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  • [14th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:

    Q1 Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?  (UPSC IAS/2022) 

    Q2 Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh (UPSC IAS/2013) 

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Reason behind the declining India’s influence in South Asia;

    Mentor comments:  Since the start of this decade, India has faced a series of shocks in its neighborhood. In 2021, the coup in Myanmar and the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan set the stage. In 2022, the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan and the riots that forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa out in Sri Lanka added to the turmoil. More recently, electoral changes in the Maldives and Nepal have replaced India-friendly governments with less cooperative ones. With Sheikh Hasina’s dramatic exit in Bangladesh, India is now urgently reassessing its approach to safeguard against future upheavals in South Asia.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News? 

    Hasina’s removal from power in Bangladesh is no doubt a dramatic setback for India, as both countries have transformed ties on every front in the past decade and a half. 

    Key lesson for India: 

    • Engage with All Political Stakeholders: India must broaden its diplomatic engagement to include all political parties in Bangladesh, particularly the opposition, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).  
    • Monitor and Respond to Local Sentiments: India should enhance its intelligence and diplomatic capabilities to monitor local sentiments and political developments in Bangladesh more effectively. This includes understanding the socio-political dynamics and public opinion, which can provide critical insights into potential unrest or shifts in governance.  
    • Reassess Strategic Partnerships: India needs to reassess its strategic partnerships and avoid over-reliance on any single government or political party.  
    • Promote Democratic Values and Human Rights: India should advocate for democratic values and human rights in its foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections and the protection of civil liberties.  

    Loss of Reputation:

    • Reputation as a Dependable Partner: India’s reputation as a reliable ally in the region suffered a setback after the fall of Kabul when it refused visas to hundreds of Afghans fleeing the Taliban. Many of these individuals were senior defense and security officials who had risked their lives for Indian diplomats.
    • Pragmatism in Supporting Allies: Despite the potential complications, India wisely allowed Sheikh Hasina to stay in the country after her removal from power, recognizing that turning its back on an old ally would have been a betrayal. This approach is necessary to maintain long-term relationships in the region, where political leaders often return to power.
    • Future Diplomatic Challenges: The continued presence of Sheikh Hasina in India could complicate ties with any new government in Bangladesh, especially if they request her extradition or perceive the Awami League as regrouping in India.

    Communal Lens:

    • Faulty Assumption of Religious Ties: The good diplomatic ties in South Asia are somehow linked to shared religious majorities. For example, Hindu-majority Nepal has been a challenging relationship for India, while Buddhist-majority Bhutan and Muslim-majority Maldives have often been among its closest allies.
    • Impact of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA): The Indian government’s introduction of the CAA, which fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslims from Muslim-majority countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh), has backfired across the region. It has strained relationships not only with the countries directly mentioned but also with others in the neighbourhood.

    Erosion of Pan-South Asian Mechanisms: 

    1. Boycott of SAARC by India: India has boycotted the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit for a decade now due to bilateral issues with Pakistan. This has led to the stagnation of the regional grouping and its inability to address common challenges.
    2. Abandonment of BIMSTEC: There are concerns that India may abandon the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) if ties with Bangladesh worsen, similar to its stance on SAARC. This would further erode regional cooperation mechanisms.

    Implications for India

    1. Loss of Influence in the Region: The erosion of pan-South Asian mechanisms has diminished India’s influence in the region. Countries like Bangladesh are now more open to engaging with other powers, reducing India’s ability to shape regional dynamics.
    2. Vulnerability to External Interference: The absence of effective regional cooperation platforms has made South Asian countries more vulnerable to external interference from global powers like the United States and China. Their rivalries can now play out in the region without sensitivity to India’s interests.
    3. Deprived Economic Opportunities: The lack of regional integration has deprived India and its neighbours of potential economic benefits through increased trade, investment, and connectivity. Reviving mechanisms like SAARC could unlock significant economic opportunities for the region.

    Way Forward for India

    1. Reviving Pan-South Asian Mechanisms: India must take the lead in reviving pan-South Asian mechanisms like SAARC and finding ways to engage with its neighbours without external interference. This would require addressing bilateral issues and prioritizing regional cooperation.
    2. Balancing Relations with Global Powers: India needs to strike a balance in its relations with global powers like the United States and China. It should avoid being drawn into its rivalries and instead focus on pursuing its own interests in the region.

    Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-shock-effects-of-south-asian-tumult/article68521412.ece 

  • An overview of governance in Delhi

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court ruled that Delhi’s LG can independently nominate 10 aldermen to the MCD which escalates tensions between the Union, Delhi, and local governments.

    How did the Delhi government evolve?

