Deep Dive Daily Current Affairs 11th - 14th October 2024

Assam Current Affairs

Springs Rejuvenate 

• Natural springs, vital for hilly regions, are drying up due to human activities like deforestation, soil erosion, and construction in recharge areas.
• This threatens water supply, particularly in areas heavily reliant on spring water.

The Solution

• The Brahmaputra Board, in collaboration with Northeast states, is launching a program to rejuvenate and revive these drying springs.

Key strategies:

• Protecting natural recharge points.
• Preventing construction in recharge areas.
• Maintaining underground water levels.
• Constructing pits or retention walls to conserve water.
• Encouraging community participation.

State-Level Initiatives

• Sikkim: Dhara project to protect springs.
• Meghalaya: Survey and identification of 9,000 springs.
• By implementing these measures, it is hoped to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future and preserve the ecological balance of the region.

Organic Assam and PGS certification

Understanding PGS India and ASOCA

1. PGS India: A grassroots certification system for small-scale farmers.
2. ASOCA: The Assam Seed and Organic Certification Agency, responsible for PGS India certification in Assam.

PGS India’s Impact on Assam’s Agriculture

1. Promoting Organic Practices: Encouraging a shift from chemical-intensive farming to sustainable methods.
2. Strengthening Farmer Groups: Fostering cooperation and knowledge-sharing among farmers.
3. Harnessing Local Resources: Utilizing Assam’s natural resources and traditional knowledge.

Successful PGS-Certified Farmer Groups in Assam

1. Jimo-Chayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd., Lakhimpur
2. Patarkuchi Organic Farmer Group, Kamrup (M)
3. Arohan Organic Group, Barpeta
4. Borail Fresh Organic Producer Group, Dima-Hasao
5. Majuli Borluit Jaivik Group

Market Prospects and Challenges

1. Market Opportunities: Growing consumer demand for organic products.
2. Challenges: Capacity building, infrastructure development, and market access

Regulator of Organic Products: 

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) (under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale or import of Organic products through the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 (under FSSA 2006).

Certification of Organic products:

1. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Ensures organic product production adheres to quality standards. Does not require third-party certification agencies. Certification is carried out by local groups consisting of producers and consumers and is based on trust. Involves a documented logo or statement as proof of certification.

2. National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) Implemented by APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. Regulates organic farming certification. Involves accreditation of Certification Bodies. Sets standards for organic production. Promotes organic farming and marketing. It’s Standards have been recognized by the EU, Switzerland, and the US.

3. Other Programs for Organic Production NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture): Promotes sustainable agriculture, including organic production. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY): Promotes organic farming. Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER): Supports the development of organic value chains in the North East region of India.

Assam: Schools Periodic Assessment Test

The Issue

1. Only 26% of schools in Assam conducted the mandated Periodic Assessment Test (PAT).
2. This low compliance rate raises concerns about student assessment and instructional improvement.

The Impact of Low Compliance

1. Missed Opportunities for Student Assessment: The PAT helps identify learning gaps and tailor instruction accordingly.
2. Hindered Instructional Improvement: Teachers cannot effectively adjust their teaching strategies without accurate student data.

Reasons for Low Compliance

1. Discriminatory Selection: The requirement to test only five students per class was perceived as unfair.
2. Insufficient Time for Preparation: The notification for the PAT was issued shortly before schools reopened after the Durga Puja break.

Mission Basundhara 3.0

For land settlement in urban areas, eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as a premium. 

During Mission Basundhara 2.0, the state government offered land settlement to the eligible applicants in urban areas in lieu of a premium, which many could not afford to pay. 

That is why the applicants could not get the land settlement done. Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, the rule was that applicants had to pay 30% of the premium calculated on the total zonal land value as the first installment. 

The remaining 70% of the premium had to be paid in the next five years. 

However, during the review of Mission Basundhara 2.0, it was found that some of the eligible applicants paid the 30% premium, but most applicants could not pay the amount. So, the government revised the premium payment structure under Mission Basundhara 3.0. 

Under the revised policy decision, the eligible applicants under Mission Basundhara 3.0 in urban areas, including Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, etc., have to pay only 10% of the total zonal value of the land concerned as premium.

