20 January 2025 : The Hindu Analysis (Daily Current Affairs)

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1. Indian cryptography research gears up to face the quantum challenge

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: Science and Technology

Context

• The article highlights the expanding field of cryptography in India, emphasizing its crucial role in securing data and the challenges presented by quantum computing and new encryption methods.

Introduction to Cryptography

• Cryptography is a method for securing information by transforming plain text into unintelligible ciphertext. Its primary objective is to ensure system security and thwart unauthorized access to sensitive data. The practice of transmitting secret messages dates back to ancient times, with prominent historical instances such as Julius Caesar's cipher and the Enigma machine used during World War II.

 The Importance of Cryptography

• Cryptography safeguards data by addressing intricate problems that are intentionally designed to be difficult and resource-intensive to solve. The aim is to prevent adversaries from deciphering encrypted information. Even individuals with substantial computational resources should find it challenging to break the code. Cryptography maintains security despite advancements in computing, including quantum computers. As computational capabilities increase, cryptography must adapt to remain secure. Robust cryptographic systems rely on complex problems that are tough for computers to resolve, prioritizing the protection of data from malicious entities.

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Challenges and Slow Progress

• Cryptography progresses slowly, influenced by its complexity and the inherent relationship between complexity theory and cryptography. Research efforts in India are concentrated on communication complexity, proof complexity, and algebraic coding theory to bolster security.

Cryptography Keys and Their Function

• At the heart of cryptosystems lies the key, a confidential value employed for encrypting or decrypting data. Contemporary systems, such as public-key cryptography, utilize two keys: one public for sharing with the sender and one private retained by the receiver. One-way functions facilitate straightforward encryption while rendering decryption exceedingly difficult without the key.

Emerging Research and Challenges

• Two transformative research domains in cryptography are homomorphic encryption, enabling computations on encrypted data, and quantum-resistant cryptography, vital for defending against quantum computing threats. Indian researchers are advancing in these fields, supported by government funding through initiatives like the National Quantum Mission and advancements in quantum communication.

Future of Cryptography in India

• India is progressing in cryptographic research, especially in quantum communication and data security, with government backing and collaboration from diverse institutions. As the volume of sensitive data continues to escalate, particularly within cloud storage, the significance of encryption is expected to rise.

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2. Annual calendar, at least 100 sittings every year must in Parliament: O’Brien

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic:  Indian Polity

Context

• Derek O’Brien, the Trinamool Congress leader in the Rajya Sabha, has criticized the government for convening Parliament sessions on short notice and has called for the establishment of an annual calendar that includes a minimum of 100 sittings.

Issues Associated with Short Notice for Parliament Sessions

Inadequate Preparation Time:

• Short notice provides lawmakers with minimal time to prepare for important debates and discussions, potentially leading to a superficial examination of bills and motions and negatively impacting the quality of legislative work.

Reduced Accountability and Scrutiny:

• Insufficient time prevents Parliament members from effectively holding the government accountable, leading to rushed debates on national issues and diminishing opportunities for thorough analysis.

Impact on Members’ Engagement:

• Brief session notifications disrupt MPs’ schedules, particularly for those with constituency obligations. The lack of preparation time hampers their ability to serve their constituents effectively.

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Public Distrust:

• Unpredictable parliamentary schedules undermine public trust in government operations. Citizens anticipate transparency, and abrupt session announcements can raise concerns regarding the integrity of the legislative process.

Legislative Disorganization:

• Without advance planning, there is a lack of structured business to prioritize pressing national issues, resulting in chaotic and disorderly parliamentary proceedings.

Way Forward: Structured Parliamentary Calendar

Introducing an Annual Parliamentary Calendar:

• The government should release an annual calendar for Parliament, allowing all stakeholders to plan accordingly, detailing anticipated session dates, discussion topics, and critical legislative matters.

Mandating Minimum 100 Parliamentary Sessions:

• To facilitate effective legislative operations, at least 100 sittings annually should be conducted, ensuring adequate time for legislation, debates, and governmental accountability.

Improved Session Planning:

• Planning should incorporate sufficient intervals between sessions to provide members adequate preparation time as well as opportunity for constituency work. A predictable session structure enhances the quality of debates and discussions.

Conclusion

• Implementing a predictable calendar will enhance Parliament's accountability, transparency, and capacity to serve the public effectively.

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3. Abetment of suicide charges should not be ‘mechanically’ invoked: SC

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 12)

Topic: Polity

Context

• The Supreme Court has underscored the importance of sensitizing investigation agencies and courts regarding cases of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC.

