The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules contain ambiguities that could enable the illegal trade of elephants.
What are the current welfare standards for captive elephants?
Legal Framework: Elephants are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, but enforcement is weak.
The Kerala High Court has issued directions to ensure compliance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, yet many elephants lack proper ownership documentation, indicating illegal possession.
Exploitation for Commercial Gain: Captive elephants are often used in religious festivals and tourism, which the Kerala High Court described as “commercial exploitation” devoid of concern for their well-being.
This exploitation is exacerbated by the competitive nature of temple festivals where the number of elephants paraded is prioritized over their welfare.
Physical and Psychological Impact: Captive elephants endure harsh conditions, including inadequate diets, lack of proper medical care, and exposure to stressful environments during festivals.
Mortality rates among captive elephants due to these factors is approximately 33% of recorded captive elephants in Kerala died between 2018 and 2024.
What are the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012?
The rules for captive elephants mandate age-based definitions, housing space standards, nutritional requirements (e.g., 250 kg fodder for adults), regular health monitoring, and restrictions on using elephants in the musth.
A management committee oversees implementation, ensuring welfare through multi-department collaboration, including forestry, veterinary, and animal welfare representatives.
What are the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules?
The Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aim to regulate the movement of captive elephants within and between states in India. However, these rules contain several ambiguities that raise concerns among animal rights activists and experts regarding their potential misuse
Ambiguity in Transfer Rules: Vague criteria for elephant transfers, such as inadequate care or potential for better maintenance, risk enabling unauthorized sales disguised as legitimate transactions.
Ownership Transfer Oversight: Shifting application responsibility to the deputy conservator of forests, instead of the CWW, weakens protections and facilitates improper transfers, potentially treating elephants as movable assets.
Transport Justification Gap: The absence of a requirement to justify temporary interstate transport allows leasing or renting of elephants, further commodifying and jeopardizing their welfare.
Weak Genetic Profiling: Despite mandates for recording genetic profiles, lax monitoring can enable illegal captures to be misrepresented as legitimate ownership.
Database Deficiency: The lack of a national database tracking ownership and genetic details of captive elephants hampers regulation and increases the risk of illegal transfers.
Inadequate Exploitation Safeguards: The rules fail to sufficiently prevent the commercial use of elephants in religious events or entertainment, incentivizing wild captures under false pretences.
How do captivity conditions affect the physical and psychological well-being of elephants?
Physical Health: Elephants in captivity often suffer from malnutrition due to a poor diet that lacks the variety available in the wild. For instance, some are only fed glucose-rich fodder instead of a balanced diet.
Psychological Well-being: The social nature of elephants means that isolation and abusive training methods can lead to severe psychological distress. The use of capture belts and other coercive training devices has been criticized for causing both physical and emotional harm.
High Incidence of Distress: Anecdotal evidence suggests that captive elephants frequently exhibit signs of distress, including aggressive behavior or attempts to escape, which can endanger both themselves and surrounding humans.
What reforms are necessary to improve the management and care of captive elephants? (Way forward)
Strengthening Regulation: There is a need for clearer regulations to prevent the commercial exploitation of elephants. The current rules allow for ownership transfers without prohibiting commercial transactions, which could facilitate illegal wildlife trade.
Implementation of Humane Practices: Mandating humane birth control measures and prohibiting the use of live elephants in entertainment could help reduce the number entering captivity.
Alternatives like electronic simulations could replace live elephants in religious ceremonies.
Monitoring and Accountability: The rules should require post-mortem examinations for deceased elephants during transfers to ensure accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborative efforts involving civil society, government bodies, and NGOs are essential to develop comprehensive guidelines that prioritize elephant welfare over commercial interests.
Mains question for practice:
Q Discuss the ambiguities in the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 and suggest reforms needed to address these issues. (250 words) 15M
PYQ Relevance: Q) Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. (UPSC CSE 2015)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Inequality (2020),‘Caste System’ (2018 & 2020), and ‘Inclusive Growth’ (2022).
The Human Rights Watch Report of 2007 reports that nearly 60% of children who drop out of school are Dalit children, indicating significant barriers that lead to high dropout rates within this community.
Today’s editorial addresses the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, particularly Dalits, in accessing quality education in India. This content can be used in your Mains answer to highlight how caste-based discrimination continues to impact educational opportunities, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
One Dalit student’s plight gained significant attention on social media, leading the Supreme Court to intervene and grant him admission by exercising its extraordinary powersunder Article 142, highlighting the systemic inequalities that often leave deserving students without opportunities.
