GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of a resident of Uttarakhand under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act sheds light on the pervasive nature of illicit activities thriving on the Dark Web. This underscores the international scope of criminal operations facilitated by the anonymity of online platforms.

What is the Dark Web?

• The Dark Web refers to online content accessible only through specialized software or configurations on overlay networks.
• It's a part of the deep web, which search engines don't index, making it less visible to regular internet users.
• Anonymity and Encryption: Dark net users' identities and locations are mostly unknown due to layers of security and encryption. This anonymity makes tracing individuals challenging for law enforcement agencies.

Implication of dark web

• Anonymity and Privacy Concerns: The dark web allows anonymous access, aiding privacy but posing challenges for identifying malicious actors.
• Cybercriminal Activity: Illegal activities like data selling, drug trade, and hacking services thrive, posing significant cybersecurity threats.
• Data Breaches and Leaks: Stolen data from breaches is sold on the dark web, leading to identity theft and further exploitation.
• Marketplace for Malware: Cybercriminals buy malware and hacking tools, making it easier to launch attacks on vulnerable systems.
• Collaboration and Information Sharing: While used for crime, the dark web also facilitates information exchange on cybersecurity threats.
• Recruitment and Insider Threats: Malicious actors recruit insiders or coax employees to leak sensitive data, undermining cybersecurity.
• DDoS Attacks: Dark web offers DDoS-for-hire services, enabling large-scale attacks disrupting online services.
• Law Enforcement Challenges: Dark web's anonymity and encryption make tracking and prosecuting cybercriminals difficult.

Legality in India:

• Accessing the dark web is legal in India, as it falls under the constitutional right to access the internet (Article 21).
• However, the lack of stringent laws governing cyberspace poses unique challenges.
• Illegal Activities on the Dark Web:
  • Child pornography is a severe offense under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 14 and 15B of the POCSO Act, 2012.
  • Human Trafficking: The Indian Penal Code addresses offenses related to trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. Sections 372 and 373 prohibit the buying and selling of girls for prostitution, a form of human trafficking.
  • Selling and purchasing weapons and drugs on the dark web are illegal. Section 24 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, imposes punishment for drug trafficking, even if conducted externally.

New satellite imagery reveals China's deployment of J-20 stealth fighters to Shigatse airfield, near the Sikkim border.

How China is using its airbases?

• China uses its airbases on the Tibetan Plateau These bases feature long runways, essential because high-altitude takeoffs reduce fighter payload capabilities. This advantage isn't shared by the Indian Air Force, whose bases are mostly in lower-altitude plains.
• Satellite images of Shigatse Airport reveal a significant presence of fighters, drones, refuelers, and early warning aircraft.
• These bases typically house various military assets like fighter jets, helicopters, and drones capable of launching air attacks and reconnaissance missions into neighboring areas.
• China's Air Power Expansion:
  • Shigatse airfield, close to the Sikkim border, hosts several J-20s, indicating China's strategic move.
  • China strengthens air power in Tibet and border areas with new bases and upgraded infrastructure.
  • Deployment includes J-20 and H-6 bombers, enhancing border defense.

Indian Response:

• India enhances airbases and deploys S-400 missile system for defense.
• S-400's effectiveness questioned after being targeted in Ukraine conflict. Both China and India use the S-400 system, despite its vulnerabilities.

India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover between 2000 and 2023, with significant loss in northeastern states. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognizance of this issue and summoned government departments for explanation.

Key-highlights

• India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover from 2000 to 2023, slightly larger than Meghalaya.
• About 18% of this loss (414,000 hectares) happened in primary forests.
• Northeast India bore 60% of this loss, with Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur losing significant tree cover.
• Between 2013 and 2023, 95% of the tree cover loss occurred in natural forests.
• 2016, 2017, and 2023 were the worst years, with 1.75 million, 1.44 million, and 1.89 million hectares lost, respectively.
• This loss emitted 51.0 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, totaling 1.12 gigatons from 2000 to 2023.
• The tree cover loss across the country has emitted a huge amount of carbon into the atmosphere – exactly what India is trying to prevent as per its Nationally Determined Contributions as submitted to the United Nations under the Paris Agreement.
• Here’s a list of how much area of tree over these states lost:

