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Type: Prelims Only

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Lesser known facts about Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Mains level: Not Much

    Lal Bahadur Shastri

    Central Idea

    • October 2 is a day of double celebration as India remembers the birth anniversaries of two iconic leaders: Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation,’ and Lal Bahadur Shastri, former Prime Minister.
    • Both leaders made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle and early years of nation-building.

    Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Man of Humble Origins

    [A] Rising from Modest Beginnings

    • Early Struggles: Born in 1904 in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Shastri faced adversity early in life, with his father passing away shortly after his birth.
    • Simplicity: Raised in a lower-middle-class environment, he possessed only two kurtas and dhotis, symbolizing his humble beginnings.
    • A Change of Name: In a demonstration of his early social consciousness, Shastri dropped his birthname “Varma.” In 1925, he acquired the title of ‘Shastri’ (one who knows the Shastras) from the Kashi Vidyapeeth in Benaras, adding it to his name.

    [B] Resignation and Accountability

    • A Serious Accident: While serving as the Union Minister for Railways and Transport in 1956, a tragic railway accident in Telangana resulted in the loss of 112 lives.
    • Owning Responsibility: Deeply affected by the tragedy, Shastri took moral responsibility and tendered his resignation to Prime Minister Nehru. Although Nehru initially did not accept it, Shastri resigned again after another railway accident in Tamil Nadu in November 1956, further solidifying his moral stature.

    [C] Championing the Slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’

    • A Return to Cabinet: Shastri made a comeback to the Union Cabinet, serving in roles such as Home Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister.
    • Language Assurance: In response to concerns about Hindi domination, he assured the continued use of English as an official language alongside Hindi.
    • Economic Challenges: In 1965, faced with economic stagnation and growing food demand, Shastri called upon farmers to increase production, traders to maintain fair prices, and consumers to exercise restraint. He coined the famous slogan, ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan (Hail the soldier, hail the farmer!).’

    [D] Leadership during the 1965 India-Pakistan War and Tashkent Agreement

    • Unforeseen Conflict: The 1965 war with Pakistan erupted as Pakistan launched attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, believing India to be vulnerable after the 1962 war with China.
    • Firm Response: Shastri approved an Indian counterattack, leading to hostilities on both sides.
    • Tashkent Declaration: Soviet Premier Aleksey Kosygin invited Shastri and Pakistan President General Ayub Khan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they signed the Tashkent Declaration on January 10, 1966, committing to long-term peace.
    • Sudden Passing: Tragically, Shastri passed away due to a heart attack the following day in Tashkent, leaving behind speculation about the circumstances. However, available evidence suggests it was a natural death, dispelling doubts of external factors.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Medicine Nobel Prize 2023 for mRNA Vaccine Discovery

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: mRNA Vaccines, Nobel Prize

    Mains level: Vaccine development for COVID

    nobel

    Central Idea

    • Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, the 2023 medicine Nobel laureates, have earned acclaim for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of mRNA technology.
    • Their work has transformed our understanding of mRNA’s interaction with the immune system, leading to the rapid development of vaccines, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    What is mRNA?

    • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid) molecule that is complementary to one of the DNA strands of a gene.
    • The mRNA is an RNA version of the gene that leaves the cell nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm where proteins are made.
    • During protein synthesis, an organelle called a ribosome moves along the mRNA, reads its base sequence, and uses the genetic code to translate each three-base triplet, or codon, into its corresponding amino acid.

    What are mRNA vaccines?

    • Such vaccines make use of the messenger RNA molecules that tell the body’s cells what proteins to build.
    • The mRNA, in this case, is coded to tell the cells to recreate the spike protein of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
    • It is the spike protein — which appears as spikes on the surface of the coronavirus — that initiates the process of infection; it allows the virus to penetrate cells, after which it goes on to replicate.
    • A coronavirus vaccine based on mRNA, once injected into the body, will instruct the body’s cells to create copies of the spike protein.
    • In turn, this is expected to prompt the immune cells to create antibodies to fight it.
    • These antibodies will remain in the blood and fight the real virus if and when it infects the human body.