Analysis of the news:

About Section 306 of IPC

• Section 306 of the IPC addresses abetment of suicide, which is also included under Section 108 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS). This section states that if an individual commits suicide, anyone who abets that act shall be punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years and may also face a fine.

Sensitizing Investigation Agencies and Courts in Abetment of Suicide Cases

• The Supreme Court warned against the misuse of Section 306 of the IPC to cater to the emotional responses of a deceased’s family, emphasizing that only legitimate cases fulfilling the legal criteria should prompt prosecution. The Court noted instances of process abuse in cases lacking sufficient evidence of abetment.

Legal Framework for Abetment of Suicide

• Section 306 IPC penalizes abetment of suicide, defined under Section 107 IPC as acts of instigation, conspiracy, or intentional assistance. Prosecution under this section necessitates evidence of direct instigation or actions that leave the deceased with no alternative but to commit suicide. Punishment can include up to ten years' imprisonment and a fine; however, conviction rates were only 17. 5% in 2022, indicating difficulty in demonstrating intent and direct abetment.

The Supreme Court’s Intervention in the Bank Manager Case

• In a case involving a bank manager accused of abetting a borrower's suicide, the Supreme Court discharged the manager, noting that mere claims of harassment related to loan recovery do not satisfy the criteria for abetment. The Court criticized trial courts for applying charges in a mechanical manner and called for a practical assessment of evidence. It reiterated that casual interactions or exaggerations should not be interpreted as instigation to suicide.

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Higher Standard for Proof in Workplace-Related Cases

• The Supreme Court has established a higher standard of proof for abetment of suicide cases arising from workplace or official relationships. In rulings such as M Mohan v State (2011) and Ude Singh v State of Haryana (2019), the Court stressed that prosecution requires evidence of direct incitement or a consistent pattern of conduct that leaves the deceased without alternatives to suicide. It clarified that indirect actions or vague allegations lacking proof of intent are insufficient for prosecution.

Conclusion

• The Court has consistently warned against unwarranted prosecutions under Section 306 IPC, highlighting the necessity for evidence-based investigations and judicial discretion. A balance must be maintained between safeguarding genuine victims and avoiding the misuse of the law, which may lead to the unjust harassment of accused individuals. The sensitization of investigative agencies and trial courts is essential for the equitable application of the law.

What is the Statistics Related to Suicide in India?

The data compiled by the NCRB is based on police-recorded first information reports (FIRs).

• Surge in Student Suicides: In India, student suicides have increased by 4% annually, surpassing the overall suicide rate growth of 2%, despite likely “underreporting” of cases involving student suicides.
• Gender Disparity: In 2022, male students represented 53% of all student suicides. While male suicides decreased by 6% from 2021, there was a 7% increase in female student suicides.
• Decade Trend: Over the last decade, student suicides rose sharply from 6,654 to 13,044, despite a slight decline in the population of the 0-24 age group.
• State-Wise Distribution: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest incidence of student suicides, collectively accounting for one-third of the national total.

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4. Spike in Olive Ridley Turtle Deaths Along Tamil Nadu Coast Sparks Conservation Concerns

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 12)

Topic: Environment – Conservation

Context

• Approximately 300-350 dead olive ridley turtles have been found along the coast of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Chennai and Kancheepuram districts.

Analysis of the news:

What are Olive Ridley Turtles?

Complete Details About 20 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

• These turtles are carnivorous and are named for their olive-colored carapace.
• They are renowned for their distinct mass nesting behavior known as Arribada, where thousands of females converge on the same beach to lay eggs.

Habitat:

• They inhabit the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
• Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is recognized as the world's largest rookery of sea turtles.

Protection Status:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I

Causes of Turtle Deaths

• The increase in deaths is mainly due to bycatch from commercial fishing operations.
• Olive ridley turtles, which need to surface for air, can asphyxiate when caught in fishing nets.
• The recent rise in deaths may also be linked to increased fish presence near turtle gathering areas, resulting in more trawlers in the vicinity.
• Post-mortem examinations revealed signs of asphyxiation, including lung lesions, bulging eyes, and swollen necks.

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Need for Mitigation Measures

• Experts stress the urgent requirement to implement Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets to facilitate the escape of turtles.
• A comparative analysis of fish catch trends could aid in identifying patterns leading to these deaths.
• Close monitoring and regulation of fishing practices near nesting sites are crucial for the protection of these vulnerable turtles.