Under Mission Basundhara 2.0, those applicants who paid the 30% premium do not have to pay the remaining 70%, as per the revised policy. But, in case the beneficiary decides to sell the land settled in their name, the beneficiary has to pay the remaining 70% of the premium.

Grievance Redressal in Assam 

Recently CM, announced that Assam is one of the top states in the country in grievance redressal of citizens.

Assam disposed of 7,430 cases, 2nd highest in the country while from January to July, 30,572 cases were resolved, which is the third highest in the country.

In the month of July, Assam ranked second among all states on the parameter of grievance redressal while Uttar Pradesh secured the top position nationwide.

Assam recorded a total of 16,442 grievances in July out of which 12,687 cases were brought forward from previous months. At the end of the month, 7,430 cases were disposed of and the pending cases stood at 9,012.

Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh etc. states ranked below Assam in the grievance redressal cases of citizens for the month of July.

Between January and July, Assam received 30,133 complaints related to public grievances. With pending cases from the previous period, the state had a total of 39,584 grievances. The state government was successful in disposing of 30,572 public grievances in these six months. The pending cases for Assam stood at 9,012.

Dimbeswar Neog

Dimbeswar Neog was an eminent writer, poet, literati, educator and critic of Assam, who also served as the president of the 32nd Asom Sahitya Sabha, which was held in Nalbari. 

Popular known as the Indradhenu Poet in Assamese literature, Neog was a poet that regarded nature as the medium to rejuvenate. He was one of the literary geniuses of Assam, gifted with extraordinary talent and accomplishments. 

His contribution to the various fields of Assamese literature is exceptional that deserves special mention. This distinguished writer was also a leader and his innate analysis of the work and contribution has enriched Assamese culture, literature and art.

uring his college days, he came in touch with a number of eminent poets of Assam, namely Suniti Kumar Chatterjee, Chandra Kumar Agarwalla, Mitradev Mahanta, Bani Kanta Kakoti and Chandradhar Baruah. Neog was selected to be the General Secretary of Assam Chatra Sanmelan until 1924 edited the journals Janmabhumi and Milan.

During his life time, Neog wrote over 100 books, which includes books of different genre. Malika, Safura, Thupitora, Malati, Bihuwoti, Indradhanu, Mukuta, Thapona, Meghdoot, Axoma, Bichitra, Swohidaan, Rahasya Logori, Xuwoni and Manuh are some of the poetry collections of this great writer. Kundila Nagara, Gaone-Nagare and Sisuleela are the novels written by him. 

Dimbeswar Neog also wrote folk literature as well, which include Bonbenu, Banhi, Rohrohi, Kachon Konwari, Bhogjora, Pani Mithoi, Putoli, Moni Konwar, Dakor Boson Vedor Baani, Phool Konwar, Parijat, Namoti, Rohrohi, Postula Konwari, to name a few. 

Neog also wrote quite a few dramas, namely Krishna Leela, Okaal Basanta, Madan Bhasma, Deepawali, Ras Kriya, Kundil Konwari, Kundil Konwari and Deepawali. 

New Light on the History of Assamese Literature, Studies on Assamese Literature, Katha- Prativa, Modern History of Assamese Literature, The Origin and Growth of the Axomiya Language, A Light coming through wall of Assamese Literature – Kirtan Ghosa, etc. are some of the critical works by the author. He also wrote several religious books in Assamese language.

The contribution of Neog in the field of Assamese literature, history of literature, Sankardeva and Vaishnavism is remarkable and the books ‘Assamiya Bhasatatvar Natun Bisar’, ‘Assamiya Bhasa Aru Lipir Kahini’ and ‘Sudh Assamiya’ are displays the in-depth knowledge of Neog and his deep study of Assamese language.

Impacts of illegal influx

Historical Context

1. The issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh to Assam has been a long-standing problem.
2. The influx began during British colonial rule and intensified after India’s independence.
3. The 1979 Mangaldai by-election exposed the extent of the problem, leading to the Assam Agitation.

The Assam Accord

1. The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, set March 25, 1971, as the cutoff date for identifying illegal immigrants.
2. Those who entered between 1966 and 1971 were allowed to stay but were banned from voting for a decade.
3. Clause 6 of the Accord aimed to safeguard the rights of indigenous Assamese people.

