GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Miniature painting, a traditional art form in India, is experiencing a contemporary revival. The book "Alchemy: Contemporary Indian Painting and Miniature Traditions" by art historian Geeti Sen highlights how modern artists have reinterpreted this ancient style to address current issues. The book focuses on five key artists—Abanindranath Tagore, Manjit Bawa, Nilima Sheikh, R Vijay, and Waswo X Waswo—who have infused miniature painting with modern themes such as nationalism, identity, violence, and feminism. These artists are challenging traditional boundaries, making the genre relevant for today’s social and political context.

Important Examples in the Book

• Abanindranath Tagore revived traditional miniatures with nationalist themes.
  • Example: Abhisarika (1912), a simplified, emotional portrayal of a heroine.
• Manjit Bawa simplified Hindu deities.
  • Example: Durga on a Panther, reimagining the goddess in a minimalist form.
• Nilima Sheikh ued miniatures to explore displacement and violence.
  • Example: Champa Series, depicting the tragic story of a Kashmiri woman murdered for dowry.
• R Vijay & Waswo X Waswo collaborated to explore power dynamics between Western and Indian cultures.
  • Example: Miniatures depicting the tension between a photographer and an Indian subject.

Evolution of Miniature Painting in India

• Miniature painting originated in India during the Mughal era (16th-17th century), and it continued to develop in different regional schools across India such as Rajput, Pahari, Deccan, and Mewar
• These artworks were traditionally small in scale (hence "miniature") and were often used to illustrate religious texts, royal court life, and historical events.
• Over the years, miniature painting evolved with the rise of the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century, when artists began to blend indigenous techniques with influences from European art. Abanindranath Tagore, a key figure of this period, played a crucial role in reviving the miniature style and using it to convey nationalist ideals and "Indianness" through art.
• In the 20th century, the form began to be used more by modern artists, as it was adapted to explore more personal, everyday themes rather than just religious or mythological subjects. Contemporary artists have incorporated modern themes such as displacement, identity, violence, and feminism, making it relevant to today’s world.

Famous miniature Paintings in India:

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft of new regulations aimed at reshaping the framework for higher education in India. These regulations, titled UGC (Minimum Standards for the Grant of Undergraduate Degree and Postgraduate Degree) Regulations, 2024, will replace the older 2003 regulations and their amendments in 2008 and 2014. These proposed guidelines focus on making higher education more flexible, inclusive, and multidisciplinary to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Key Features of the New UGC Draft Regulations:

• Biannual Admissions: Higher education institutions (HEIs) will now admit students twice a year — in July/August and January/February. Intake capacity will depend on the facilities available at the institution.
• Multidisciplinary and Flexible Learning: The regulations promote a shift towards multidisciplinary education where students can take courses across different fields of study, removing strict disciplinary boundaries. Institutions must include vocational education, training, and internships as part of both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Multiple Entry and Exit Points: Students can now pause their studies and return later without losing credit. This feature supports lifelong learning.
  • If students leave their course early, they can still receive qualifications based on the number of credits earned (e.g., a certificate or diploma).
  • New pathways like the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) allow students to complete their degree faster by earning more credits in a shorter time, while the Extended Degree Program (EDP) allows a longer duration with no credit limit.
• Credits and Skill Courses: For undergraduate degrees, students must earn at least 50% of their credits in their chosen major, with the rest coming from skill-based or multidisciplinary courses.
  • Skill-based assessments are now part of the curriculum, where students complete 40 credits for a certificate, 80 credits for a diploma, and 120 credits for a degree.
• Flexible Attendance Policies: HEIs will have the flexibility to set attendance requirements, considering various learning modes (e.g., online and blended learning). This allows greater flexibility for students, particularly those with different learning needs.
• Assessment Methods: The new assessment system will emphasize continuous evaluation through tests, seminars, class performance, and fieldwork, rather than focusing solely on end-of-course exams.
• New Certification Pathways: Students can now exit their programs at different stages and still earn qualifications:
  1. 40 credits + a 4-credit skill course = Undergraduate Certificate.
  2. 80 credits + a 4-credit skill course = Undergraduate Diploma.
  3. 120 credits = Undergraduate Degree.
• Flexible Admission Criteria: Students can now apply for any undergraduate program regardless of their school stream, as long as they qualify through an entrance exam.
  • Postgraduate programs will require a 3-year undergraduate degree (120 credits) or a 4-year degree with Honours (160 credits).

