{"id":21109,"date":"2024-02-01T20:14:43","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T14:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=21109"},"modified":"2024-02-01T20:45:41","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T15:15:41","slug":"daily-current-affairs-01-02-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/01-02-2024\/daily-current-affairs-01-02-2024","title":{"rendered":"Daily Current Affairs 01-02-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Internet Shutdowns in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Polity &amp; Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The<strong> Supreme Court<\/strong> questioned the <strong>Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir <\/strong>about the non\u00adpublication of orders for the suspension of Internet services in the UT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the past few years India had gone through several violence acts as a result of certain legislations by the Union Government such as<strong> The Citizenship Amendment Act, abrogation of Article 370 etc. <\/strong>which could have resulted in <strong>Internal Aggression<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to which it becomes the need of the hour to <strong>shut down the internet services to maintain peace.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has become very common practice for law enforcement agencies and even for the Government to cut down the internet during the moment of tension.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal Provisions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Till the year 2017, shutdowns were imposed largely <strong>under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Section 144 of CrPC gave the police and the District Magistrate the powers in order to prevent unlawful gathering of people and also to direct any person to abstain from a certain activity.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, in 2017 the law was amended and the Government promulgated the <strong>Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rule 2017.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under the 2017 Rules, telecom\/internet shutdowns may be ordered on <strong>grounds of public emergency and public safety.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public emergency and public safety <strong>have not been defined in the 1885 Act or the 2017 Rules.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arguments in Favour of Internet Shutdown by the Government<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>National Security: <\/strong>The government may assert that suspending internet services is a temporary and targeted measure to prevent the spread of misinformation, coordinate unlawful activities, or address security threats.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preventing Unrest and Violence: <\/strong>Suspending online communication helps prevent the organization of protests, riots, or other forms of civil unrest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Counteracting Fake News and Disinformation: <\/strong>During times of crisis or conflict, false information circulating online can exacerbate tensions and contribute to misinformation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Temporary and Targeted Measures:<\/strong> Supporters may emphasize that internet shutdowns are intended to be temporary and narrowly focused.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These measures are not meant to infringe on long-term access but rather to address specific and immediate concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Arguments Against the Internet Shutdown by the Government<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Impact on Freedom of Expression:<\/strong> Internet shutdowns infringe upon the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Disruptions: <\/strong>India has a rapidly growing digital economy, and internet shutdowns can lead to significant economic losses.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The perception of frequent internet shutdowns may impact tourism and trade, as a stable and accessible digital environment is crucial for business operations and attracting visitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Educational Challenges:<\/strong> With the increasing use of online platforms for education, internet shutdowns can severely affect students&#8217; access to learning resources, online classes, and communication with teachers.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthcare Consequences: <\/strong>Access to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and health-related updates can be hampered during internet shutdowns.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social and Political Implications: <\/strong>Internet shutdowns are often associated with attempts to control social unrest, protests, or political opposition.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Critics argue that such measures can stifle democratic dissent and limit the right to peaceful assembly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Global Image and Investment: <\/strong>Frequent internet shutdowns can impact India&#8217;s global image, raising concerns among investors and international partners.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A perceived lack of digital freedom and stability may deter foreign investments and collaborations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Human Rights Concerns: <\/strong>Critics assert that internet shutdowns raise human rights concerns, including the right to access information, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful assembly.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of Transparency: <\/strong>Some critics argue that the government needs to provide clear justifications for such actions and communicate transparently about the duration and reasons for the shutdown.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India Case:<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>In 2020<\/strong> the Supreme Court by <strong>ruling on Jammu and Kashmir Internet shutdown <\/strong>held that <strong>indefinite internet shutdowns<\/strong> by the State is not permissible under Indian Constitution.\u00a0<br>&#8211; The apex Court further stated that <strong>imposition of Section144 <\/strong>can not be used as a mechanism to avoid genuine protest which is permitted under the Constitution.\u00a0<br>A. <strong>Section 144<\/strong> has very specific parameters, only if those parameters are satisfied then only a Magistrate can pass the orders.<br>&#8211; <strong>Key Highlights of the orders:<\/strong><br>A. Usage of the Internet is the <strong>Fundamental Right under Article 19<\/strong> of the Indian Constitution.