Challenges in Implementation

1. The slow pace of Foreigners’ Tribunals in identifying and deporting illegal immigrants.
2. The lack of effective implementation of the Assam Accord, particularly Clause 6.
3. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, which grants citizenship to certain religious minorities from neighboring countries, further complicates the issue.

The Impact on Assam’s Identity and Culture

1. The influx of illegal immigrants has altered the demographic composition of Assam.
2. This has led to concerns about the erosion of the Assamese language, culture, and identity.
3. The indigenous people of Assam face threats to their livelihoods and socio-economic well-being.

Comic Commandos

In Assam’s Goalpara district, a unique initiative called “Comics Commandos” has been launched to combat child labour and child marriage.

About Comics Commandos

Purpose: To campaign against social evils like child labour and child marriage using grassroots comics.

Execution: Thirty local youths trained to create comic strips with minimum text and humour for better public engagement.

Approach: Visual storytelling resonates more effectively with the community, focusing on local issues like child abuse and economic hardships.

25% seats for poor students in private school

High Court’s Directive

The Gauhati High Court has repeatedly directed the Assam Education Department to implement the 25% reservation for economically weaker students in private schools.

The deadline for submitting an action taken report is November 25, 2024.

Department’s Initiative

The Education Department is launching a portal on November 21, 2024, to facilitate the admission process.

A list of private schools has been prepared, including prominent institutions in Guwahati and other districts.

Parents of eligible students can apply through the portal after its launch.

Right to Education Act

The Right to Education Act mandates 25% reservation for economically weaker sections in private schools.

The government reimburses tuition fees for these students.

RTE mandate in private schools – It is dealt by Section 12(1)(C) RTE Act. 

1. Section 12 (1)(C)- It mandates 25% reservation of seats to children from socio-economically backward sections in private schools.
2. Students admitted under this quota are given fee concessions, with the state government meant to reimburse private schools for the same.

Significance – It strives to bring parity and equality of opportunity for all children. 

1. Exemptions – The private schools within a one km radius of a government or government-aided school would not have to set aside 25% of seats for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
2. Instead, students in these neighbourhoods considered for admission into said government or government-aided schools first.

NorthEast Gas Grid

The North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) is expected to be connected to the national gas grid within two months, facilitating the extension of the network to integrate with the gas grids of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and potentially Myanmar.

★ India’s natural gas demand is growing steadily and is projected to nearly double by 2030. The government is focusing on increasing the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix.

★ The integration of the NEGG with the national grid is part of a larger ambition to establish India as a natural gas hub in the South Asia region.

★ The combined trading potential of India with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives can be more than 25 million standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) in the next 15 years.

★ India is considering leveraging the NEGG to set up a dedicated network of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations along the land routes to Bangladesh and small-scale LNG road transportation to serve Bhutan and Nepal.

★ The Right of Use (ROU) of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline for the transport of diesel could be utilized to extend the gas grid into Bangladesh.

★ Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) based LNG hub and spoke distribution models could be used to supply LNG to Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Indian Polity Current Affairs

Guidelines for coaching centers

• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued comprehensive guidelines to address the issue of misleading advertisements in the coaching sector.

About

• These guidelines are drafted in the wake of growing concerns about false/misleading claims, exaggerated success rates, and unfair contracts that coaching institutes often impose on students. 
• Such practices have been found to mislead students, influencing their decisions by concealing important information, giving false guarantees etc.

Important definition in the Guidelines

• Coaching includes academic support, imparting education, guidance, instructions, study programme or tuition or any other activity of similar nature but does not include counseling, sports, dance, theater and other creative activities;
• Coaching Center includes a center, established, run, or administered by any person(s) for providing coaching to more than fifty students;
• Endorser shall have the same meaning as provided under clause 2(f) of the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