Potential Benefits and Concerns:

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (2024), or the Indian Aviation Bill, has been passed in the Indian Parliament. It aims to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934 and update India’s aviation laws to align with international standards and improve the sector's efficiency. The bill, passed by both Houses of Parliament, seeks to address key issues in India’s aviation sector, including safety, consumer protection, and ease of doing business.

Key Provisions and Objectives of the Bill:

• Enhancing Safety and Regulatory Oversight: The bill aims to improve safety standards in the aviation sector, ensuring better regulatory oversight and consumer protection in line with global practices.
  • It focuses on setting up stronger governance structures for civil aviation authorities to boost accountability and transparency.
• Self-Reliance in Aircraft Manufacturing: The bill encourages self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance within India, which could help the country become more competitive in the global aviation market.
• Regulation of Aviation Components: The bill allows the central government to regulate various aspects of civil aviation, including the issuance of licenses for aircraft-related operations (e.g., Radio Telephone Operator Certificate).
  • It also empowers the government to establish rules for civil aviation security and adherence to international aviation conventions.
• Removal of Redundancies: The bill seeks to remove ambiguities and redundancies in the existing Aircraft Act of 1934, making the system more streamlined and easier to implement.
  • It also includes provisions for penalties, fines, or imprisonment for violations, making enforcement more robust.
• Emergency Powers: The government is empowered to take emergency actions related to public safety and tranquillity in the aviation sector.
  • This includes the ability to provide compensation for losses or damages in aviation-related incidents, along with mechanisms for appeals against certain decisions (e.g., compensation, licensing, penalties).
• Repeal of the Aircraft Act, 1934: The bill repeals the Aircraft Act of 1934 and updates the legal framework to better cater to current challenges and future growth in the aviation sector.

Issues Addressed in Parliament:

• Airfare Concerns: During the debate, MPs raised concerns about rising airfares. In response, the Civil Aviation Minister clarified that airfares in India are deregulated (since 1994) and determined by airlines. However, the government monitors fares and mandates that airlines inform the Ministry before setting prices for specific routes.
  • He also emphasized that the UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is helping to increase accessibility by improving air travel options for more people.
• Title Change of the Bill: There was a debate over the bill’s title being changed from English to Hindi. The minister explained that the change was made to highlight India’s heritage and culture, and assured that there was no violation of the Constitution regarding language use in lawmaking.

India is facing a severe soil health crisis, with nearly 90% of its topsoil suffering from deficiencies in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This has significant implications for agricultural sustainability, food security, and climate resilience. The recent Global Soils Conference highlighted this issue and called for strategies to restore soil health. One promising solution discussed is nutrient circularity, which involves recycling urban organic waste to replenish soil nutrients in rural areas. However, existing waste management practices, particularly waste-to-energy (WtE) plants, have faced multiple challenges, failing to adequately address the waste crisis and contributing to environmental harm.