    • At the commencement of the Constitution in 1950, Delhi was classified as a Part C State.
    • Following the state reorganisation in 1956, it became a Union Territory governed by an administrator.
    • The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was established in 1958, and a limited local government was introduced in 1966.
    • Based on the Balakrishnan Committee’s recommendations in 1989, the 69th Constitutional Amendment in 1991 created a Legislative Assembly and council of ministers for the NCT of Delhi. 
    • However, the Union government retained control over public order, police, and land, excluding these subjects from the Delhi government’s jurisdiction.

    Why is there constant tension and friction between the Union government and the Delhi government?  

    • Legal Disputes: Legal battles have escalated tensions, particularly following Supreme Court judgments that have altered the balance of power between the elected Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG). For instance, recent rulings have clarified the LG’s powers, allowing for unilateral actions that bypass the council of ministers.
    • Control Over Key Areas: The Union government retains control over critical areas such as police, public order, and land, which limits the Delhi government’s autonomy.
    • Administrative Confusion: The presence of multiple layers of governance, including the MCD and other local bodies, complicates accountability and governance, leading to blame-shifting during crises, such as the recent incidents of electrocution and flooding.
    •  Budgetary Conflict: The Delhi State Government has accused the Central Government of underfunding the MCD, leading to poor civic services, while the Central Government has argued that the State Government is not providing adequate support.
    • Division and Unification of MCD: In 2012, the MCD was trifurcated into three separate entities by the Congress-led state government, a move seen as an attempt to decentralize power. However, in 2022, the BJP-led Central Government passed a law to reunify the MCD, citing administrative efficiency, but the move was perceived by the Delhi State Government as an effort to centralize control.

    What did the 1989 Balakrishnan committee recommend?  

    1. On Union Territory Status: The Balakrishnan Committee recommended that Delhi must remain a Union Territory rather than achieving full statehood.
    2. On Governance Structure: The committee proposed a governance model that included an Administrator exercising powers based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, ensuring a balance of power while maintaining central oversight.
    3. On Representation and Accountability: The committee emphasized the need for a more effective representative democratic system to safeguard the rights of Delhi’s growing population.

    How has the Municipal Corporation of Delhi been involved in the power tussle? 

    • Multiple Authorities: The MCD operates under the Union government’s control, adding complexity to the governance structure in Delhi. For example in public services and urban management.
    • Electoral Conflicts: The MCD’s elected representatives have often been caught in the crossfire of political disputes between the Union and Delhi governments, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of coherent governance. The recent tragedies in the city have highlighted the consequences of this blame-shifting.

    Way Forward:

    • Revisiting Governance Structure: A constitutional amendment could be considered to delineate the powers of the central government and the Delhi government more clearly. For instance, the area of New Delhi (50-100 square kilometres) could be under central control, while the rest could be governed by the Delhi Assembly.
    • Implementation of triple chain accountability: Implementing the spirit of the Supreme Court’s 2023 judgment, which emphasized a triple chain of accountability, could help restore balance and ensure that all layers of government are accountable to the people.
    • Promoting Consensus-Based Governance: Encouraging dialogue and consensus between the different layers of government could help mitigate conflicts and foster a more cooperative governance environment.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine.(2018)

  • Does India have laws on the movement of ballast water?

    Why in the News?

    The TN Water Resources Department (WRD) has informed the National Green Tribunal that it has requested ₹160 crore from Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, to address the removal of invasive mussels along the coast near the port.

    • The WRD has accused Kamarajar Port of being primarily responsible for the spread of this invasive species due to its failure to regulate ballast water from ships.

    What is Ballast Water?

    • Ballast water is fresh or saltwater held in the ballast tanks of ships. It is used to provide stability and maneuverability during a voyage, especially when a ship is not carrying enough cargo or when additional stability is required due to rough seas.
    • Ballast water can carry a variety of biological materials, including bacteria, microbes, and small invertebrates. When discharged at a new location, this water can introduce non-native species into local ecosystems, potentially leading to ecological imbalances.

    How Serious is the Problem?

    • Invasive Species in India: Scientists have recorded nearly 30 invasive species entering Indian waters through ship ballast water, with the charru mussel (Mytella strigata) being one of the most harmful. This species has replaced native species in critical habitats like Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu.
    • Ecological Impact: The introduction of invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native organisms, and significantly affect biodiversity. The charru mussel has a high survival rate and prolific reproduction, exacerbating its impact on marine environments.
    • Economic Consequences: The proliferation of invasive species can hinder fishing activities and affect the livelihoods of local communities dependent on marine resources.

    What are Global Regulations?

    • Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the BWM Convention, which came into force in 2017. This convention aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through ballast water.
    • Under the BWM Convention, ships must manage their ballast water to ensure that aquatic organisms and pathogens are removed or rendered harmless before discharge.
    • Compliance: Countries like Australia and New Zealand have stringent regulations to prevent ballast water from damaging their marine ecosystems, including rigorous checks of ballast water management systems.

    What is India’s Position?

    • As of July 2023, India has not signed the BWM Convention, meaning there are no obligations for ships calling at Indian ports to comply with its regulations. This lack of participation raises concerns about the unchecked discharge of ballast water.
    • While other maritime regulations apply in Indian ports but the discharge of ballast water is not subject to checks or regulations, leading to potential ecological risks.

    Way forward: 

    • Adopt and Implement the BWM Convention: India should consider ratifying the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention to align with international standards.
    • Strengthen Domestic Regulations and Awareness: Even before ratifying the BWM Convention, India can introduce national legislation to regulate ballast water discharge in its ports.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)

  • Hints of the corporatization of science research in India 

    Why in the News?

    The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and its funding structure clearly signals the government’s intended direction.

    Research Policy in India

    • Shift Towards Corporatisation: The Indian government’s approach encourages research institutions to generate revenue through external sources, moving away from reliance on public funding.
      • This trend aligns with the 2015 Dehradun Declaration, which advocated for marketing patents to self-finance research initiatives.
    • Focus on Market-Driven Research: The ANRF aims to align research outcomes with market needs, promoting the idea that scientific advancements should have immediate applications.
      • This is evident in the emphasis on prototype development, which assesses the marketability of research products, which was highlighted in the 2024 Budget speech.
    • Integration of Industry and Academia: The ANRF is designed to forge collaborations between research institutions and the private sector by earmarking a substantial portion of its funding (approximately 72%) from private sources, bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application.
    Note: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a significant initiative in India’s research landscape, established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023.

    Funding Mechanism of ANRF

    • Budget Allocation: The ANRF will be allocated ₹50,000 crore over five years, with a significant portion expected to come from non-government sources, including industry and philanthropic contributions.
    • Governance Structure: The ANRF will be governed by a board that includes industry representatives and experts, ensuring that funding decisions align with market demands and technological advancements.

    What are the signals despite the stated objective of ANRF? (challenges)

    • Potential Undermining of Curiosity-Driven Research:  The private sector does not want to fund basic research because it has no immediate commercial applications which ultimately leads to a decline in foundational scientific exploration.
    • Public Funding Concerns: The government’s expectation for private sector funding raises questions about the sustainability of public investment in research.
      • The current ratio of public funding for science research in India (0.6% to 0.7% of GDP) is significantly lower than that of countries like South Korea (around 4.8%  of GDP).

    India’s Achievements Despite a Low GDP Investment in R&D: 

    • High Production of PhDs:  Annually, India generates approximately 40,813 PhDs, ranking third globally after the United States and China. 
    • Robust Research Output: India’s research output remains substantial, with over 300,000 publications in 2022, making it the third-largest producer of scientific publications globally.
    • Growth in Patent Grants: India has shown remarkable progress in intellectual property creation, securing 30,490 patents in 2022, placing it sixth globally.  
    • Improvement in Global Rankings: India has made significant strides in global innovation rankings and research quality. It improved its position on the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81st place in 2015 to 40th in 2023.  
        • India climbed to the 9th rank in the Nature Index 2023, surpassing countries like Australia and Switzerland.
    • Investment in Autonomous R&D Institutions: A considerable portion of India’s R&D funding is directed towards autonomous research laboratories. The total investment in R&D reached approximately $17.2 billion in 2020-21, with a significant allocation to key scientific agencies such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

    Comparison with Other Countries

    As of 2023, India’s gross expenditure on R&D stands at approximately 0.64% of its GDP.

    • United States: The U.S. invests about 3.46% of its GDP in R&D
    • South Korea: South Korea leads with an impressive 4.8% of GDP allocated to R&D.
    • Germany: Germany’s R&D spending is around 3.1% of GDP.
    • China: China’s investment in R&D is approximately 2.4% of GDP.
    • Taiwan: Taiwan also invests around 3.77% of its GDP in R&D.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthening Public Funding for Basic Research: To ensure a balanced research ecosystem, the government should increase public investment in foundational scientific research.
    • Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration: The government should facilitate stronger partnerships between research institutions and the private sector while maintaining a focus on both applied and basic research.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021)

  • [pib] FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.