NGT's Action:

• NGT noted the violation of environmental laws and summoned key government bodies to explain the tree cover loss.
• Notices were issued to the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment and Forest, and the Survey of India.
• The loss of tree cover is a violation of the Forest Conservation Act (1980), or FCA. While the FCA is one of India’s most important legislations that protects forest cover in India, the union government has drastically diluted several provisions of the Act recently.
• The newly amended Act would take away the protection afforded to forest lands such as deemed forests and community forests (that are not officially recorded as forests) and open them up to human activities under the garb of “national security” and “defence” purposes.
• NGT highlights violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, amidst recent amendments.
• Contradictions in ISFR and GFW data: NGT raises concerns over discrepancies between official forest surveys and data from Global Forest Watch (GFW).

India's economy witnessed a significant upswing in the fiscal year 2023-24, with a robust GDP growth of 8.2%, surpassing the 7% growth recorded in the previous fiscal year, according to data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO). This growth marks the fastest pace since 2016-17, excluding the rebound from the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021-22.

Key-highlights:

• Industrial Sector: The manufacturing sector led the charge with a remarkable growth of 9.9% in 2023-24, a notable improvement from the 2.2% contraction in the previous year. However, growth in the fourth quarter slowed compared to earlier quarters. The construction sector also thrived, expanding by 9.9%, building upon a strong base from the preceding year.
  • Manufacturing exports have registered highest ever annual exports of US$ 447.46 billion with 6.03% growth during FY23.
  • Factors responsible for growth: Competitive advantage of a skilled workforce, lower cost of labour, increased inflow of capex.
  • Government’s support: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Make in India, Investment Clearance Cell (ICC), One District One Product (ODOP), Setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
• Agriculture: In contrast, the agriculture sector experienced a notable slowdown, growing at only 2.1% in 2023-24, likely due to erratic monsoon patterns. This marks a significant deceleration from the 4.4% growth recorded in the prior fiscal year.
  • Largest producer of: milk, coconuts, black tea, ginger, and turmeric; and the 2nd largest producer of cashew nuts, and tea in the world
  • 2nd largest producer of: fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat, groundnuts, cashew, and tea globally; and accounts for 10% of the world’s fruit production with first rank in the production of mango, bananas, sapota, and acid lime
  • Factor responsible for slowdown: climate change, reduced water levels, saturation of employment, poverty.
  • Impact of slowdown: food inflation, threatened food security
  • Government support: Growing institutional credit, Increasing MSP, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Pradhanmantri Gram, Sinchai Yojana, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Inception of Agri Infrastructure Fund, e-NAM, promotion of agricultural mechanization and subsidy for machines and supports drones.
• Tertiary Sector: The tertiary sector, comprising services, exhibited a sturdy growth of 7.6% in 2023-24, albeit slower than the previous year's 10% growth. Notably, the financial, real estate, and professional services segment led the growth, although at a slightly reduced pace compared to the previous year.
  • In September 2023, India retains to 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index (GII), d
  • Government support: Start-up India, Stand-up India, Digital India and Skill India.
• Household Consumption and Capital Formation: Contribution of household consumption to the economy decreased further, with private final consumption expenditure accounting for 55.8% of GDP in 2023-24, down from 58% in the previous fiscal year. Conversely, the contribution of capital formation remained stable at 33.5% of GDP.
• Current economic challenges: Geopolitical tensions, geoeconomic fragmentation, global financial market volatility, international commodity price movements and erratic weather developments

This data underscores the shifting dynamics within India's economic landscape, with manufacturing and construction sectors driving growth, while agriculture faces challenges from weather fluctuations.

In fiscal year 2023-24, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated a substantial transfer of gold reserves from the UK to domestic vaults, marking one of India's largest movements of gold since 1991.

India's Gold Reserves

• As of March 2024, RBI's total gold reserves amount to 822.10 metric tonnes. Historically, a significant portion of this reserve was stored abroad, including with the Bank of England.
• However, the recent transfer of 100 metric tonnes to India brings the local holding to over 408 metric tonnes, almost equalizing the distribution between domestic and foreign storage.
• Breakdown of Gold Holdings: According to RBI's annual report for FY24, over 308 metric tonnes of gold serves as backing for issued currency notes, while an additional 100.28 tonnes is held domestically as an asset of the banking department.
• India's Global Ranking: India ranks 9th globally in terms of gold reserves. This substantial holding reflects India's cultural affinity for gold and its historical significance as a store of value, contributing to the country's economic stability.