Key Points

• With its extraordinary capacity to form, store, transform, and recycle nutrients, soil produces 95 per cent of the world’s food. However, 33 per cent of global soils are already degraded, and this trend is accelerating.
  • 90% of India's topsoil is deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.
  • 50% lacks potassium, critical for agricultural productivity.
  • Soil erosion, degradation, and low nutrient content threaten long-term agricultural sustainability.
• Nutrient Circularity: This approach reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, enhances soil fertility, and improves cost-efficiency in agriculture (lowering production costs by 15-20%).
• Scaling Up Nutrient Circularity: To address India’s waste and soil crises, scaling up nutrient circularity is key.
  • A two-pronged approach is needed:
    • Top-down policy support to incentivize composting and improve quality.
    • Bottom-up demand from farmers and the public for better compost.
  • A more sustainable approach could gradually phase out chemical fertilizers, restoring soil health in both rural and urban areas.
• Challenges with Current Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Models: Incineration-based WtE plants dominate, but they come with high costs, significant environmental impacts, and high failure rates.
  • In Delhi, 7,250 tonnes of the 11,328 tonnes of waste generated daily is incinerated.
  • These plants emit more greenhouse gases and air pollutants than other power sources, harming public health and the environment.
• Biomethanation plants face challenges like poor waste segregation and methane leakages.
• Despite these efforts, WtE plants contribute only 1% of renewable energy generation in India, far behind other renewable sources like solar and wind.

• Government's Failed Policy on Nutrient Circularity:
  • In 2016, India introduced a subsidy of ?1,500 per tonne for compost sold under the City Compost Policy to promote nutrient circularity. However, the policy failed due to lack of:
    • Quality control (no standards, testing, or certification mechanisms).
    • Public demand for compost.
  • The policy was withdrawn in 2021, and all financial support shifted to bio-methanation.
• The Potential of Composting:
  • Composting is a more cost-effective alternative to biomethanation.
  • It can be implemented at various scales, even in small towns.
  • Several cities like Chikkaballapur (Karnataka) and Alappuzha (Kerala) have successfully implemented composting models that transfer urban waste compost to rural farmers, promoting nutrient circularity.

Factors killing soil & solution

• Farming practices such as tilling break up the soil and destroy its natural structure, killing many of the vital bacteria.
• Agricultural chemicals can alter the physiological, metabolic and biochemical behaviour of microbiota in the soil. This can disrupt the relationships between plants and microbes, decreasing nutrient bioavailability.
• Pressures of population growth, food insecurity and agricultural intensification are leading to widespread soil degradation. This degradation can take many forms- degradation, erosion, acidification, salinization
• Others:Burning of crop residues, land misuse and soil mismanagement and climate change
• Solution:Replenishment, adopting organic practice (inter-cropping, mixed cropping, practicing crop rotation, Agroforestry, Permaculture, adopting biofertilizers.

India's tiger fatalities surged by 50% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The data was shared in Parliament, highlighting the concerning rise in tiger deaths. These fatalities have raised alarms among wildlife conservationists, who are now emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect tigers.

Key Points:

• Rising Tiger Deaths:
  • 182 tigers died in 2023, compared to 121 in 2022, marking a 50% increase.
  • Over 75% of these deaths occurred in five states: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    • Maharashtra had the highest fatalities with 46 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 43 deaths.
    • Uttarakhand had 21 deaths, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala also saw significant increases.
  • Government Efforts and Funding:
    • Government funding for anti-poaching and tiger conservation efforts saw significant increases, especially in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh:
      • Maharashtra's funding rose by 9% to ?4,303 lakh.
      • Madhya Pradesh saw a dramatic rise of 223%, with funds growing from ?809 lakh to ?2,614 lakh.
    • These funds are allocated to efforts such as anti-poaching, habitat management, eco-development, and village relocation.
  • Significant Increase in Deaths in Specific States:
    • Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand saw tiger fatalities increase by 400% and 250%, respectively, which far surpassed the national average of 50%.
    • Kerala and Uttar Pradesh both reported a 100% rise in fatalities.
    • Assam and Maharashtra reported increases of 67% and 64%, respectively.
  • Confirmed Causes of Death:
    • The exact cause of death was confirmed for only 14% of the total cases.
    • Poaching was identified as the leading cause of death, responsible for 12 fatalities.
    • Unnatural causes (e.g., accidents, injuries) caused 9 deaths, and seizures contributed to 4 fatalities.
    • Experts noted that most carcasses are discovered in advanced stages of decay, making it difficult to determine the precise cause of death.
  • Challenges in Tracking Tiger Deaths: The actual number of fatalities could be higher since tiger carcasses are often found in advanced decay, complicating cause determination.
    • Poaching remains a critical concern, as poachers often remove body parts of tigers for illegal trade, making it difficult for authorities to track the full extent of tiger deaths due to poaching.
  • Tiger Population in India: Despite the rise in deaths, India’s tiger population has grown by 10% annually between 2006 and 2022, with the most recent tiger census in 2022 estimating the population at 3,682.
    • However, experts caution that poaching remains a serious threat and could rapidly diminish tiger numbers if not carefully managed.