<br>B. Internet shutdowns can be of <strong>temporary period<\/strong> but not for indefinite period.<br>C. Government to publish all orders imposing restrictions under Section 144.<br>D. The Court had also said that any order with regard to Internet Shutdowns will come under <strong>Judicial Scrutiny.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In a democracy Governments should provide a rationale for disrupting the internet services in a periodic manner.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The publications of all the orders must be made to maintain transparency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indiscriminate shutdowns have high social and economic costs and are often ineffective.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A proportionality and necessity test analysis to determine the proper course of action are essential at this juncture.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For better internet governance the Indian civil society needs to push for a transparent and accountable system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Odisha Government&#8217;s Tribal Outreach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently the Odisha government announced measures for the welfare of tribal Population.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Odisha government announced the launch of <strong>LABHA (Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya) Yojana<\/strong>, for minor forest produce (MFP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has also approved the establishment of a<strong> Commission for the Preservation and Promotion of the Tribal Languages<\/strong> of the Scheduled Tribes of Odisha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>LABHA (Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya) Yojana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a <strong>100% State-funded minimum support price (MSP)<\/strong> scheme for minor forest produce (MFP). The MSP will be determined every year by the State government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under the scheme, a primary collector (a tribal person) will be able to sell the MFP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It will be collected at the procurement centers by the <strong>Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Limited<\/strong> of Odisha (TDCCOL).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These procurement centers will be managed by SHGs and any other notified agencies assisted by TDCCOL.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As 99% of primary collectors are tribals and the majority of them are women, the LABHA Yojana will integrate the efforts with <strong>Mission Shakti\u2019s Women SHGs<\/strong> (self help groups).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The procurement automation system<\/strong> will be set up to capture the total collection of MFPs, the details of the primary collectors, and the procurement point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance: <\/strong>The LABHA Yojana will also eliminate the possibility of distress sale of produce to middlemen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Commission for the Preservation and Promotion of the Tribal Languages<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Commission will encourage multilingual education, document and preserve tribal languages, promote the use and protect linguistic rights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Commission will make efforts for inclusion of tribal languages like Ho, Mundari, Kui and Saora in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tribal Population in Odisha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Odisha is home to 62 distinct tribes, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Scheduled Tribes in Scheduled Areas constitute approximately <strong>68.09%<\/strong> of the total tribal population in the State.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It ranks as the third largest concentration of a tribal population, trailing behind Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are 21 tribal languages in Odisha.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/other-states\/odisha-launches-labha-a-100-state-funded-msp-scheme-for-minor-forest-produce\/article67789976.ece#:~:text=The%20decis\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>State Anthem of Meghalaya<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Polity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Marking <strong>Meghalaya\u2019s 52nd statehood day <\/strong>on January 21 this year, the state government released an official state anthem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The anthem was not performed or played anywhere in the state on Republic Day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The government said that the anthem should not be played as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for it is still being prepared.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Controversy: <\/strong>The two-minute-long anthem features segments in three languages \u2013 <strong>Khasi, Garo and English.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Soon after it was launched, there was a discontent over the Jaintia or Pnar language not being represented in it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the other hand, the inclusion of English, the Jaintia Students\u2019 Union accused the state government of \u201c<strong>promoting a foreign language\u201d<\/strong>, and said it should instead \u201c<strong>include dialects of all three tribes \u2013 Khasi, Jaintia and Garo.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Demography in Meghalaya<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meghalaya is understood to have three major matrilineal communities \u2013 K<strong>hasis, Garos and Jaintias.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>But the <strong>Jaintias are clubbed along with the Khasis<\/strong> in the state\u2019s <strong>Scheduled Tribes (ST) list,<\/strong> along with tribes such as War, Bhoi and Lyngngam.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Together, they make up 14.1 lakh of the state\u2019s population (based on 2011 Census data).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Garos number around 8.21 lakh, with the state\u2019s total population being 29.7 lakh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ethnic Groups in Meghalaya<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meghalaya is inhabited by many distinct tribes, the most <strong>prominent being the Khasis, the Garos, and the Jaintias.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Garos inhabit the western area, the central area by the Khasis and the eastern area by the Jaintias.