Purpose of Gold Reserves

• Store of Value: Gold is perceived as stable and reliable, instilling confidence in economic stability during uncertainty.
• Currency Stability: While the gold standard is no longer prevalent, gold reserves can still support a country's currency stability.
• Diversification: Gold diversifies a country's asset portfolio, mitigating risks associated with market fluctuations.
• Inverse Correlation with USD: Gold's value often increases when the US dollar declines, providing a safeguard during market volatility.
• International Trade and Finance: Some countries use gold for trade settlement or as collateral, enhancing creditworthiness and global standing.
• Hedge during Crises: Gold serves as a hedge against economic downturns or geopolitical uncertainties, protecting against inflation and currency devaluation.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in eastern Assam is taking steps to safeguard the hoolock gibbon, India's only ape species. Canopy bridges are being constructed to help the gibbons move safely across a railway track that divides their habitat.

Background

• The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary in Jorhat district, spanning 2,098.62 hectares, hosts the largest concentration of hoolock gibbons in India.
• These gibbons are known for their vocalizations and spend much of their time in the upper canopy of trees.
• A 65-km-long railway track cuts through the sanctuary, posing a threat to the gibbons' arboreal nature.
• Canopy bridges are being built to help them safely cross the track. Safety measures include securing the ends and knots of the bridges and installing safety nets below.
• The canopy bridges will be designed to blend with the environment, allowing lianas and creepers to grow along them. This ensures the bridges appear natural and minimizes disruption to the gibbons' habitat.

The Red Sea crisis, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, underscores the importance of maritime domain awareness (MDA) for international security. This situation highlights the need for India to collaborate with Western countries to ensure safe navigation and stability in strategic maritime regions.

International Response and Strategic Shifts:

• Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG): Launched by the US in December 2023, OPG brought together a coalition of countries, including the UK, Australia, and Japan, under a defensive mandate to protect maritime routes in the Red Sea.
• Operation Poseidon Archer (OPA): Transitioning from a defensive to an offensive posture in January 2024, this operation by the US and UK aimed to deter Houthi threats but faced withdrawal of support from some European countries due to escalatory concerns.
• EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Aspides: Launched on February 19, 2024, with a defensive mandate, this operation underscores the EU's preference for independent and non-escalatory maritime security actions, complementing other EU initiatives like the Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP).

Challenges and Implications for India:

• Independent Naval Responses: India’s solo response after failed diplomatic efforts with Iran highlighted the high costs and risks of rerouting commercial vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, emphasizing the need for coordinated maritime security strategies.
• Strategic Alignment: India’s cautious participation in the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) contrasts with its deeper engagement with EU initiatives, aligning more closely with India's vision for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): India's cooperation with EU-led projects like CRIMARIO-2 underscores the importance of sharing MDA to address grey zone challenges and enhance maritime security frameworks.

Pathway to Enhanced Maritime Cooperation:

• India-EU Maritime Security Dialogue: Regular consultations and joint exercises in the Gulf of Guinea and other regions strengthen strategic ties and operational convergence in maritime security.
• CRIMARIO-3 Proposal: Expanding CRIMARIO-2's mandate to 2025-2030 to enhance MDA collaboration and integrate with other European maritime initiatives like Aspides and EMASoH for comprehensive maritime security coverage.
• Operational and Political Coordination: Addressing minor operational divergences and reinforcing political commitments to defensive postures will enhance the effectiveness of multi-stakeholder maritime security architectures in the Indo-Pacific.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Discuss the significance of maritime domain awareness (MDA) for India's national security and its role in ensuring safe navigation through strategic maritime chokepoints.

The successful test flight of ‘Agnibaan’, a rocket developed by the start-up Agnikul Cosmos, marks a significant milestone in India’s space technology. This event underscores the growing role of private entities in space exploration and the potential implications for India’s commercial launch services.