He had nearly lost his admission to IIT Dhanbad after missing the fee payment deadline due to financial constraints and technical issues
Key Highlights of “Hidden Apartheid” in India (Human Rights Watch Report 2007):
• Literacy Rates: As of the Census of India 2011, the literacy rate among Dalits is 66.1%, significantly lower than the national average of 73%. • Enrollment Rates: Between 1983 and 2000, enrollment rates for Dalit boys increased from 47.7% to 63.25%. In comparison, upper-caste boys’ enrollment rose from 73.22% to 82.92% during the same period. • Female Enrollment Disparities: The enrollment rate for Dalit girls improved from 15.72% to 32.61%, while upper-caste girls’ enrollment climbed from 43.56% to 59.15%, indicating a stark contrast in educational access between genders and castes. • Dropout Rates: Informal data suggests that nearly 60% of children who drop out of school are Dalit children, indicating significant barriers that lead to high dropout rates within this community.By 1931, only 4% of Dalit children had access to primary education despite educational policies being established decades earlier, reflecting a long history of exclusion from educational opportunities. • Systemic Barriers: The report emphasizes ongoing practices of “untouchability” and discrimination that create hostile environments for Dalit students in educational institutions, further complicating their access to quality education.
What are the major challenges presently faced by Dalit students in the Indian Education system?
While past restrictions were overt, contemporary obstacles are more insidious, manifesting through rising tuition fees and financial barriers.
Rise in Tuition Fees: Under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” the Government of India has promoted self-reliance in educational institutions, resulting in significant tuition hikes at prestigious colleges such as the IITs and IIMs.
For example, in 2016, IITs raised undergraduate tuition fees by 200%, escalating costs from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh annually. Similarly, recent increases at IIMs have seen fees rise by nearly 30% at some institutions.
Insufficient Support Measures: In response to criticism over these fee increases, the government introduced the Vidyalakshmi scheme, which offers interest-free scholarships for marginalized communities.
However, this initiative falls short of addressing the broader financial challenges faced by Dalit students as tuition continues to soar, despite their academic achievements.
The NCRB Data (2021) revealed that over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs and IIMs took their own lives, with many citing financial stress and employment anxiety.
Prevailing Disparities: An RTI filed by IIT-Bombay students further exposed the disparities, showing that 24 departments had no SC faculty, 15 lacked ST representation, and nine had no OBC faculty. A 2019 report revealed that 95% of faculty positions in IITs were held by individuals from upper-caste backgrounds.
These statistics highlight the deep-rooted caste-based inequalities that persist in both employment and education.
The issue of dropouts: Many students who manage to enroll themselves in prestigious institutions eventually drop out due to their inability to afford rising education fees.
The HRD Ministry reported that 2,461 students dropped out of IITs in just two years (2017 and 2018). In 2023, this issue was raised in the Lok Sabha, revealing that over the past five years, more than 13,500 students from the SC/ST/OBC had dropped out of courses in the central universities.
Previous Government Initiatives:
• Scholarship Schemes: Various scholarship programs are available for Dalit students, including the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, which provides financial assistance for education beyond matriculation, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent Dalit students from pursuing higher education. • Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS): This research institute focuses on studying issues related to Dalits and has contributed to formulating guidelines against caste-based discrimination in schools. • Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: DICCI promotes entrepreneurship among Dalits by providing support and resources for business development. Its initiatives aim to empower Dalit youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. • Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955) and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (1989): These acts are designed to prevent atrocities against Dalits and ensure their rights are protected. They provide legal recourse for victims of caste-based discrimination and violence, although implementation has faced challenges.
Did you know? A recent survey in 29 States on urban sewer and septic tank workers revealed that 92% belong to SC/ST/OBC.
Way Forward:
Strengthen Reservation Policies: Establish robust mechanisms to monitor compliance with reservation policies and hold institutions accountable for non-compliance.
Address Discrimination and Hostility: Enforce strict anti-discrimination policies and training programs within educational institutions, ensuring that any caste-based harassment is addressed promptly.
Promote Mental Health Support: Create peer mentoring programs that connect Dalit students with mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Reform Employment Opportunities: Enhance job placement services for Dalit graduates, ensuring they have access to employment opportunities post-education.
China has announced the construction of world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet), sparking concerns in India and Bangladesh, the lower riparian states.