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Khasis:<\/strong> \u2018Hynniewtrep\u2019 as they call themselves signifies \u2018the seven huts\u2019 which constitute about <strong>50 percent of the population of the state.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Khasi tribe follow the culture, rituals and norms of <strong>matrilineal community.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Garos:<\/strong> They are habitants of Garo Hills and call themselves Achik-mande.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the Garo language \u2018achik\u2019 means \u2018hills\u2019 and \u2018mande\u2019 means \u2018man\u2019. Hence, Achik-mande means the hill-people.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Garos are also one of the few tribes in the world who follow a <strong>matrilineal societal system.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Jaintias: <\/strong>This tribe is also called Pnar or Synteng. They belong to the Hynniewtrep sect of the Austric race whose kingdom was the oldest and most widely spread around Jaintia Hills.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Like the other two, this tribe also is matrilineal where the youngest daughter of the family inherits the family property.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Meghalaya State Language Act of 2005<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Government has said that the anthem\u2019s languages were selected based on the <strong>Meghalaya State Language Act of 2005.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Act designated <strong>English as the state\u2019s official language<\/strong> and also designated <strong>Khasi <\/strong>as the \u2018Associate Official Language\u2019 for all purposes in the districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills and Ri Bhoi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Garo language<\/strong> was given the same status in the districts of East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-culture\/meghalaya-new-state-anthem-controversy-jaintia-9134637\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Rising tensions in the Korean peninsula<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus:GS2\/International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ongoing tensions in the Korean peninsula have raised concerns about the deterioration of the international security environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Korean peninsula <\/strong>was divided into two by the end of <strong>World War II,<\/strong> after imperial Japan who occupied the territory was defeated.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The North went under the ambit of the <strong>Soviet Union<\/strong> and the South under the U.S., resulting in the creation of two ideologically different regimes which mirrored either sides of the <strong>Cold War divide.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Korean war (1950-53)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Korean war <\/strong>broke out as a result of the North\u2019s attempt to take over the South \u2014 the first \u201chot war\u201d of the Cold War.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Today even after the cessation of active conflict and the end of the Cold War, the two countries are still divided over ideology and political leanings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The North Korea being an authoritarian dynastic regime allied with China and Russia, and the South Korea being a liberal democracy allied with the U.S.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India&#8217;s role in the Korean war:<\/strong> During the War , both the warring sides accepted a resolution sponsored by India, and the ceasefire was declared on 27 July 1953 with the <strong>Korean Armistice Agreement.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recent tensions in Korean Peninsula<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Over the past couple of decades, North Korea has demonstrated its nuclear weapons capability by testing several missiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The key external stakeholders of the Korean peninsula are the very same nuclear powers who are locked in a global strategic competition \u2014 the U.S., China and Russia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russia and China have boosted its engagement with North Korea. China has always been consistently supportive of North Korea, being the single largest trading partner of the country.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the other hand South Korea,, has enhanced its military alliance with the U.S., hosting not just U.S. troops, but also advanced missile defense systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Threat to International security<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>North Korea has conducted <strong>provocative actions<\/strong> ranging from military drills to shelling South Korean islands and even threatening nuclear attacks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It supposedly has the ability to even target the U.S. mainland with its nuclear arsenal, and it has also become a <strong>major source of cyber-attacks<\/strong> across the world.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently the World is witnessing the activation of historically rooted conflicts such as <strong>Russia-Ukraine<\/strong> and <strong>Israel-Palestine.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Now the nuclear ambitions of North Korea are posing security challenges to the international community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also Russia and China are gaining from North Korea by creating a distraction for the U.S. by opening a \u201cthird front\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There is a growing concern among the international community that the tensions between North and South Korea may be heading towards conflict.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hence to ensure the global security interest and peace in the region denuclearisation of North Korea is necessary along with ending the US hostile Policy towards it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>India-Republic of Korea Bilateral (ROK) Relations\u00a0<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Diplomatic relations: <\/strong>They established diplomatic relations in 1973.<br>A. Both countries formed a \u201cStrategic Partnership\u201din 2010, which was elevated to \u201cSpecial Strategic Partnership\u201d in 2015.<br>&#8211; <strong>Economic Relations:<\/strong> Trade and economic relations gathered momentum following the implementation of CEPA in 2010.<br>A. India and ROK launched an initiative \u2018Korea Plus\u2019 to promote and facilitate Korean investments in India.