sediments.
Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming rise in the number of Himalayan glacial lakes due to rising temperatures, highlighting the growing risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Central Water Commission’s (CWC) report on Glacial Lakes
Glacial lakes in the Himalayas have expanded by 10.81%in 13 years due to glacier melting caused by rising temperatures.
Between 2011 and 2024, India’s glacial lakes grew by 33.7%, highlighting the escalating threat.
The NGT noted that 67 lakes in India saw a surface area increase of over 40%, marking them as high-risk for GLOFs.
Key areas of expansion include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
AboutNational Green Tribunal (NGT):
About
Establishment:
• Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body. • Aimed at addressing environmental issues and ensuring speedy implementation of decisions.
• Known for making significant decisions, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.
Composition:
• Headquartered in Delhi.
• Chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
• Includes Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
Benches:
• Principal bench in Delhi.
• Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Powers and Functions of NGT
• Empowered to decide on cases related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues.
• Responsible for enforcement of:
– The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
– The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
– The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and more.Exceptions:
• Not authorized to hear cases under:
– The Indian Forest Act, 1927
– The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
– State laws related to the protection of trees, forests, etc.
Governing Principles:
• Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by the Indian Evidence Act.
• Applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary approach, and the polluter pays principle.
Review and Challenge:
• NGT orders can be reviewed under Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
• Orders can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated on October 4th in Hanle, Ladakh.
About MACE Telescope:
Details
Details and Working
• World’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4.3 km above sea level.
• It has a 21-meter-wide mirror-dish, the largest in Asia.
• Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Cherenkov radiation is captured using mirrors and analyzed with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Cherenkov radiation is the blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium.
• Equipped with a high-resolution camera and movable base.
Aims and Objectives of MACE
• Detects high-energy gamma rays (greater than 20 giga-electron volts) emitted by cosmic phenomena.
• Detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) for dark matter research.
• Contribute to multi-messenger astronomy by complementing data from other telescopes.
How Do Gamma Rays Work in DNA Mutation?
• Cause ionization, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to mutations.
• Mutations may result in cancers or genetic disorders if not repaired.
• DNA damage from gamma rays can lead to chromosomal aberrations and contribute to carcinogenesis.
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.(UPSC CSE 2024)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on Urbanization with various dimensions across ‘Population and Pollution challenges’ (in 2024), and degradation in standard of living due to ‘Unavailability of Infrastructure’ (2016-18).
A recent World Bank report estimates that India will need approximately ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 to address its urban infrastructure demands. However, current government investment in this sector is only about ₹1.3 lakh crore annually, which is just over one-fourth of the required ₹4.6 lakh crore per year.
Today’s editorial focuses on the critical state of India’s urban infrastructure financing landscape. This content can be used while giving recommendations for ‘innovative financing strategies and strengthen ULBs’ capacities’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India is experiencing rapid urbanization, with projections indicating that approximately 600 million people will reside in cities by 2036. This surge places immense pressure on urban infrastructure, necessitating substantial investments to meet the demands of this growing population.
What are the current financing gaps in urban infrastructure in India?
• India’s urban infrastructure requires an estimated $840 billion over the next 15 years, averaging $55 billion annually. • Present Scenario: ○ Basic Municipal Services: Approximately $450 billion is needed for essential services such as water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, and urban roads. ○ Current Funding Sources: ◘ State Governments: 48% ◘ Central Government: 24% ◘ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): 15% ◘ Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Commercial Debt: Remaining sources.
What are the key constraints hindering private investment in urban infrastructure?
Weak Financial Health of ULBs: Many urban local bodies struggle with chronic fiscal deficits and cannot raise adequate resources from internal budgets.
For example, in Kanpur and Lucknow, ULBs have reported deficits due to low revenue generation from property taxes and other local sources.
Limited Use of Commercial Financing: Although measures have been taken to enable commercial financing, its application remains minimal even in financially robust cities. Currently, commercial financing accounts for only 5% of urban infrastructure funding.
For example, Municipal bonds have been issued by some cities, such as Pune, to fund water supply projects; however, these instances are rare.
Low Service Charges: The low cost of municipal services undermines financial sustainability, making it difficult for ULBs to recover operational costs and invest in infrastructure improvements.
In many Indian cities, water supply charges are significantly lower than the actual cost of service delivery.
For instance, a study found that while the cost of providing water services in a city may be ₹50 per kiloliter, ULBs often charge only ₹10 per kiloliter.
Steps taken for Urban Funding: Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)
Details
What is it?