About the Dam
This project is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and its long-term development strategy through 2035.
The dam will be constructed in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, near the Indian border.
It is situated at a massive gorge in the Himalayas, where the river takes a U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh.
Its investment exceeds $137 billion, dwarfing any other infrastructure project, including China’s Three Gorges Dam.
Three Gorges Dam: It is a hydroelectric gravity dam that spans the Yangtze River near Sandouping in Yiling District, Yichang, Hubei province, central China, downstream of the Three Gorges.
What are the concerns associated with the Dam Construction?
Geopolitical Control: China’s ability to regulate water flow raises fears of disruption and misuse during conflicts.
Environmental Impact: Risks to biodiversity, sediment flow, and downstream ecosystems in a fragile Himalayan zone.
Seismic Hazards: The dam’s location on a tectonic plate boundary increases earthquake risks.
Livelihood Disruption: Potential harm to agriculture, fishing, and local communities dependent on the river.
Transparency Issues: Limited data sharing and unilateral decisions heighten distrust among riparian states.
PYQ:
[2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
(b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
(c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges.
Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034):
The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:
Structural Transformation and Innovation:
Promote economic diversification and industrialization.
Advance science, technology, and innovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration:
Simplify and enhance trade processes to improve access to global markets.
Strengthen participation in regional and global trade agreements.
Reduce trade costs through better policies and infrastructure.
Transit, Transport, and Connectivity:
Develop and modernize transit infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports.
Improve connectivity to reduce dependence on neighboring countries.
Enhance customs procedures to ensure smoother transit of goods.
Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters:
Build adaptive capacities to address vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
Develop strategies to reduce disaster risks and mitigate environmental challenges.
Means of Implementation:
Mobilize financial resources, technical assistance, and international support.
Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, and private sectors.
What Are Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)?
LLDCs are nations that lack access to a coastline and are surrounded by neighboring countries.
Currently, there are 32 LLDCs, primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia.
South America: Bolivia, Paraguay.
Challenges Faced by LLDCs:
High Trade Costs: LLDCs face 1.4 times higher trade costs than coastal nations due to dependence on neighboring countries for transit and lengthy customs procedures.
Limited Market Access: Lack of direct access to global markets restricts their ability to compete internationally and increases transportation costs.
Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road, rail, and communication networks hinder connectivity and efficient trade operations.
Climate Vulnerability: LLDCs are highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods, with limited resources to mitigate risks.
Economic and Political Dependence: Over-reliance on transit countries for trade routes leads to geopolitical challenges and limits economic diversification.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a legally binding treaty on cybercrime, marking the culmination of a five-year effort by Member States. This is the firstinternational criminal justice treaty negotiated in over 20 years.
About UN Convention against Cybercrime: Important Facts
The UN Convention against Cybercrime is a legally binding treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2024.
Its primary aim is to prevent and combat cybercrime, enhance international cooperation, and protect human rights in cyberspace.
The convention was finalized after five years of negotiations and unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states.
A signing ceremony is scheduled for 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Key Provisions:
Addressing Cybercrime:
Targets crimes like terrorism, human trafficking, financial fraud, drug smuggling, and data theft facilitated by ICT platforms.
Victim-Centric Approach:
Focuses on protecting victims, particularly vulnerable groups, and ensuring they receive justice.
International Cooperation:
Promotes evidence-sharing, joint investigations, and capacity-building among Member States.
Safeguarding Human Rights:
Balances the need for cybersecurity with the protection of freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
Adaptability:
Allows for additional protocols to address emerging cyber threats, ensuring the convention remains relevant.
Capacity-Building:
Provides support to develop cybercrime legislation, build infrastructure, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in Member States.
Public Awareness:
Encourages global education campaigns and proactive measures to prevent cyber offenses.
Significance:
Landmark in International Law: Marks the first international criminal justice treaty in over 20 years, representing a global commitment to cybersecurity.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: Offers tools and mechanisms to mitigate ICT-enabled threats that undermine global security and economies.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Emphasizes justice and protection for marginalized communities affected by online crimes.
Economic and Social Benefits: Preserves global economies, promotes investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, and safeguards individuals.
Flexibility for Future Threats: Incorporates provisions for additional protocols to handle new challenges, such as AI-driven cyber threats.
PYQ:
[2022] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
Q) A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone of interest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement, in 2018. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on ‘Central Asia’ (2018) and ‘distribution of minerals’ (2021).