• Regulation of Advertisements: The guidelines explicitly prohibit coaching institutes from making false claims related to;
• The courses offered, their duration, faculty qualifications, fees, and refund policies.
• Selection rates, success stories, exam rankings, and job security promises.
• Assured admissions, high exam scores, guaranteed selections or promotions.
• Truthful Representation: Misleading representations about the quality or standard of their services are strictly prohibited. Coaching institutes must accurately represent their infrastructure, resources, and facilities.
• Convergence with National Consumer Helpline: Every coaching center will be required to partner with the National Consumer Helpline, making it easier for students to raise concerns or complaints regarding misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.
• Fair Contracts: Coaching institutes will no longer be allowed to use successful candidate’s photographs, names, or testimonials without post-selection consent. 
• No Creation of False Urgency: The guidelines aim to address common practices in coaching that create false urgency or scarcity such as suggesting limited seats or overstating demand.
• Enforcement and Penalties: Any violation of these guidelines will be treated as a contravention of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• The Central Authority has the power to take stringent actions against offenders, including imposing penalties.

Inter State Council

1. The ISC was constituted to facilitate Centre-State and Inter-State cooperation in India. 
2. It was established under Article 263 of the Constitution, which empowers the President of India to establish an ISC for better coordination between States. 
3. The Sarkaria Commission (1988) recommended making the ISC a permanent body, leading to its formal establishment in 1990 through a Presidential Order. 

Functions of the ISC: 

It discusses subjects of common interest to states and the Union and makes recommendations for the coordination of policies and actions. 

The ISC also investigates issues affecting Centre-State and Inter-State relations to ensure seamless governance. 

Composition of the Council: The PM serves as the Chairperson. Members include Chief Ministers(CMs) of all States, CMs of Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly and Administrators of UTs not having a Legislative Assembly, and 6 Union Ministers of Cabinet rank, nominated by the Prime Minister, are also part of the ISC. 

1. The Presidential Order of 1990 has been amended twice, first in 1990 and then in 1996, to allow the Governor of a State under President’s rule to attend the meeting of the ISC and for the Chairman to nominate permanent invitees from amongst the other Union Ministers, respectively. 
2. In the second meeting of the ISC held in 1996, the Council decided to set up a Standing Committee for continuous consultation and processing of matters for consideration of the Council.  
3. Accordingly, a Standing Committee was set up under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister and has been reconstituted from time to time with the approval of the Chairman of the Council. 

Private Property 

Supreme Court Verdict: Property Owners Association & Ors v. State of Maharashtra

The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud (before his retirement), delivered a landmark judgment addressing two critical constitutional questions:

Status of Article 31C: Does this article still exist after certain amendments were struck down by the Supreme Court?

Scope of Article 39(b): Does it allow the state to acquire private property as part of the “material resources of the community”?

Context of the case: Articles 39(b) and 31C

1. The case focused on a Maharashtra law that enabled a public housing body to acquire old, privately owned buildings in Mumbai.
2. The law claimed to give effect to Article 39(b), which mandates that the state ensure the equitable distribution of material resources for the common good.
3. The Bombay High Court (1991) ruled that laws implementing Article 39(b) are protected by Article 31C.

Background of Article 31C:

Introduced in 1971 via the Constitution (Twenty-Fifth Amendment) Act, Article 31C aimed to promote socialist policies by:

Protecting laws that implement Article 39(b) and 39(c) from being declared void if they conflict with Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19 (Fundamental Freedoms), or Article 31 (Right to Property, repealed in 1978).

Shielding such laws from judicial scrutiny if they were declared to give effect to these policies.

The Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati (1973) struck down the part that prevented judicial review but retained the protection for laws enforcing Article 39(b) and (c).

In the Minerva Mills case (1980), the expanded scope of Article 31C to cover all Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) was invalidated.

Question 1: Status of Article 31C

Petitioners argued that the Minerva Mills ruling effectively nullified Article 31C, making the Maharashtra law invalid for violating Article 14.

The Supreme Court clarified:

1. The original protection under Article 31C (as upheld in Kesavananda Bharati) still stands.
2. The 42nd Amendment changes struck down in Minerva Mills did not eliminate the earlier version of Article 31C.
3. This decision was unanimous, including a dissenting view by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia who agreed on this specific point.

Key Question 2: Interpretation of Article 39(b):

Article 39(b) deals with the state’s role in distributing resources to benefit the community.