<br>B. Bilateral trade in 2022 reached record levels of US$ 27.8 billion. India\u2019s import volume stands at US$ 18.8 billion, while the export volume is US$ 9 billion.\u00a0<br>&#8211; <strong>Defense Relations:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Defence Ministers of ROK and India have been interacting regularly since 2015.<br>A. Service level talks across the three arms of the military are held annually<br>B. A Roadmap for Defence Industries Cooperation was signed between the two countries in 2019.<br>&#8211; <strong>Indian Community: <\/strong>The total number of Indian nationals living in ROK is estimated to be around 15,000.<br>a. During the past few years, many professionals mainly in the areas of IT, shipping and automobile have come to ROK.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/international\/rising-tensions-in-the-korean-peninsula-explained\/article67798029.ece#:~:text=The%20story%20so%20far%3A%20There,Korea%20as\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>RBI Restrictions On Paytm Payments Bank<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently barred Paytm Payments Bank <\/strong>from offering all its core services, including accounts and wallets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More about the News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The action is technically <strong>not a cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank\u2019s licence<\/strong>, it practically constricts the <strong>company\u2019s operations to a great extent.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has been discovered that <strong>Paytm Payments Bank<\/strong> and its parent company, One97 Communications, were investigated by the RBI revealed persistent non-compliances and continued material supervisory concerns in the bank<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Payments Banks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>About:&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Payments banks in India are a relatively new type of financial institution <strong>introduced in 2014.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They were set up on the recommendations of the <strong>Dr Nachiket Mor committee, <\/strong>which was set up to study <strong>&#8216;Comprehensive financial services for small businesses and low income households&#8217;.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aim:&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To provide basic banking services to the<strong> unbanked and underbanked population<\/strong>, primarily focusing on digital payments and remittances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To widen the spread of payment and financial services to small business, low-income households, migrant labour workforce<\/strong> in a secured technology-driven environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With payments banks, <strong>RBI seeks to increase the penetration level of financial services<\/strong> to the remote areas of the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Features:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Limited Services:<\/strong> Unlike traditional banks, payments banks <strong>cannot offer loans, credit cards, or issue demand drafts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They <strong>primarily focus on: <\/strong>Accepting <strong>deposits up to \u20b9200,000<\/strong>.\u00a0<ul><li>It can accept demand deposits in the form of <strong>savings and current accounts<\/strong> and the received deposits can be invested in <strong>secure government securities<\/strong> only in the form of Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Remittance services, mobile payments<\/strong> and other banking services like <strong>ATM\/debit cards<\/strong>, net banking and third party fund transfers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing <strong>debit cards and mobile banking <\/strong>services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology-Driven: <\/strong>Payments banks heavily leverage technology to offer convenient and accessible services, often through partnerships with telecom operators and fintech companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wider Reach:<\/strong> They target geographically remote areas and financially excluded segments, aiming to promote financial inclusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Impact and Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Financial Inclusion:<\/strong> They have played a crucial role in bringing more people into the formal financial system by providing easier access to basic banking services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cashless Economy: <\/strong>By promoting digital payments, they contribute to the government&#8217;s initiative of transitioning towards a cashless economy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Financial Literacy:<\/strong> Educating customers about digital payments and responsible financial practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competition and Innovation: <\/strong>Their entry has increased competition in the banking sector, potentially leading to improved services and lower costs for customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/rbi-paytm-causes-effects-9137548\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Neuralink Implants\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Developments in Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>first human patient<\/strong> has received an implant from<strong> brain-chip startup Neuralink<\/strong> recently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initial results show promising <strong>neuron spike detection<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spikes are <strong>activity by neurons<\/strong>, which the National Institute of Health describes as <strong>cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information<\/strong> around the brain and to the body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It gives hope that the startup technology will help <strong>patients overcome paralysis and a host of neurological conditions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Neuralink<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Neuralink is a <strong>neurotechnology company<\/strong> founded by Elon Musk in 2016.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The company&#8217;s main goal is to <strong>develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)<\/strong> that can be implanted in the human brain.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These BCIs would allow people to <strong>control computers and other devices with their thoughts<\/strong>, and could also be used to <strong>treat a variety of neurological conditions.