    What are other types of vaccines?

    (1) Vector vaccine:

    • In this type of vaccine, genetic material from the COVID-19 virus is placed in a modified version of a different virus (viral vector).
    • When the viral vector gets into your cells, it delivers genetic material from the COVID-19 virus that gives your cells instructions to make copies of the S protein.
    • Once your cells display the S proteins on their surfaces, your immune system responds by creating antibodies and defensive white blood cells.
    • If you later become infected with the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies will fight the virus.

    (2) Protein subunit vaccine:

    • Subunit vaccines include only the parts of a virus that best stimulate your immune system.
    • This type of COVID-19 vaccine contains harmless S proteins.
    • Once your immune system recognizes the S proteins, it creates antibodies and defensive white blood cells.
    • If you later become infected with the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies will fight the virus.

    Back2Basics: Ribo Nucleic Acid (RNA)

    • RNA is an important biological macromolecule that is present in all biological cells.
    • It is principally involved in the synthesis of proteins, carrying the messenger instructions from DNA, which itself contains the genetic instructions required for the development and maintenance of life.
    • In some viruses, RNA, rather than DNA, carries genetic information.
    • The type of RNA dictates the function that this molecule will have within the cell.
    • Aside from the coding region of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that will be translated into proteins, other cellular RNA elements are involved in different processes.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Karman Line: The Boundary of Space

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Karman Line

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    karman-line

    Central Idea

    • Boundaries serve a crucial purpose in scientific understanding by providing clarity and distinction to elements that might otherwise merge.
    • One such significant boundary is the Karman Line, which plays a pivotal role in delineating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space.

    What is Karman Line?

    • The Karman Line is an abstract boundary positioned at an altitude of 100 kilometers above sea level.
    • Its primary function is to establish the separation between Earth’s atmosphere and the vast expanse of space.
    • Although not universally accepted by all scientists and space explorers, the majority of countries and space organizations acknowledge this demarcation.
    • It was formally established in 1960s by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), a body responsible for record-keeping.
    • Crossing the Karman Line designates an individual as an astronaut.

    Challenges to the Karman Line’s Significance

    • Nature rarely conforms to human-made boundaries.
    • Physically crossing the Karman Line does not result in substantial changes.
    • In the immediate vicinity, there is minimal difference in air pressure or composition.
    • Earth’s gravitational force remains influential, and the atmosphere persists beyond this line.

    Why is the Karman Line relevant?

    • Airspace Regulation: The Karman Line primarily serves as a regulator of airspace. It represents an approximate altitude beyond which conventional aircraft cannot operate effectively. Aircraft venturing beyond this threshold require propulsion systems to counteract Earth’s gravitational pull.
    • Legal Reference: Additionally, the Karman Line acts as a legal benchmark that distinguishes airspace, which nations can claim ownership of, from the realm of outer space. Outer space is governed similarly to international waters, emphasizing the importance of this boundary in legal and governance contexts.

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Project Udbhav: Rediscovering India’s Strategic Heritage for Modern Defense

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Project Udbhav

    Mains level: Not Much

    udbhav

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Army has launched Project Udbhav, an initiative aimed at rediscovering the profound heritage of statecraft and strategic thinking from ancient Indian texts.

    Project Udbhav

    • Project Udbhav is conducted in collaboration by Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India, a defense think-tank.
    • The primary goal is to comprehend the depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, enduring strategies, and the strategic thought processes that have shaped the Indian subcontinent for millennia.
    • It delves into India’s rich historical narratives in the domains of statecraft and strategic thinking.
    • It encompasses indigenous military systems, historical texts, regional texts, kingdoms, thematic studies, and Kautilya Studies.

    Why such move?

    • The initiative underscores the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s ancient wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare.
    • It seeks to establish a connection between historical wisdom and contemporary needs.