The Nesting Season and Conservation Efforts

• Olive ridley turtles nest along India’s eastern and western coasts, with significant nesting sites located in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Females typically lay 100-110 eggs per nest, which hatch within 45-60 days. To safeguard the eggs from predators and human interference, hatcheries are set up by the Forest Departments.
• Hatchlings are safely released into the ocean to enhance their chances of survival.

Conclusion

• The concerning mortality rate of olive ridley turtles in Tamil Nadu highlights the necessity for robust conservation measures, including the enforcement of TEDs, regulation of fishing activities, and enhanced public awareness.
• The protection of these turtles is essential for preserving marine biodiversity and ecological balance.

Operation Olivia

• Annually, the Indian Coast Guard’s "Operation Olivia," launched in the early 1980s, aims to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles as they gather along the Odisha coast for breeding and nesting from November to December.
• The operation also targets illegal trawling activities.
• Continuous surveillance is conducted from November to May using Coast Guard resources such as fast patrol vessels, air cushion vessels, interceptor craft, and Dornier aircraft to enforce regulations near the rookeries.

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Facts

1. Water hyacinth threatens the livelihoods of fishers on Kenyan lake

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Context

• Fishers on Lake Naivasha are facing challenges due to the invasive water hyacinth, which negatively impacts fish populations. A start-up named HyaPak collaborates with these fishers to harvest the plant and convert it into biodegradable packaging, benefiting both the environment and local livelihoods.

Water Hyacinth:

• This invasive aquatic plant is native to the Amazon Basin in South America.
• Characteristics: It floats on water and features large, glossy green leaves with purple flowers.
• Spread: It rapidly proliferates, forming dense mats that obstruct sunlight and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

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• Environmental Impact: Water hyacinth leads to decreased oxygen levels, harming fish populations and negatively affecting water quality.
• Economic Impact: The invasive species disrupts water transport, fishing activities, and agricultural practices.
• Control Methods: Various management strategies include mechanical removal, biological control using insects, and chemical treatments.

 Places in News: Lake Naivasha

• Lake Naivasha is a prominent freshwater lake in Kenya. It has been suffering from the invasive water hyacinth for over a decade, resulting in diminished fish populations that adversely affect the livelihoods of fishermen. Previously, fishers could catch up to 90 kg of fish daily, whereas now they are only able to catch 10-15 kg. The invasion of water hyacinth has resulted in significant economic losses for the lake, impacting the fishing, transport, and tourism industries.

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2. SVAMITVA Scheme: Unlocking Economic Potential in Rural India through Property Cards

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 12)

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that once property cards are distributed under the Centre’s SVAMITVA scheme across all villages in the country, it could stimulate economic activity worth over Rs 100 lakh crore.

Analysis of the news:

The SVAMITVA Scheme

Complete Details About 20 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

• The SVAMITVA scheme (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020.
• Its objective is to provide legal property records to rural households, empowering them with property cards for their homes and land.
• The scheme employs advanced technologies such as drones and GIS-based mapping to survey rural properties, benefiting residents by facilitating access to financial services, aiding land taxation, and supporting rural planning.

Benefits of the SVAMITVA Property Cards

• The primary benefit of the property cards is that they offer rural families a recognized legal document for their property, enabling access to financial services like loans.
• This development has allowed numerous villagers to start small businesses, contributing to economic growth.
• Moreover, these cards assist in determining property taxes, improving financial flows to Gram Panchayats and enhancing land market liquidity.
• The cards also aid in creating rural land records, facilitating planning, resolving land disputes, and preventing encroachments.

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Implementation Process

• The SVAMITVA scheme is implemented through a multi-stage process that begins with an agreement between the Survey of India (SoI) and state governments.
• Drones and satellite images are employed for accurate mapping of rural properties.
• After the collection of data, a ground verification process ensures the accuracy of the maps.
• The final property cards are issued digitally or physically to property owners.
• The whole process includes community awareness programs, conflict resolution, and detailed mapping of abadi areas (inhabited land).

Progress and Coverage of the Scheme

• Initially launched as a pilot in 2020, the scheme has made notable progress.
• To date, drone surveys have been completed in over 3. 17 lakh villages, covering 92% of the targeted areas.
• States including Haryana, Goa, and Uttarakhand have achieved full saturation.
• The scheme encompasses more than 67,000 sq. km of rural land, valued at an estimated Rs. 132 lakh crore.
• With a goal to cover all 6. 62 lakh villages by the end of FY 2023-24, the scheme is making steady progress toward its objective.

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