A recent study conducted looked into how agroforestry practices (like farming with trees) affect frog species in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Key Findings

• Low Frog Diversity in Modified Habitats: Frog diversity was lowest in paddy fields and orchards compared to the natural plateaus, which had higher frog populations. This suggests that agriculture and agroforestry practices are harmful to amphibians, especially endemic species (species that are found only in specific regions).
• Endemic Frogs at Risk: Two species of endemic frogs were notably less abundant in modified habitats:
  • CEPF burrowing frog (Minervarya cepfi)
  • Goan fejervarya (Minervarya gomantaki)
  • These species are particularly vulnerable because the changes in the landscape (like turning plateaus into orchards) reduce their natural habitats.
• Generalist Species More Common in Paddy Fields: On the other hand, frogs like the Minervarya syhadrensis, which is common across South Asia, were more frequently found in paddy fields. This suggests that some species may be able to tolerate or even thrive in modified habitats, though this doesn't mean they are adapting in the long term. Their spread is more about the shift in community composition rather than true adaptation.
• Impact of Landscape Transformation: The study highlights how the conversion of plateaus into agricultural lands (like mango and cashew orchards) is a major threat to the habitat of these frogs. The natural rock pools, which provide protection to frog eggs and tadpoles during the dry spells of the monsoon, are being destroyed. This transformation also affects local water sources, which are crucial for amphibian survival.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency's "groundbreaking" Proba-3 mission on board its PSLV-59 rocket.

What is Proba-3 mission?

• Proba stands for "Project for On-Board Autonomy", and it refers to a series of experimental missions initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
  • Proba-1: Launched in 2001, focused on demonstrating advanced onboard autonomy.
  • Proba-2: Launched in 2009, focused on solar observation.
  • Proba-V: Launched in 2013, an Earth-observing satellite dedicated to vegetation mapping.
• Proba-3 is a joint mission aimed at exploring the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere, which plays a crucial role in understanding solar dynamics and space weather phenomena.
• The mission aims to study the Sun’s corona at an entirely new scale by creating an artificial eclipse.
• Mission life: Two years
• Launch Vehicle: The PSLV-C59 launch vehicle will carry two ESA satellites, each weighing approximately 550 kg, into a highly elliptical orbit of around 600 x 60,530 km and have an orbital period of 19.7 hours.
• The Proba-3 mission will be unique as it marks the first time two satellites, that will work together to mimic a natural solar eclipse:
  • Occulter Spacecraft (weighing 200 kg)
  • Coronagraph Spacecraft (weighing 340 kg)
• Launched together in a stacked configuration, the two small satellites will demonstrate “precise formation flying. After launch, they will separate and fly in a coordinated manner, creating an artificial solar eclipse in Earth’s orbit.
• The artificial eclipse will provide a 100-fold increase in observation time, enabling scientists to study the corona for longer periods than was previously possible. This mission is expected to generate about 50 eclipses per year, each lasting approximately six hours.
• Study of the Sun’s Corona: Studying the corona is crucial because it is the source of space weather—solar winds, solar storms, and other phenomena that affect both the Earth’s atmosphere and satellite operations. Understanding the corona is key to predicting and mitigating space weather events.

Increasing reliability of ISRO’s PSLV

• ISRO's PSLV has built a reputation for reliability, with only two failures in 60 launches.
• This track record, coupled with India's active space diplomacy and evolving space policy, makes PSLV a favored choice.
• The European Space Agency (ESA) has been increasingly reliant on ISRO for launching missions, such as Proba-3, due to the unavailability of its own operational launch vehicle.