    About FloodWatch India Version 2.0

    • FloodWatch India Version 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • The app provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across India.
    • It now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200 in the previous version, offering a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions.
    • The app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India, aiding in flood management.
    • Key features include:
      • It provides real-time river flow data and flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
      • Users can view state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories.
      • The app uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate and timely flood information.
      • The app is available in English and Hindi and offers both readable and audio broadcast formats.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

  • [pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia.

    About Exercise Udara Shakti

    • Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia.
    • The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise.

    Features of the Exercise  

    • Both India and Malaysia deploy their Sukhoi-30 fighter jets for the exercise, facilitating direct comparison and operational cooperation.
    • A distinctive feature of this initiative is the HOP (Hands-On Participation) Exercise, where pilots from both nations swap aircraft.
    • The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) component focuses on sharing knowledge and skills in aviation and engineering specific to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below :

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1, 2 and 4

    (c) 1, 3 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • St Martin’s Island

    Why in the News?

    The ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina claimed she could have stayed in power if she had given up St. Martin’s Island and parts of the Bay of Bengal to the United States.

    About St Martin’s Island

    • St. Martin’s Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, near the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
    • It lies about 9 kilometers south of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula in Bangladesh.
    • The island is approximately 7.3 km long and is mostly flat, with an elevation of about 3.6 meters above mean sea level.
    • It is Bangladesh’s only coral island and is surrounded by coral reefs that extend 10-15 km to the west-northwest of the island.
    • Historical Background:
      • The island was originally part of the Teknaf peninsula but gradually submerged into the sea around 5,000 years ago.
      • It resurfaced approximately 450 years ago.
      • Arab merchants were among the first settlers in the 18th century. They named it “Jazira” and later “Narikel Jinjira” (Coconut Island).
      • In 1900, British India annexed the island, and it became known as St. Martin’s Island, named after a Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong.

    Strategic importance:

    • Near the Strait of Malacca: Close to one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, making it strategically important for military oversight.It offers potential for monitoring maritime activities, including strategic interests of global powers.
    • Border with Myanmar: Proximity to Myanmar adds significance in regional security dynamics.

    Other significance for Bangladesh:

    • It is part of Bangladesh’s EEZ, rich in marine resources like fish, oil, and gas. Also a key tourist destination.
    • It is important for biodiversity, with coral reefs and diverse marine life.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Area of conflict mentioned in news: Country where it is located

    1.Donbas: Syria

    2.Kachin: Ethiopia

    3.Tigray: North Yemen

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one

    (b) Only two

    (c) All three

    (d) None

  • Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’

    Why in the News?

    • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’.
      • The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of IAF.

    About LRGB GAURAV

    • LRGB Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class long-range glide bomb developed by the DRDO.
    • It is air-launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
    • The bomb is designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
    • Adani Defence and Bharat Forge participated as Development cum Production Partners in the Gaurav project.
    • Key Features:
      • It uses a hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) data for highly accurate targeting.
      • The glide bomb is capable of hitting targets at long distances, although the exact range is not publicly disclosed.
      • Gaurav enhances India’s precision strike capabilities, allowing for significant impact on various target types with reduced risk to aircraft.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3
  • [13th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Disinformation, AI and ‘cyber chakravyuh’

    [13th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Disinformation, AI and ‘cyber chakravyuh’

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q. Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace. (UPSC IAS/2020)
    Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Note4Students: 

    Mains: Challenges due to AI in 2024;

    Mentor comment: Concerns in 2024 were fueled by fears of new threats from Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The growing potential for disinformation and cyber threats made the outlook particularly grim. The 33rd Summer Olympic Games in France during July-August 2024 were seen as prime targets for digital criminals, prompting experts to prepare for unprecedented attacks. Fortunately, the Games concluded peacefully, without any major incidents. However, the absence of a significant attack shouldn’t lead to complacency, as new digital threats continue to emerge, requiring ongoing vigilance from security agencies.

    Let’s learn!

    __

    Why in the News?

     As 2024 began, there were warnings of new security threats on the horizon, and security experts around the world were preparing for a series of attacks across various areas.

    Challenges due to AI in 2024: 

    • Increased Disinformation: The year began with a surge in disinformation, particularly surrounding the Taiwanese elections in January 2024. The atmosphere was rife with fake posts and videos, largely attributed to external influences, notably China.  
    • National Security Concerns: The combination of AI-generated disinformation and cyber attacks poses a serious threat to national security. This is particularly evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where both sides have employed disinformation tactics, leading to disruptions in critical infrastructure such as telecommunications and power grids.
    • Global Electoral Impact: As elections are scheduled in at least 64 countries in 2024, the potential for AI to disrupt electoral processes has raised alarms.  