    Scholarly Outcomes and Ongoing Research

    • A study to compile Indian stratagems based on ancient texts has been ongoing since 2021.
    • A book listing 75 aphorisms selected from ancient texts has already been published under the initiative.
    • The first scholarly outcome is the 2022 publication titled “Paramparik Bhartiya Darshan…Ranniti aur Netriyta ke Shashwat Niyam,” which is meant to be read by all ranks of the Indian Army.
    • A recent panel discussion included a dialogue on the study of ancient texts ranging from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a specific focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and the Kural.

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  • RBI Notifications

    Story of Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Banknotes

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mahatma Gandhi

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    gandhi

    Central Idea

    • Mahatma Gandhi seems a natural choice for the face of Indian currency as the Father of the Nation.
    • This wasn’t until 1996 that his image became a permanent fixture on legal banknotes issued by the RBI, the nation’s central bank and regulatory authority for the Indian banking system.
    Gandhi
    1946 photograph featuring Gandhi Ji with Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence

    Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Currency

    • Photographic Source: The portrait of Gandhi on Indian banknotes is not a caricature but a cut-out from a 1946 photograph featuring him alongside British politician Lord Frederick William Pethick-Lawrence.
    • Expression Matters: This particular photograph was chosen for its ideal depiction of Gandhi’s smiling visage, and the portrait is a mirrored image of the cut-out.
    • Unknown Photographers: Interestingly, the identities of the photographer of this image and the person who selected it remain unknown.

    Currency Design Process

    • RBI’s Responsibility: The RBI’s Department of Currency Management is tasked with designing rupee notes, subject to approval from the central bank and the Union government.
    • Regulatory Framework: Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934, mandates that the design, form, and material of banknotes must be approved by the central government after considering the central board’s recommendations.

    Gandhi’s Debut on Indian Currency

    • 1969 Commemoration: Gandhi made his first appearance on Indian currency in 1969 through a special series issued to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. These notes, featuring Gandhi alongside the Sevagram Ashram, bore the signature of RBI governor LK Jha.
    • 1987 Inclusion: In October 1987, a series of Rs 500 currency notes featuring Gandhi was introduced.

    The Transition to Independent India’s Banknotes

    • Post-Independence Currency: Initially, after India gained independence in August 1947, the RBI continued to issue notes from the colonial era that depicted King George VI.
    • Symbol Selection: The government of India introduced new 1-rupee notes in 1949, replacing King George with a representation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.
    • Design Continuity: The subsequent release of banknotes in 1950, in denominations of Rs 2, 5, 10, and 100, featured the Lion Capital watermark, maintaining continuity with earlier designs.

    Gandhi’s Permanence on Banknotes

    • Security Concerns in the 1990s: By the 1990s, the RBI recognized the need for enhanced security features on currency notes due to advancements in reprographic techniques. A human face was deemed less susceptible to forgery than inanimate objects.
    • Gandhi’s Enduring Appeal: Mahatma Gandhi’s national significance made him the ideal choice. In 1996, the RBI introduced a new ‘Mahatma Gandhi Series’ of banknotes, replacing the previous Ashoka Pillar notes and incorporating advanced security features.
    • Continuity in 2016: The ‘Mahatma Gandhi New Series’ of banknotes, introduced in 2016, continued to feature Gandhi’s portrait, with the addition of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo and enhanced security elements.

    Other Suggestions for Currency Faces

    • Varied Proposals: Over the years, there have been calls to feature different personalities on banknotes apart from Gandhi.
    • Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi: In October 2022, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union government to include images of Lord Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi on currency notes.
    • Previous Proposals: Suggestions in the past included Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and former President APJ Abdul Kalam. However, the RBI and Indian authorities have consistently upheld Gandhi’s representation, considering him the most fitting embodiment of India’s ethos.

    Conclusion

    • Gandhi’s Enduring Legacy: Mahatma Gandhi’s presence on Indian currency notes stands as a testament to his indelible impact on the nation’s history and values.
    • Challenges to Change: While various proposals have emerged over the years, the symbolism and significance of Gandhi on banknotes remain unwavering, reflective of his towering stature in India’s collective consciousness.