Historically, ESA's Ariane rockets were known for their reliability, and India frequently used Ariane to launch its satellites. However, with Ariane 5 retired and Ariane 6 still under development, ESA lacks an active launch vehicle, leading them to seek alternative providers like ISRO.

The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda has seen progress, and the World Health Organization (WHO) updated, that the 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over will begin if there are no new cases.

What is Marburg Virus Disease (MVD)?

• The Marburg virus is a deadly virus that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), also known as the ‘bleeding eye virus’ because one of its symptoms is bleeding from the eyes.
• The virus can also cause organ failure and death.
• The virus is mainly transmitted from fruit bats, and human-to-human transmission happens through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as blood, vomit, or saliva.
• The virus is highly contagious and can spread directly through bodily fluids or indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces.
• Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease

• High fever
• Fatigue and body aches
• Watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps (starting around the third day)
• Non-itchy rashes (usually between the second and seventh day)

• As the disease progresses, bleeding starts, usually from the eyes, but can also occur from the nose, gums, and vagina. This bleeding is what gives the virus its common name.
• Other symptoms include confusion and disorientation, which can happen due to the virus affecting the brain. As the disease worsens, it can lead to multi-organ failure, which can be fatal.
• The virus is highly contagious.
• Diagnosis: The Marburg virus can be diagnosed using two main tests:
  • ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
  • RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)
• Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for MVD. Instead, supportive care is provided to help manage symptoms, which includes rehydration, pain relief, and treatment for shock or other complications.

A recent investigation has highlighted the tragic deaths of 94 sewer cleaning workers in Delhi over the past 15 years, with 10 deaths occurring in just the last seven months. Despite laws prohibiting hazardous sewer cleaning, such deaths continue, raising critical questions about the factors undermining worker safety, the accountability gaps in the system, and the social apathy towards sanitation workers. The cases underscore the systemic failure in ensuring safety and dignity for sanitation workers, despite initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Rising Contractualisation and Its Impact on Sanitation Workers

• Contractualisation of Work: Urban civic bodies increasingly rely on private contractors for sanitation work, leading to a rise in contractual sanitation jobs. These workers face challenges such as lack of minimum wages, safety equipment, and social security provisions.
• Risks Faced by Women Workers: Female sanitation workers experience heightened health and safety risks, exacerbated by the lack of basic facilities at work sites, such as well-lit toilets and maternity leave.
• Job Precarity: The lack of job security and accountability in contractual sanitation work increases vulnerability, as workers face hazardous conditions without adequate safety measures, putting their lives at risk.

Deregulation of Private Sanitation Agencies and Lack of Safety

• Emergence of Private Agencies: Private agencies offering septic tank cleaning services fill gaps left by urban sewer systems but often lack regulation, leading to the use of untrained workers without safety equipment.
• Incidents of Hazardous Cleaning: Cases like the May 2024 deaths of workers cleaning septic tanks in Delhi and Rohini highlight how private complexes and colonies bypass civic bodies and expose workers to life-threatening hazards without proper safety protocols.
• Exploitative Practices: Private companies often hire untrained workers for hazardous jobs, driven by profit motives, and neglect the safety standards mandated by law, resulting in preventable fatalities.

Caste-based Discrimination and Societal Apathy

• Caste-based Exploitation: The sanitation work, often viewed as “dirty work,” is typically assigned to the lowest castes, reflecting deep-rooted caste-based discrimination in Indian society. Workers are expected to clean toxic waste without regard for their safety or dignity.
• Social Disregard for "Polluting" Work: There is a normalized apathy towards the dangers of sewer work, with public attitudes shaped by caste, leading to the assumption that certain communities should bear the burden of “polluting” tasks.
• Intersection of Caste and Work Conditions: The systemic neglect and disregard for sanitation workers' well-being are rooted in caste discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms to address these inequalities.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the interlinkages between contractualisation, caste-based exploitation, and the systemic failures in sanitation work in India. How can these issues be addressed to improve worker safety, dignity, and accountability?