Past Interpretations:

Justice Krishna Iyer (1977) held that both natural and man-made resources, whether publicly or privately owned, fall under “material resources of the community”.

In the Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing Co. (1983) case, the Court upheld nationalization as being protected under Article 39(b), exempt from challenges based on Article 14.

Current Ruling:

1. The Court disagreed with a blanket inclusion of all private property as “material resources of the community”.
2. It stated that if this was the intent, Article 39(b) would have been worded differently.
3. The Court noted that economic policies have evolved, and today’s mixed economy (public and private investments) does not align with a rigid view prioritizing state acquisition of private property.

Minority Status

The Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College Founded, 1875: 

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan established the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh, with the aim of providing modern education to Muslims in India, who were perceived to be socially and educationally backward. The institution later becomes the basis for AMU. 

AMU Takes Shape, 1920: 

The Aligarh Muslim University Act was passed by the Indian Legislative Council, formally transforming the MOA College into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). 

S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India, 1967: 

1. The Supreme Court ruled that AMU cannot be classified as a minority institution under Article 30. 
2. The ruling emphasizes that AMU was a central university, not one “established or administered” solely by the Muslim community, thus it does not qualify as a minority educational institution. 

AMU Act Amended to Grant Minority Status, 1981: 

1. In response to the 1967 ruling, the Union government amended the AMU Act in 1981, declaring that AMU was indeed “established by the Muslims of India” to promote the educational and cultural advancement of Muslims. 
2. This amendment grants AMU minority status. 

AMU Reservation Controversy, 2005: 

1. AMU introduces 50% reservation for Muslim students in postgraduate medical courses. 
2. The Allahabad High Court struck down the reservation policy in 2006, ruling that AMU could not claim minority status because it was not a minority institution as per the 1967 Supreme Court decision.  
3. This is based on the reasoning that AMU was not “established or administered” by the Muslim community, thus it does not meet the criteria under Article 30. 

Government Withdraws Appeal, 2016: 

1. The government withdraws its appeal in the Supreme Court against AMU’s minority status, arguing that AMU does not qualify as a minority institution, reinstating its position based on the 1967 ruling.  
2. The government maintains that AMU renounced its religious status when it was established as a central university in 1920. 
3. Seven-Judge Bench, 2019: 
4. A three-judge bench referred the issue to a larger seven-judge bench to resolve the legal questions surrounding AMU’s minority status. 

The Latest Verdict, 2024: 

1. A seven-judge Supreme Court Bench, by a 4:3 majority, overturned the Allahabad High Court’s ruling on minority status criteria in the S Azeez Basha vs Union of India case. 
2. This ruling opens the possibility for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to obtain recognition as a minority institution. 

Bulldozer Culture

Supreme Court’s Directives for Demolition Procedures

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to establish binding guidelines for state authorities to address concerns over arbitrary demolitions.

i) Notice Requirements:  Authorities must provide at least 15 days’ notice before demolishing a property.

ii) Detailed Notice: The notice must specify the nature of the unauthorized construction, particular violations, and grounds for demolition.

iii) Opportunity to Respond: Owners or occupants should have a fair chance to contest the demolition before a designated authority.

iv) Reasoned Order: Final demolition orders must include reasoned conclusions. The demolition process must be recorded.

v) Consequences of Non-compliance: Violations of these guidelines could lead to contempt charges, prosecution, and restitution liabilities for responsible officials.

The court clarified that these directives would not apply to encroachments on public property or demolitions ordered by a court.

SC observations on “Collective Punishment”

Justice B.R. Gavai noted that demolishing homes as a form of “collective punishment” violated the rule of law:

i) Innocent Parties Affected: Family members, such as spouses and children, should not be penalized through demolitions without any involvement in criminal activities.

ii) Violation of Basic Rights: Destroying homes infringes on the constitutional right to life, which includes the right to shelter and dignity.

iii) Presumption of Innocence: The court emphasized that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Healthy Longevity initiative

Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), and Human Capital’ Report by World Bank:

1. It focuses on demographic transformation as one of the challenges to human capital and well-being, demonstrating that addressing the major NCDs could contributes to healthy longevity. 