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaches 31-month high

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)

    Mains level: NA

    pmi manager

    Central Idea

    • Surge in PMI to 31-month high: The S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI soared to 58.7 in May, the highest level in 31 months.

     

    Service Sector

    The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide range of economic activities that are focused on providing intangible goods and services to customers.

    Some examples of activities that fall under the service sector include:

    1. Hospitality and tourism: This includes activities such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators.
    2. Retail and wholesale trade: This includes businesses that buy and sell goods, such as supermarkets, department stores, and online retailers.
    3. Financial services: This includes banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
    4. Professional and business services: This includes activities such as legal services, accounting, consulting, and advertising.
    5. Information and communication technology: This includes activities such as software development, telecommunications, and data processing.
    6. Healthcare and social assistance: This includes activities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and social services.
    7. Education and training: This includes activities such as schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training.
    8. Transportation and logistics: This includes activities such as shipping, warehousing, and distribution.

    Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

    • PMI is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.
    • The S&P Global India Services PMI is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400 service sector companies.
    • It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.
    • It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed.

    How is the PMI derived?

    • The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions.
    • Executives from a reasonably big sample, running into hundreds of firms, are asked whether key indicators such as output, new orders, business expectations and employment were stronger than the month before and are asked to rate them.

    How does one read the PMI?

    • A figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity. Anything below 50 denotes contraction.
    • Higher the difference from this mid-point greater the expansion or contraction. The rate of expansion can also be judged by comparing the PMI with that of the previous month data.
    • If the figure is higher than the previous month’s then the economy is expanding at a faster rate. If it is lower than the previous month then it is growing at a lower rate.

    Key insights of recent trend

    • Fastest factory order growth: Factory orders rose at the fastest pace since January 2021.
    • Unprecedented accumulation of inputs: Producers accumulated inputs at an unprecedented pace due to lower costs.
    • Improvement in operating conditions: The index reflects a substantial improvement in operating conditions, with a significant increase from 57.2 in April.
    • Strong growth in order books and exports: Order books grew for the 23rd consecutive month, supported by a rise in export deals.
    • Highest output levels in 28 months: Output levels reached the highest point in 28 months.
    • Increased hiring: Pressure on capacities led firms to increase hiring, reaching a six-month high.

    Reasons behind this rise

    • Rise in selling prices: Producers raised selling prices at a solid and quicker rate in May, the highest in a year.
    • Mild input costs but adjusted charges: Input costs remained historically mild, but producers adjusted their charges due to sustained cost increases and a supportive demand environment.
    • Improved business confidence: Business confidence about growth improved, reaching a five-month high.
    • Public faith in economy: Factors such as publicity and demand resilience contributed to the optimistic outlook.

     

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    In news: SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, is set to receive the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics.

    SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

    Establishment Recognizes outstanding contributions to mathematics
    Inspiration Named in honor of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan
    Awarded by Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA), Kumbakonam, India
    Objective Acknowledges and encourages exceptional achievements in mathematics
    Recipient Criteria Awarded to mathematicians under 32 for significant contributions to mathematics
    Selection Process Based on mathematical work, research contributions, and impact
    Previous Recipients Annual recognition of mathematicians in various mathematical branches
    International Recognition Prominent recognition within the mathematics community
    Award Presentation Presented at an award ceremony, includes a cash prize of $10,000
    Encouragement for Young Math Encourages young mathematicians to pursue research
    Committee Composed of eminent mathematicians and experts from various foreign universities
    Significance Promotes mathematical research and honors exceptional achievements
    Prestigious Award Highly regarded in the field of mathematics

     

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    Dawn of Passkeys: A Password-Free Future

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Passkeys, Password

    Mains level: Not Much

    passkey

    Central Idea

    • In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato introduced the world to digital passwords, an innovation designed for research purposes. Little did he know the profound societal impact his creation would eventually wield.

    Why discuss this?

    • Passwords have become nearly synonymous with cybersecurity in the 21st century, albeit with an unsavory connotation.
    • Despite efforts to promote robust password practices, “password” and “123456” continue to dominate the list of common passwords, underscoring the pervasive vulnerability of most accounts.