    A recent software glitch in Microsoft Windows

    • Global Outage: The outage began on July 19, 2024, affecting Microsoft’s Azure cloud service and quickly spreading to various regions, including the United States and India.
      • It disrupted critical operations such as flight schedules, air traffic control, and stock exchanges, showcasing the vulnerability of interconnected systems.
    • Severity Rating: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) issued a ‘critical’ severity rating for the incident, indicating the serious nature of the disruption, even though a cyberattack did not cause it.
    • Impact on Devices: Microsoft reported that over eight million Windows devices experienced failures due to the glitch, leading to widespread operational issues.
      • Many users encountered the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), which trapped them in boot loops and rendered their devices inoperable.
    Do you know?

    This incident recalls previous significant cyberattacks, such as WannaCry in 2017, which infected over 230,000 computers globally, and Stuxnet in 2010, which specifically targeted Iran’s nuclear program.
    Steps taken by the Indian government: 

    • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):  Established to provide a comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to address cyber crimes effectively. It includes various components such as the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, facilitating state coordination.
    • Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): It acts as the central agency to help control cybersecurity incidents and disseminate alerts.
    • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Launched to raise awareness about cyber crimes and improve safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and IT staff across government departments.
    • Cyber Swachhta Kendra: This initiative focuses on detecting and removing malicious botnet programs from computers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Cybersecurity Infrastructure: The government should focus on enhancing the existing cybersecurity frameworks and expanding the capabilities of agencies like CERT-In and I4C.  
    • Public Awareness and Education: The need to increase awareness about the risks associated with AI-generated disinformation and cyber threats is crucial. Initiatives like Cyber Surakshit Bharat should be expanded to include broader public education campaigns. 

  • The top court as custodian of liberties    

    Why in the News?

    • Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in early 2023 by the CBI and ED in the Delhi liquor policy case. After nearly a year and a half in prison, the Supreme Court of India granted him bail, underscoring that bail should not be used as a form of punishment.

    Previous judgments on the ‘Right to Speedy Trial’:

    1. The Supreme Court referenced its earlier judgments, including Kashmira Singh (1977), P. Chidambaram (2020), and Satender Kumar Antil (2022), which establish that the right to a speedy trial is fundamental under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    2. The Court’s decision in Arnab Manoranjan Goswami vs The State of Maharashtra and Ors. (2020) was cited, reinforcing that liberty is a core component of constitutionalism.
    3. In recent scenario, the SC relied on its earlier order dated October 30, 2023, in Manish Sisodia vs Central Bureau of Investigation, which highlighted concerns about the large volume of evidence (56,000 pages of documents and 456 witnesses) potentially causing significant delays in trial proceedings.

    What are the present limitations?

    • Prolonged Incarceration: The ruling pointed out that the legal system often leads to excessive delays, which can result in individuals being punished without trial.
    • Dependence on Prosecutorial Statements: A concern was raised about the reliance on the prosecution’s assurances regarding the timeline for trial completion.  

    ‘Guarantee of Civil Liberties’:

    • Constitutional Foundation: The Supreme Court emphasized that individual liberties should not be contingent on the discretion of the prosecution.
      • In judgments like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Court expanded the understanding of due process, emphasising that any deprivation of liberty must follow fair, just, and reasonable procedures.
    • Judicial Responsibility: The judgment aims to prevent the misuse of stringent laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and to uphold the dignity and rights of individuals.
      • In Rana Ayyub v. Directorate of Enforcement (2023), the Supreme Court emphasized judicial oversight in PMLA enforcement while ensuring trials follow underlying offenses.
    • Public’s trust on Judiciary: Presently, the Apex Court pointed out the flawed tendency of some judges to deny bail unnecessarily, ignoring the principle of timely trials. This may lead to loss of public trust in the judiciary.
    • Call for Systemic Change: The ruling urges a reevaluation of the political and legal systems to prioritize justice and individual rights over personal vendettas.
      • State of Maharashtra v. Rani Kusum (2005) underscores the necessity for reforms to address delays in the judicial process.
    • Bail is the Rule, Not the Exception: The Supreme Court’s decision in granting bail to Manish Sisodia reinforces the principle that bail is the rule, not the exception.

    Way forward: 

    • Adherence to procedural deadlines: In this situation, courts should enforce stricter adherence to procedural deadlines and prioritize cases involving prolonged incarceration to safeguard the right to a speedy trial.
    • Independent oversight committees: Need to establish independent oversight committees to regularly review cases of prolonged incarceration without trial, ensuring accountability and reducing reliance on prosecutorial assurances alone.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC IAS/2016)

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