• Established (budget speech for Financial Year 2023-24) to utilize priority sector lending shortfall for financing urban infrastructure projects. • Managed by the National Housing Bank (NHB). • Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore. • Modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which supports rural infrastructure projects. • Focus on developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India. Tier-2 Cities: Cities with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh. Tier-3 Cities: Cities with populations below 50,000.
Aims and Objectives
• Support Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and waste management. • Sewerage, water supply, sanitation, drains, and solid waste management. • Prioritizesprojects with significant improvements in urban services. • Funds are allocated to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for infrastructure development.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
• Coverage: Supports 459 Tier-2 cities and 580 Tier-3 cities in India. • Loan Terms: Loans offered at Bank Rate minus 1.5% interest rate. • Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in five equal annual instalments over seven years. • Moratorium Period: Two years before repayment starts. • Quarterly Interest Payments: Regular payments required during the loan period.
What policies and collaborations are required?
Enhancing the Creditworthiness of ULBs: ULBs must improve their financial practices and credit ratings to attract private investments.
For example, the strong financial standing allows Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to attract PPPs and private funding more effectively than less financially stable ULBs.
Developing a Municipal Bond Market: Encouraging the issuance of municipal bonds can provide a significant source of funding for infrastructure projects.
For example, the Pune Municipal Corporation successfully raised ₹2 billion through municipal bonds to partially fund a ₹29 billion project to provide 24×7 water supply to its citizens.
Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Expanding the role of PPPs can mobilize private capital while sharing risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.
For example, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has implemented a PPP model for constructing Public Toilet Utilities (PTUs).
Innovative Financing Structures: Implementing mixed financing approaches that combine government funding with private investments can create a more sustainable funding model for urban infrastructure. Pooled finance mechanisms have been introduced in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Steps taken for Urban Development: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
• It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015. • The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme. • Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns. Objectives: • Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection. Increase the green areas in the cities. • Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport. • Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage. • It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.
Hence, with a projected investment need of $840 billion over the next 15 years, it is imperative for policymakers to adopt innovative financing strategies and strengthen ULBs’ capacities. By doing so, India can pave the way for resilient, inclusive cities that support economic growth and improve quality of life for its citizens.
Did you know about the new ‘AMRUT 2.0’ Policy?
Details
• Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0. • Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies. • The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
Salient Features and Mission
• Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns. • Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation. • Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management. • Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities.
Its Implementation and Further Roadmap
• Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore. • Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). • State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch. • Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns.
Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024.
Why is a Global Plastic Treaty required?
Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with expectations to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia is the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global plastic production.
Environmental and Health Impact: Plastic takes 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% is recycled. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, which is expected to rise by 62% by 2050. Much of this waste enters rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Human Health Risks: Chemicals in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
Contribution to Climate Change: Plastic production generates 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most emissions coming from the production process, which relies on fossil fuels.
Global Plastic Pollution: India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for 20% of the world’s total plastic waste, with emissions of 9.3 million tonnes.
What is on the Negotiating table?
Comprehensive Global Rules: The primary goal is to develop a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, including its production from fossil fuels, waste management, and disposal.
Production and Waste Management Caps: Countries are debating the introduction of production caps, which have been opposed by oil-rich and plastic-producing nations, including India.
Types of Plastic and Chemical Additives: Discussions are ongoing regarding banning specific types of plastic, plastic products, and harmful chemical additives used in their production.
Recycling and Content Targets: The treaty might include legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
Just Transition for Affected Communities: There will be talks on supporting workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on plastic production and industries, ensuring a fair transition.
Financial and Technical Assistance: A key agenda item is how to mobilize private and public funding to meet the treaty’s goals, especially for developing countries.
What is India’s position?
India does not support caps on plastic production, arguing that such measures go beyond the scope of the UNEA resolutionadopted in 2022. India insists that the treaty must include provisions for financial and technical support, including technology transfer for developing countries.
India maintains that decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be based on scientific studies and that regulation should be handled at the National level.
India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics domestically but insists that decisions on banning other plastic products should be “pragmatic” and consider national circumstances.
India advocates for the establishment of a mechanism to assess the infrastructure needs and financial resources required for safe and scientific waste management.
It also emphasizes the need for adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources to support waste management and other treaty objectives.
Way forward:
Global Collaboration with National Flexibility: The treaty should foster global collaboration on plastic pollution while allowing flexibility for countries to implement solutions based on their unique socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
Enhanced Financial and Technological Support: Developed countries must provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations to ensure equitable implementation of the treaty’s provisions, especially for waste management infrastructure and transitioning away from plastic reliance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response.
AboutCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
Details
About
A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998).
It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance.
Structure:
Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary)
5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members
3 members from NGOs
Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog
Functions
Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas
Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies
Implement air quality policies with state agencies
Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management
Powers
Jurisdiction: Over air quality issues in NCR, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Powers:
Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals
Restrict activities impacting air quality
Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures
Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021
Initiate complaints and enforce regulations
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.
About the CBG Plant
The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
It spans over 5 acres.
It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.
Working features:
Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.
What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?
Details
About
CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane.
It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
Process of Making CBG
Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households.
Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases).
Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane.
Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation.
Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
Significance of CBG
Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
Mitigates landfill methane emissions.
CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution.
Utilizes local organic waste.
Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.
Q) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Left Wing Extremism’ (2023), ‘Growth of Naxalism, and Radicalization’ (2022 and 2024).
The SATP report notes an increase in Maoist activities across 12 states, highlighting a rise from 10 states in 2022. Despite claims of declining violence due to the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP), challenges remain.
But Why? What is the root cause?
Today’s editorial talks about the significance of vigilance and adaptability in combating extremist violence. This content can be used for ‘Rising Radicalization and Terrorism in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the key observations from the early post-independence history?
• The India-Pak partition in 1947 resulted in one of the largest mass migrations (14 to 18 million people displaced) that led to widespread communal violence, resulting in approximately one million deaths across religious communities. This continues to affect India-Pakistan relations even today. • Further, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government employed a combination of negotiations and military action to integrate these states into the Indian Union. For example, Hyderabad through Operation Polo and Junagadh’s accession following a plebiscite. • The new Indian government emphasized secularism as a foundational principle, and the Constitution adopted a framework for democracy and civil rights while promoting equality among all citizens. The practice of untouchability was abolished, and reservations were implemented for marginalized communities. o But in the immediate years, agricultural productivity was low, exacerbated by droughts and inadequate infrastructure. o The government recognized the need for economic reforms to uplift the agrarian sector and improve living conditions. • This period (1950s-1960s) also witnessed the emergence of political movements addressing regional aspirations and demands for statehood, such as the formation of Andhra Pradesh following widespread protests after the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike.
How has the nature of extremist violence evolved in the digital age?
Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
Social media platforms have become critical tools for extremists to disseminate their messages and recruit new members.
Research shows that social media played a role in the radicalization processes of nearly 90% of extremists in certain datasets between 2005 and 2016. It allows individuals to radicalize without physical contact, often leading to what is termed “lone actor terrorism”.
Use of Disinformation Tactics: Extremists have increasingly created echo chambers where their ideologies are reinforced without challenge. Right-wing extremists, in particular, have been noted to benefit from such tactics more than other groups, utilizing disinformation campaigns to further their agendas.
Role of Anonymity and Encryption: Encrypted messaging apps and decentralized platforms enable them to communicate securely, share resources, and organize activities without attracting attention from law enforcement. This shift has made it more challenging for authorities to monitor and counteract.
Gaming Platforms: Emerging trends show that gaming platforms are being leveraged by extremists as new venues for recruitment and radicalization. These environments allow for interaction with potential recruits in less scrutinized settings, where extremist ideologies can be presented in a more palatable manner.
What are the reasons behind the rise of new forms of extremist violence?
Socio-Political Factors: Ongoing geopolitical issues and perceived injustices within the country and the society, fuel extremist sentiments. Economic disparities and social inequalities drive individuals towards extremist ideologies.
Recruitment and Exploitation: Extremist groups generally prefer these isolated individuals, particularly children and youth, for recruitment.
Hybridization of Extremist Ideologies: Individuals combine various ideologies and conspiracy theories, creating complex motivations for violence. Their narratives are often tailored to personal experiences and grievances faced by the Indian society.
Covert Operations: Digital Encryption allows extremists to communicate and organize without detection. For Example, increased incidents of individuals committing violence independently, often using online resources for planning.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively counteract extremist violence?
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage local communities through initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and community members. Ensure that community engagement efforts are broad-based and inclusive, addressing all forms of ideologically motivated violence.
Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives that promote respect for diversity, human rights, and critical thinking skills among youth. This can help counteract extremist narratives and reduce susceptibility to radicalization.
Countering Online Radicalization by PPP: The government can collaborate with technology companies to develop tools that can help identify and counter extremist content online while respecting privacy rights.
Socio-Economic Development: Focus on socio-economic development by offering effective alternatives to violence for at-risk groups. This includes enhancing participatory decision-making processes and strengthening local governance to address the root causes of discontent that can lead to radicalization.