    Passkeys: Need for Change

    • Ineffectiveness of Passwords: The prevailing authentication method, based on passwords, falls short in ensuring adequate security.
    • Big Tech Solution: In response to this predicament, major tech companies propose a solution – passkeys.

    Understanding Passkeys

    • Web Authentication Standard: Passkeys are a security feature built on the WebAuthentication (WebAuthn) standard.
    • Public-Key Cryptography: Passkeys employ public-key cryptography, a potent technique employing a public key (server-side) and a private key (user-side).
    • Authentication Process: When users log in, a challenge is sent to their device, which utilizes the private key to solve it and respond. The server then validates the response with the public key, all without storing any secrets, enhancing security.

    Getting Started with Passkeys

    • Wide Compatibility: Leading tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, have collaborated to make passkeys accessible to most recent phones and PCs.
    • Operating Systems: Passkeys are available on iOS 16+, iPadOS 16+, macOS Ventura, Android 9+, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
    • Web Browsers: Passkeys are supported on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox.

    Creating and Using Passkeys

    • Account Requirement: Users need an account with a provider supporting passkeys, such as Microsoft, Google, or Apple.
    • Activation Process: To enable passkeys, sign in to a compatible app or website, activate the passkey option, and obtain a unique passkey linked to your account and device.
    • Usage: Passkeys can be used with biometrics (e.g., Touch ID, Face ID), QR codes, or device verification.

    Future of Passwords

    • Inevitable Evolution: While passkeys offer notable advantages over traditional passwords in terms of security and user-friendliness, they still face challenges related to compatibility and user adoption.
    • Industry Push: Notably, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are driving the passkey agenda strongly, suggesting that passwords may eventually become obsolete.

    Conclusion

    • A Security Evolution: The emergence of passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords marks a significant shift in the realm of cybersecurity.
    • Ongoing Transition: As passkeys gain momentum and garner support from tech giants, they may gradually pave the way for a password-free future, promising enhanced security and user convenience in the digital realm.

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Lesser-Known Facets of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    Prelims Only | | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bhagat Singh

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    bhagat singh

    Central Idea

    • Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga (now in Faisalabad, Pakistan), is celebrated as a charismatic revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the cause of Indian independence at the young age of 23.

    Five Lesser-Known Aspects of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    [1] A Family of Progressive Freedom Fighters

    • Anti-Colonial Roots: Bhagat Singh’s father, Kishan, and uncle, Ajit, were actively involved in anti-British activities. Kishan faced imprisonment in 1910 for disseminating seditious literature, while Ajit was deported to Mandalay in 1907 for his inflammatory speeches against the Punjab Colonisation Bill. Both played significant roles in the freedom struggle, influencing Bhagat Singh’s upbringing in an anti-colonial environment.
    • Dissent within the Family: Despite the family’s strong anti-British stance, Bhagat Singh publicly criticized his father for submitting a mercy plea to the Viceroy when he and other revolutionaries faced the gallows, revealing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause.

    [2] A Scholar and Writer

    • Prolific Writer: Bhagat Singh contributed to Urdu and Punjabi newspapers in Amritsar during the 1920s and authored pamphlets and ‘seditious’ literature condemning British colonial rule.
    • Eclectic Reading: His jail notebooks revealed his interests extended beyond politics, encompassing literature from renowned poets and writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth, Wajid Ali Shah, Mirza Ghalib, and Iqbal.

    [3] An Atheist and Marxist with Anarchist Leanings

    • Religious Critique: Bhagat Singh was an avowed atheist who criticized religion in his essay ‘Why I am an Atheist’ (1930), rejecting the concept of one true religion. He viewed religious beliefs as divisive and demoralizing.
    • Inspirations: Bhagat Singh drew inspiration from Marxist thinkers such as Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, and Bakunin. In his final testament, ‘To Young Political Workers’ (1931), he advocated for “social reconstruction on new, i.e., Marxist, basis.” However, he did not fully align with orthodox Marxist views, particularly on authoritarianism.