2. Demographic transformation depicts the changing pattern of mortality, fertility and growth from high to lowers birth/death rates. 
3. Healthy longevity refers to reducing preventable deaths and disabilities across life, maintaining physical, mental, and social wellbeing into older age. 

Key Findings of the Report

1. Impact of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs):  Like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. cause over 70% of global deaths annually.
2. Based on current projections, there will be a rise in overall deaths to 92 million (2050) from 61 million (2023).

India-related Findings

1. NCDs in childhood: Causes about 1.2–4.2 fewer years of completed education.
2. Higher out of pocket medical expenditure: Primarily dominated by travel costs.  
3. Life expectancy: Lowest at the age of 15 among the lowest education groups due to higher death rates during 30–69 years from NCDs.

Major Recommendations to promote healthy longevity

1. Life-course approach to NCDs: Prevention and Management of NCDs along with other policy reforms like labor markets, social protection and long-term care. 
2. Leveraging fiscal tools: Raising taxes on products that damage people’s health like tobacco, etc. 

International Relation Current Affairs

IMEC status

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) was announced at the G20 Summit in September 2023.

It aims to reduce transit time by 40% and costs by 30% compared to the Suez Canal route.

The corridor is expected to boost international trade significantly.

What progress has been made on the IMEC?

Western Segment Challenges

1. Progress in the western part, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, is delayed.
2. The Israel-Palestine conflict since October 2023 has slowed collaboration in the region.
3. Geopolitical tensions make joint work with Israel difficult for Arab nations.

Eastern Segment Developments

1. The eastern segment, connecting India and the UAE, is progressing well.
2. India-UAE trade has grown significantly post the 2022 CEPA agreement: Total trade increased from $43.3 billion (2020-21) to $83.64 billion (2023-24). Non-oil trade grew from $28.67 billion (2020-21) to $57.81 billion (2023-24).

Virtual Trade Corridor

1. India and the UAE have launched the Virtual Trade Corridor to streamline trade by reducing administrative processes and costs.
2. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for other countries in the IMEC to enhance cross-border trade efficiency.

Red Notice 

•  International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL): It is an international organisation that facilitates cooperation between police forces from different countries in tackling transnational crimes like terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, organised crime.

• It is headquartered in Lyon, France. It is the world’s largest police organisation with 196 member countries. Important functions of Interpol include sharing information and databases, issuing alerts and notices, coordinating international criminal investigations, conducting capacity building and training programmes.

• The General Assembly is Interpol’s highest decision-making body.

• Interpol has a National Central Bureau (NCB) in each country. In India, Central Bureau of Investigation is country’s NCB.

• Interpol has undertaken successful global operations like Operation Infra-Red and Operation Lionfish.

Red Notice: It is a request to law enforcement in the Interpol member countries to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action, based on a valid national arrest warrant or court judgement.

Security Current Affairs

Adaptive Defense

The Raksha Mantri highlighted that traditional notions of war are being reshaped by emerging technologies and evolving strategic partnerships, necessitating an ‘Adaptive Defense’ strategy to address the new challenges.

About ‘Adaptive Defence’

1. Definition: It’s a strategic approach where a nation’s military and defence mechanisms continuously evolve to counter emerging threats effectively.
2. Principle of ‘Adaptive Defence’: It involves cultivating a proactive mindset to anticipate threats, adapt, innovate and thrive in the face of unpredictable circumstances.
3. Capabilities needed for ‘Adaptive Defense’: Situational awareness, flexibility at strategic and tactical levels, resilience, agility, and integration with the futuristic technologies.
4. Significance: Secure the future beyond just protecting borders; Designed to address both traditional (e.g., armed aggression) and non-traditional security challenges (e.g., Drug trafficking), counter the menace of information warfare against national security, etc.

Emerging Technologies: The Driver of Future Warfare

1. Information warfare (IW): It relies upon networked information systems where an operation conducted in order to gain an information advantage over the opponent. E.g., Cyberwarfare.
2. Lethal Autonomous weapon systems (LAWS): Weapons system once activated can engage targets without further human interference.
3. Lasers & Electromagnetic railguns: For space-based attacks on satellites. 
4. Synthetic biology: Crimes like, illegal gene-editing, cyber-bio crime, bio-malware, bio-hacking, etc.