The 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (December 2, 1984), has brought renewed attention to the ongoing struggles faced by survivors and the lack of justice for the victims. Despite the passage of time, the tragedy continues to haunt India, with victims still fighting for compensation, environmental remediation, and proper medical treatment. The anniversary has sparked reflections on the failure of both the Indian government and Union Carbide (now owned by Dow Chemical) to take responsibility for the disaster.

Lack of Justice and Compensation

• Failure to Provide Adequate Compensation: In 1989, India settled with Union Carbide for a mere USD 470 million, significantly less than the USD 3.3 billion initially demanded. The settlement, which was made without consulting the survivors, resulted in each acknowledged victim receiving a meager Rs 12,478.
• Attempts to Increase Compensation: In 2010, the Indian government sought additional compensation through curative petitions, but these efforts were dismissed by the Supreme Court in March 2023, citing that increasing liability beyond the original settlement would be inappropriate.
• Ongoing Legal and Accountability Failures: Despite several legal attempts to hold Union Carbide accountable, the company sold off its Indian subsidiary, which was then acquired by Dow Chemical. Dow refuses to accept responsibility for the tragedy, and toxic waste at the UCIL site remains unaddressed.

Environmental Contamination and Health Impact

• Toxic Waste and Environmental Hazards: Over 300 tonnes of toxic waste remain at the site, with 1.1 million tonnes of soil contaminated, and the groundwater in Bhopal is polluted with toxic substances, continuing to pose cancer risks to residents.
• Health Issues Among Survivors: A 2023 study revealed that men over the age of 21 were most impacted by respiratory illnesses, which were the leading cause of death among victims between 1986 and 2000.
• Inadequate Healthcare and Ongoing Suffering: Victims of the gas leak continue to suffer from insufficient healthcare, with long-term physical and mental health impacts, and organizations advocating for the safe removal of toxic waste from the site remain in legal limbo, awaiting action from the government and courts.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the long-term consequences of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on its survivors, including the failure of the Indian government and Union Carbide to provide justice. How can India ensure accountability for such industrial disasters and improve the living conditions of affected communities?

At the recent Conference of Director Generals of Police, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the growing issue of cybercrimes, particularly digital fraud and the creation of non-consensual intimate deepfakes. The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and their ability to exploit vulnerable telecom infrastructure have raised concerns over public safety and security.

Cybercrime and Vulnerable Infrastructure

• Telecom Infrastructure as a Weak Point: Cybercriminals take advantage of weak telecom systems, which are ill-equipped to handle the high volume of malicious calls and messages. This vulnerability provides fertile ground for digital frauds.
• Evolving Techniques and Criminal Networks: Cybercriminals use ever-evolving techniques that stay ahead of underprepared law enforcement. They also build strong networks with local police in critical areas, which further enables their criminal activities and ensures their impunity.
• Public Impact and Financial Threats: Ordinary citizens face significant risks, with the potential to lose their life savings after a single fraudulent phone call or message. The widespread threat of cybercrime thus affects millions across the country.

Addressing the Issue through Prosecution and Public Awareness

• Aggressive Prosecution and Transparency: Effective combat against cybercrime requires aggressive prosecutions, transparency, and widespread publicity. Publicizing successful prosecutions can deter criminals and demonstrate the seriousness of digital fraud as a crime.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about cyber fraud through regular, creative, and engaging campaigns is crucial. Educating people about the risks and warning signs can prevent many individuals from falling victim to scams.
• Tackling Non-Consensual Intimate Deepfakes: The rise of deepfake technology used for creating non-consensual intimate content requires urgent attention. While the crime is new, the solutions remain the same: preventive measures and heightened public awareness.

Practice Question

Q. Cybercrime, particularly digital fraud and the use of non-consensual intimate deepfakes, poses significant challenges to law enforcement and public safety in India. Analyze the role of infrastructure vulnerabilities, evolving criminal techniques, and public awareness in combating these crimes. Suggest policy measures to mitigate these threats effectively.