    [4] Support from Jinnah

    • Jinnah’s Defense: While Mahatma Gandhi refrained from intervening in Bhagat Singh’s trial, MA Jinnah ardently defended him. Jinnah vehemently opposed a proposed Bill that would have allowed trials in absentia, delivering a compelling speech in the Central Assembly in 1929.
    • Successful Opposition: Jinnah’s staunch stance led to the foiling of the attempt to pass the law, but Bhagat Singh’s trial continued under dubious circumstances, resulting in his death sentence in 1930.

    [5] Jawaharlal Nehru’s Support

    • Nehru’s Critique: Jawaharlal Nehru criticized the British legal process and the injustice inflicted on Bhagat Singh. He admired Bhagat Singh’s courage and self-sacrifice.
    • Historic Visit: Nehru, along with other leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, visited Bhagat Singh in prison. Despite their differences in methods, Nehru’s respect for Bhagat Singh remained unwavering.
    • Congress Resolution: After Bhagat Singh’s execution, Nehru moved an official resolution in a Congress session, condemning the execution and demanding commutation, even though the Congress officially rejected violence as a means of achieving independence.

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    Inside the Digital World of Cookies

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cookies and Digital Privacy

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    cookies

    Central Idea

    • In the online world, digital cookies hold a significant role, contributing to personalization and user convenience.
    • These unobtrusive lines of code, quietly stored on devices during website visits, shape the online experiences we encounter.

    Understanding How Cookies Work

    • Cookies as Digital Keys: Think of cookies as keys to an exclusive club. Just as a club bouncer recognizes regular patrons, cookies remember your login details on websites, eliminating the need for constant re-authentication.
    • Enhanced Online Shopping: Websites like Amazon leverage cookies to remember your past interactions, offering tailored product recommendations and an intimate shopping experience.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Online shopping carts, fueled by cookies, ensure your selections remain intact even after you leave the site, simplifying the checkout process.
    • Personalized Advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Google utilize cookies to track online behaviour, serving ads aligned with your preferences.

    Types of Cookies

    • Session Cookies: Temporary, session cookies function as post-it notes for websites, existing only in your computer’s memory during your browsing session.
    • Persistent Cookies: Comparable to bookmarks, persistent cookies remain on your device after your browsing session, retaining login information and preferences.
    • Secure Cookies: Sent over encrypted connections, secure cookies are employed for sensitive data like login credentials.
    • Third-Party Cookies: Originating from domains other than the visited site, third-party cookies serve tracking and advertising functions, offering both benefits and potential intrusiveness.

    Multifaceted Uses of Cookies

    • Digital ID Cards: Cookies facilitate user authentication, allowing websites to recognize and keep you logged in.
    • Personalization: They remember your preferences, such as language choices and website themes.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Items added online remain accessible upon your return.
    • Analytics Data: Cookies enable website owners to gather valuable data about user interactions for improvements and customization.
    • Targeted Advertising: Advertisers employ cookies to display ads aligning with your interests, enhancing online shopping experiences.

    Challenges Associated with Cookies

    • Privacy Concerns: Cookies can track online behaviour, occasionally infringing upon digital privacy.
    • Security Risks: Inadequately secured cookies may expose personal information to cybercriminals.
    • User Consent Era: Privacy regulations necessitate websites to seek user consent before deploying specific cookie types, resulting in pop-ups and prompts.
    • Third-Party Cookie Debates: Concerns about third-party cookies have led web browsers to limit their usage for user privacy protection.
    • Data Deluge: The multitude of cookies can potentially overwhelm your browser, causing a sluggish web experience.

    Conclusion

    • Complex yet Sweet: Cookies enhance online experiences but also bring privacy and security challenges. As the digital landscape evolves, so will the use and regulation of cookies.
    • Analogous to Real Cookies: Just like warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, digital cookies add a personalized touch to your online adventures, even if they occasionally leave behind a few crumbs.

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