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neuralink&#8217;s BCI is a small, flexible device that is implanted in the <strong>motor cortex of the brain.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The device contains thousands of <strong>tiny electrodes<\/strong> that can detect the electrical activity of neurons. This activity is then processed by a computer, which can interpret it as commands or intentions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BCIs are systems that <strong>bridge the gap between human thought and external technology.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Working<\/strong>: BCIs capture and translate brain activity into signals that computers can understand. Different approaches exist:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Non-invasive BCIs: T<\/strong>hese use sensors like EEG (electroencephalography) to measure brain waves from outside the skull. They offer good portability but lower resolution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Partially invasive BCIs:<\/strong> These use electrodes implanted under the scalp or skull, providing higher resolution but limited to specific brain areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fully invasive BCIs:<\/strong> These like Neuralink&#8217;s implant directly interface with brain tissue, offering the highest resolution but raising ethical and safety concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-us.googleusercontent.com\/wtIHVCN65HE_nI1fakcH1Otj28otP9M06N5DnbhvMO6b1hkSYqgHUMWcICu7R0oyb1E8YWRnHdTi0imolpHQ420SDKUdTqvrsQ3gKcUj7u4N3j5tMuLpHhx-Kmr4Tb_74xpIe0VUw-ZeqzFefXF8XSk\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:673px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Application of&nbsp; Brain Computer interface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Human-technology interface<\/strong>: BCI has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication and Control: <\/strong>Helping people with paralysis control assistive devices, prosthetics, or even computers directly with their thoughts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sensory Restoration:<\/strong> Restoring sight or hearing loss due to injuries or diseases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Neurological Treatment: <\/strong>Treating conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson&#8217;s, and chronic pain by modulating brain activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Augmentation and Enhancement:<\/strong> Potentially amplifying cognitive abilities or memory in the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Challenges\/Concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Safety: <\/strong>The Neuralink company has faced calls for scrutiny regarding its <strong>safety protocols.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Veterinary records showed <strong>problems with the implants on monkeys included paralysis, seizures and brain swelling.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethical concerns:<\/strong> Some worry that the device could be used to hack into people&#8217;s brains or to control their thoughts.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Superhumans<\/strong>: Others worry that it could create a new class of people who are enhanced with technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Privacy and Security:<\/strong> Ensuring brain data remains secure and used ethically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accessibility and Equity:<\/strong> Ensuring equitable access to BCI technology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Human and Machine Integration: <\/strong>Defining the boundaries between human thought and machine control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brain Enhancement:<\/strong> Considering the implications of cognitive and sensory augmentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BCI research is rapidly evolving, driven by <strong>advancements in neuroscience, engineering, and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While challenges remain, BCIs hold <strong>immense potential to transform healthcare, communication<\/strong>, and our understanding of the brain-computer interface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/technology\/elon-musks-neuralink-implants-brain-chip-in-first-human\/article67791643.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>News In Short<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>POEM-3<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In Context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As per the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), <strong>POEM-3 <\/strong>has successfully achieved <strong>all its payload objectives.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) is a s<strong>pace platform.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a <strong>three-axis-attitude controlled platform <\/strong>with power generation and telecommand &amp; telemetry capabilities, for <strong>supporting Payloads.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It used the spent <strong>PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle <\/strong>which launched <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/01-12-2023\/daily-current-affairs-01-12-2023\"><strong>XPoSat <\/strong><\/a>on January 1, 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After achieving all objectives, more experiments with POEM-3 are planned for <strong>generating data for future missions <\/strong>including upcoming POEM configurations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With the orbital decay and reentry of POEM-3 in three months, <strong>PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission will be leaving zero debris in space.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/science\/isros-unique-and-inexpensive-space-platform-poem-3-achieves-all-payload-objectives\/article67783074.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/DCA_1-02-2024.pdf\">Download PDF<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Internet Shutdowns in India Syllabus: GS2\/Polity &amp; Governance In Context About Legal Provisions Arguments in Favour of Internet Shutdown by the Government Arguments Against the Internet Shutdown by the Government Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India Case:&#8211; In 2020 the Supreme Court by ruling on Jammu and Kashmir Internet shutdown held that indefinite internet shutdowns [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21109","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21109"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21142,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21109\/revisions\/21142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21109"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21109"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}