As the world shifts to cleaner energy using advanced technology, the demand for rare earths is rising. India, the third-largest carbon emitter, is focusing on renewable energy and needs more rare earths. Despite being the fifth-largest holder of rare earth elements, India depends heavily on imports from China due to a lack of advanced extraction technologies. To reduce this dependency amid supply chain issues and security concerns, India is diversifying its sources by partnering with the U.S., Latin American, and African countries. Kazakhstan is also emerging as a promising and closer alternative.
Today’s editorial critically examines the diversification of critical minerals (Rare Earth Elements). This content can be used to present the importance of central Asian countries ( like Kazakhstan) for rare earth elements.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India’s reliance on China and the possible global changes with a new U.S. government show the need to diversify. In this situation, Kazakhstan is emerging as a promising and closer alternative.
What are the current reserves and potential of Kazakhstan’s rare earth elements?
• Number of Deposits: Kazakhstan has 15 registered rare earth deposits located primarily in three regions: Turkistan, Kostanai, and Mangystau. These deposits are crucial for electronics and clean energy technologies. • Types of Elements in Kazakhstan: The country holds a diverse range of rare metals, including: Tungsten: Approximately 2.2 million tons of reserves; Molybdenum: Around 1 million tons; Lithium: Estimated at 75,600 tons; Tantalum: About 4,600 tons; Niobium: Approximately 28,100 tons; Beryllium: Roughly 58,000 tons. • Exploration Goals: Kazakhstan aims to explore over two million square kilometres of its territory by 2026, with significant investments planned to develop these resources further.
Potential for Growth • Strategic Importance: The Kazakh government views rare earths as the “new oil” for its economy, emphasizing their role in technological advancement and energy transition. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified the development of these metals as a priority. • Global Demand Trends: The demand for REEs is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by their essential role in renewable energy technologies and high-tech industries. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that demand for rare earth elements could increase three to seven times by 2040. • International Partnerships: Kazakhstan is actively seeking partnerships with countries like the U.S., Germany, and Japan to enhance its mining capabilities and attract foreign investment. This collaboration could position Kazakhstan as a key supplier in the global REE market.
What is the monopoly of China?
Dominance in Global Production and Supply: China controls over one-third of the world’s rare earth reserves and produces about 70% of global rare earths, making it the leading supplier. India relies on China for 60% of its rare earth imports due to insufficient domestic production.
Strategic Leverage Over Supply Chains: China’s ability to disrupt mineral and technology supplies during bilateral disputes enables it to control global rare earth supply chains.
How can Kazakhstan position itself as a competitive alternative to China in the global rare earth market?
Diversification of Partners: Kazakhstan has already entered into extraction agreements with countries like Japan, Germany, the U.S., South Korea, and the EU, signalling its growing importance as a reliable supplier of rare earth.
Advanced Extraction Technologies: Kazakhstan is investing in advanced technologies and partnerships to improve extraction processes and increase production efficiency.
Strategic Positioning: Kazakhstan’s location in Central Asia, combined with its cooperation in regional connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor, makes it an attractive alternative to China for countries like India seeking to diversify their sources.
Government Prioritization: The Kazakh government is focusing on strengthening its role in the global rare earth market by investing in technologies for lithium, battery materials, and heat-resistant alloys, which could bolster its competitive position.
What are the challenges in developing its rare earth sector?
Technological Limitations: While Kazakhstan has significant reserves, the country currently lacks some advanced extraction technologies that are crucial for optimizing its rare earth production and processing.
Infrastructure Gaps: There may be logistical challenges in scaling up mining operations and transportation networks to meet global demand, especially with Kazakhstan being landlocked.
Global Competition: Despite Kazakhstan’s rich reserves, it faces stiff competition from established players like China, and it must enhance its production capabilities to be a viable alternative.
Environmental and Sustainability Concerns: Developing rare earth extraction technologies in an environmentally sustainable way is a key challenge that Kazakhstan must address to avoid the pitfalls of over-exploitation seen in other parts of the world.
How can India play a significant role in this situation? (Way forward)
Bilateral Partnerships: India can deepen its strategic partnership with Kazakhstan, particularly through the proposed “India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum” which can help facilitate joint ventures in mining, technology transfer, and shared geological data.
Technology Transfer and Expertise: India, with its growing interest in rare earths for clean energy and defence sectors, can collaborate with Kazakhstan to share expertise in sustainable extraction technologies and mining practices.