Agnikul Cosmos and the ‘Agnibaan’ Rocket

• Introduction to Agnikul Cosmos: Agnikul Cosmos is a start-up that recently conducted the first test flight of its rocket ‘Agnibaan’. The flight was the company’s fifth attempt, with the first four being called off due to suboptimal launch conditions.
• Features of ‘Agnibaan’: ‘Agnibaan’ is a two-stage, 14-tonne launch vehicle designed to lift small satellites to low-earth orbits. Both stages are powered by bespoke semi-cryogenic engines. Many of the vehicle’s components, including the engines, are 3D-printed.
• Implications for India’s Commercial Launch Services: With the test flight, Agnikul took ‘Agnibaan’ on its first steps towards being a full-fledged launch vehicle. This development could expand India’s commercial launch services offering, currently dominated by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and soon to be joined by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, both of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Prospects Beyond Commercial Fortune

• Shared Technical Know-How: ISRO and/or scientists trained there have shared technical know-how and provided physical systems for many private missions, which these startups are now testing. This collaboration could potentially accelerate innovation in the sector.
• Lessons for ISRO: ISRO has been testing a semi-cryogenic engine of its own that could draw from lessons learnt at Agnikul. The government must ensure that the corresponding bureaucratic and legal frameworks encourage the free flow of knowledge.
• Benefits of Innovation: In April, ISRO developed engine nozzles made of a carbon-carbon composite to replace the Columbium alloy nozzles on the PSLV’s fourth stage. This switch increased PSLV’s payload capacity by 15 kg, demonstrating the benefits of innovation in space technology.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Discuss the role of private sector participation in advancing India’s space technology and its potential impact on the economy. How does collaboration with ISRO enhance these efforts?

The year 2023 was the hottest ever, with global average temperatures reaching 1.45° C higher than pre-industrial levels. This has led to worsening climate impacts, including heatwaves sweeping through the Indian sub-continent. Cities like Chennai are particularly affected due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

The Urban Heat Island Effect in Chennai

• Understanding the UHI Effect: The UHI effect refers to the phenomenon where temperatures in large, crowded urban settings are several degrees higher than in surrounding rural areas. Factors contributing to the UHI effect include concrete structures, tarmac roads, lack of green spaces, and waste heat from air conditioners and other machinery.
• Implications of the UHI Effect: In Chennai, the UHI effect adds between 2° to 4° C to temperatures in nearby rural areas. Under high humidity conditions, this can lead to debilitating heat stress, exhaustion, and even potentially fatal heat stroke.
• Heat Action Plans (HAP): India has national, state, and district-level HAPs to reduce morbidity and mortality from heatwaves. However, longer-term measures are needed to deal with UHI and reduce urban heat.

Proposed Measures to Combat the UHI Effect

• Increasing Green Cover: Green areas such as urban forests, parks, and trees release moisture which evaporates and cools the environment. Increasing green cover in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) to a well-distributed 25% could significantly reduce UHI by about 1.5° C or more.
• Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning: Moving towards more energy-efficient air conditioning could reduce UHI by as much as 1.5° C. Energy savings can also accrue from switching off air conditioners from the mains rather than by remote control.
• Green Building Codes and Public Transport: If buildings are better insulated and ventilated, and constructed using appropriate designs and materials according to “green” building codes, they would require less air-conditioning and generate less waste heat. A sharp reduction in personal vehicles through a rapid scaling-up of effective public transport with electric buses would be another major contribution.

Policy Recommendations and Future Prospects:

• Detailed Heat Maps and Localized Planning: The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is preparing detailed heat maps to aid in more localized planning and actions.
• Comprehensive Climate Action Plans: Chennai’s Climate Action Plan includes various measures to combat UHI and improve urban liveability. Increasing green cover to 25% and adopting energy-saving measures in air conditioning can significantly reduce UHI.
• Setting an Example for India: By implementing long-term policies and measures, Chennai can improve its liveability and set a model for other Indian cities in addressing climate change and urban heat challenges.

UPSC Mains Questions

Q. Discuss the impact of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect on health and urban liveability in Indian cities. What measures can be taken to mitigate this effect? Illustrate your answer with examples.