Supply Chain Diversification: India can help Kazakhstan expand its rare earth production and distribution, reducing India’s dependence on China for critical minerals.
Private Sector Investment: India’s private sector can invest in Kazakhstan’s rare earth extraction sector, helping to scale up operations and build necessary infrastructure to meet global demand.
Regional Integration: By connecting Kazakhstan’s mining capabilities to broader regional markets, India can enhance its own resource security while also supporting Kazakhstan’s economic growth, thus strengthening the geopolitical influence of both nations in Central Asia.
People around the world paid tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, known for opening up India’s economy and making it a global player, who passed away at the age of 92.
How did Manmohan Singh’s reforms transform India’s economic landscape?
1991 Economic Liberalization (LPG): He abolished the “License Raj,” which required businesses to seek government approvals for setting up industries.
Example: The IT sector flourished, with companies like Infosys and Wipro gaining international prominence.
Tax Reforms and Currency Devaluation: Singh’s government implemented substantial tax cuts and devalued the Indian rupee to enhance competitiveness.
Example: Corporate tax was reduced from 50% (pre-1991) to around 35% by the mid-1990s, boosting business sentiment.
Welfare Schemes: Alongside economic liberalisation, Singh’s administration introduced welfare initiatives aimed at sharing the benefits of growth with the rural poor, thereby addressing socio-economic disparities.
Introduced schemes like MGNREGA (2005) and expanded rural credit, improving employment and poverty alleviation.
Poverty rates dropped from 37.2% (2004-05) to 21.9% (2011-12), and India’s middle class expanded significantly due to higher income levels.
Economy growth: As Finance Minister, in 1991 economic reforms addressed the balance-of-payments crisis by reducing the fiscal deficit from 8.4% of GDP (1991) to 5.7% (1993) and reviving GDP growth from 1.1% (1991-92) to 5.3% (1992-93) through measures such as dismantling industrial licensing, devaluing the rupee, and encouraging foreign investment.
How did he left a lasting imprint on external relations?
US-India Civil Nuclear Deal (2008): He played a pivotal role in finalising the Civil Nuclear Agreement, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and strengthened strategic ties with the United States.
It also marked a shift in global recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power.
Strengthening India’s Strategic Partnerships: Deepened ties with major global powers, including the US, EU, Japan, and Russia, enhancing India’s diplomatic and economic engagement globally.
Championing India’s Role in Global Governance: Advocated for reforms in international institutions like the UN, IMF, and World Bank to reflect the rising stature of emerging economies, particularly India.
His leadership elevated India’s voice in global forums like G20 and BRICS.
Focus on Regional and Economic Integration: Fostered closer economic and diplomatic ties with ASEAN, SAARC nations, and other Asian neighbours, reinforcing India’s position in regional trade and security frameworks.
His outreach contributed to India’s Act East Policy and improved relations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: The Indian government should embrace Dr. Manmohan Singh’s legacy by prioritizing bold economic reforms, fostering global partnerships, and championing inclusive growth. Emphasizing strategic investments in infrastructure, skilling, and technology while deepening ties with regional and global partners can sustain long-term growth, reduce disparities, and solidify India’s leadership in global governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has the Indian governmental system responded adequately to the demands of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization started in 1991? What can the government do to be responsive to this important change? (UPSC IAS/2016)
The US court ruling found the maker of Pegasus spyware guilty of hacking WhatsApp, while in India, the investigation ended quietly without any results.
What are the implications of the US court ruling against NSO Group?
Legal Accountability Established: The US District Court’s ruling that NSO Group is liable for hacking WhatsApp users marks a significant legal precedent. It affirms that private companies engaged in illegal surveillance can be held accountable in a court of law, which may encourage other jurisdictions to take similar actions against such entities.
Protection of Privacy Rights: The ruling underscores the importance of user privacy and proprietary technology protection. It emphasizes that courts can act decisively to safeguard individual rights against corporate malfeasance, setting a standard for privacy protection that could influence global norms.
Pressure on NSO Group: The verdict amplifies economic and operational pressures on NSO Group, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight of surveillance technology firms worldwide. This could deter similar future actions by other companies in the industry.
Why has India’s inquiry into the Pegasus allegations been ineffective?
Government Evasion: The Indian government’s refusal to confirm or deny the use of Pegasus spyware has significantly hampered any meaningful investigation. This silence has been framed as a matter of national security but is perceived as a deliberate evasion of accountability.
Lack of Cooperation: The Supreme Court’s appointed committee faced challenges due to the government’s lack of cooperation.
Key stakeholders like WhatsApp and Apple were not compelled to provide evidence or testimony, limiting the committee’s ability to draw conclusive findings.
Judicial Delays and Inaction: India’s judicial system is plagued by delays and inefficiencies, which have further stalled inquiries into Pegasus. Parliamentary debates have devolved into unproductive exchanges, failing to generate actionable outcomes.
What are the legislations related to spyware attacks in India?
Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act):
Section 43: Criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems and networks, making hacking a punishable offense.
Section 66: Addresses cybercrime and provides penalties for violations of computer-related laws.
Section 69: Allows government agencies to intercept data on grounds of national security but does not authorize the installation of spyware like Pegasus on devices without proper oversight.
Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009: These rules require that no interception can occur without the direction and approval of a competent authority, aiming to provide some level of oversight.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Recently passed in 2023, this act has faced criticism for allegedly providing legal cover for state surveillance while lacking robust protections for individual privacy rights. Critics argue that its vague language allows for arbitrary government.
What should be the next steps for Indian authorities following the US verdict? (Way forward)
Reinitiate Investigations: Indian authorities should consider reopening investigations into Pegasus with renewed vigour, leveraging insights from the US court ruling. This includes calling for transparency from technology companies involved in the case.
Engage with Stakeholders: Authorities should actively engage with WhatsApp, Apple, and other relevant parties to gather comprehensive evidence regarding the spyware’s use in India. This collaboration is crucial for establishing accountability.
Legislative Reforms: There is an urgent need for systemic reforms in surveillance laws and practices in India. Authorities should work towards creating robust frameworks that protect citizens’ privacy rights and establish clear guidelines for state surveillance activities.
Public Disclosure: To rebuild public trust, it is essential for the government to disclose findings from previous inquiries and commit to transparency moving forward. This includes making reports from technical committees publicly available
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC IAS/2020)
A biological emergency is one caused due to natural outbreaks of epidemics or the intentional use of biological agents (Viruses and microorganisms) or toxins through the dissemination of such agents in ways to harm the human population, food, crops, and livestock to cause outbreaks of disease.
Pandemics and Epidemics: Widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases. Example: The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019 and affected India and the world.
Biological hazardous events may include severe economic and environmental losses.
The Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa in 2013-2016, was the largest epidemic of its kind to date in the populations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The outbreak of Zika virus infection in the Americas and the Pacific region is associated with congenital and other neurological disorders.
Significant increase in diarrheal disease incidences following recurrent floods in most African countries or a significant increase following the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand.
Outbreaks of yellow fever in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda in 2016.
Outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus (MERS CoV), an emerging disease identified in 2012.
An outbreak of Sars Cov-2 COVID at the end of 2019.
Bengal: These densely populated states are often vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, dengue, and viral fevers.
Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu: These states have urban centers where infectious diseases can spread quickly.
Vector-Borne Diseases:
States with Tropical Climates (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Maharashtra): Due to disease-carrying vectors, these regions are susceptible to diseases like malaria and dengue.
Zoonotic Diseases:
States with High Agricultural Activity (e.g., Punjab, Haryana): Due to close contact with livestock, these states may be at risk of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
Tribal and Remote Areas:
States with Tribal Populations (e.g., Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, parts of Odisha): Remote and tribal areas can face unique public health challenges, including limited access to healthcare.
Environmental Pollution:
Urban States and Cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata): High levels of air pollution in major cities can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular health emergencies.
Outbreak of Infectious Disease: A sudden outbreak or epidemic of a highly contagious or deadly infectious disease.
Spread Beyond Control: The outbreak spreads beyond the capacity for local healthcare and containment measures.
High Mortality or Morbidity: The disease causes a high rate of illness, severe illness, or death in the affected population.
Causes:
Natural, accidental, or deliberate dispersal of harmful agents into food, water, air, soil, or into plants, crops, or livestock.
Weapons of biological warfare and bioterrorism.
Way Forward:
Preventative measures such as proper sanitation, vaccination, and biosecurity protocols are essential in minimizing these risks.
Early detection, monitoring, and rapid response are crucial for mitigating the potential harm caused by biological hazards.
Public awareness and education also play a vital role in reducing exposure to biological hazards and ensuring the safety of individuals and communities.
