Deep Dive Daily Current Affairs | 10th November 2024

• Border Disputes
• Panimur-Umrangso-Khobak region
• Expenditure and Students attendance for mid day meal 
• Expenditure and Students attendance for mid day meal
• Assamese Language History 
• Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya’s
  legacy in Assamese Drama
• New Vaishnavite Literature
  and Devotion 
• Raax Mahotsav
• Majuli Cultural University
• Classical Language Status
• Digital Life Certificates
• Ransomware
• Food Safety in Assam
• Bibek Debroy Committee

Assam Part Current Affairs 

Border Disputes

• Assam has been facing with the neighboring states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram since the creation of these states is one of the most vexed problem, Assam has been afflicted with for over a decade.
• These States were once part of Assam. After the curving out of these states from the erstwhile composite state of Assam, these neighboring states have been claiming large areas of Assam for inclusion into their respective states
• These states have been relentlessly trying to encroach upon areas of Assam and in some areas have illegally set up villages & settled their people.

Assam-Meghalaya Border Issue: 

• In the last two years, the Govt. has made tangible and unprecedented initiatives to end the border disputes conclusively by bilateral resolutions.
• The State of Meghalaya has 12 areas of differences with Assam. A path breaking move was made in the meeting between Chief Ministers of both the States held on 23/07/2021 at Shillong to resolve the contentious boundary issues by setting up 3 Regional Committees respect of the first 6 areas of differences out of the 12 areas of differences, headed by Ministers of both the States to engage with local people and community organization

Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border Issue: 

• Another milestone has been achieved in respect of Assam’s dispute with Arunachal Pradesh. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh shares 804.1 K.M of inter-state boundary having 8 districts of Assam and 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• On July 15, 2022 the Historic Namsai Declaration was signed between the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh at Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh wherein the 123 claimed by Arunachal Pradesh were minimized to 86 villages.

Goodwill programme: To promote peaceful co-existence amongst the people of the neighboring states, Border Festival has been organized at Bhalukpung in close co-ordination with the counterpart District of Arunachal Pradesh and at Hailakandi in close co-ordination with the counterpart District of Mizoram.

Panimur-Umrangso-Khobak region 

• Panimur-Umrangso-Khobak region in Dima Hasao, Assam:

• Historical and Cultural Significance:
• The region is a gateway to history, culture, and natural wonders.
• It is a sacred site for the Dimasa community, who gather there for holy baths on Magh Purnima.
• The Lungzubel Archaeological Site in Khobak contains centuries-old stone jars, similar to those found in Laos, which may have been used for storing cremated remains.
• The region is home to diverse communities like the Dimasas, Jimi Nagas, Hmars, Kukis, Biates, Hrangkhals, Khelmas, Jaintias, and Karbis, enriching its cultural tapestry.

• Natural Wonders:
• The Kopili River flows through the region, creating breathtaking waterfalls and scenic landscapes.
• The region boasts limestone caves and mysterious caverns.
• The Khandong and Umrong dams of the NEEPCO’s Kopili Hydro Electric Project are marvels of engineering integrated with the landscape.
• Umrangso has a serene lake created by the damming of the river, offering opportunities for water sports.
• During October-November, Amur Falcons roost in the region en route to South Africa, coinciding with the migration of dragonflies.

• Potential for Tourism:
• The region offers potential tourist sites, including the Kopili River, Umrangso lake, and the APGCL’s 120 MW LKHEP project.
• The stone jars at the Lungzubel Archaeological Site are a major attraction for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
• The region’s diverse culture and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for adventure and nature lovers.
• Overall, the Panimur-Umrangso-Khobak region is a hidden gem with rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. It is a place where rivers sing, stones tell stories, and landscapes whisper secrets of ancient civilizations and legends.

Expenditure and Students attendance for mid day meal 

• In a bid to ascertain that the expenditure incurred in the midday meal scheme for schools is accounted for, the state Department of School Education recently issued a direction that all the recorded students in schools should give attendance through the Shiksha Setu App only and districts should release food grains and cooking costs as per the attendance of students.

• It was held that many students and class teachers don’t give daily attendance in the app, even though the students are present. Due to this, there is a difference in the number of students present in schools getting Midday Meal under PM POSHAN, the department pointed out.

• This has created problems in the disbursement of appropriate amounts of funds for food grains and cooking costs as per the attendance of students, the department stated in a letter to all District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs).

• The DEEOs were directed to ascertain that all the recorded students in schools give attendance through the Shiksha Setu App, and the districts should release food grains and cooking costs, taking into account the attendance of students. Moreover, it was further stated that while releasing these funds, the districts should deduct the savings of previous months due to absentee students and then release the funds accordingly.

• The cooking cost of midday meals in Assam from October 2022 onwards is Rs 5.45 per child for primary schools and nearly Rs 8.17 for upper primary schools. During 2023-24, the PM Poshan scheme covered 44,340 schools in the state. The total number of students was 40,87,368 but an average of 36,23,212 (88.64%) students were covered by the midday meal scheme.

Assamese Language History

                                                          Assamese Language: From Ancient Roots to Classical Glory

Ancient Origins and Evolution

1. Assamese belongs to the Eastern Indo-Aryan language group.
2. It evolved through centuries, influenced by Sanskrit, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic languages.
3. Earliest evidence appears in the “Charyapada” (8th-12th centuries).

Medieval Period

1. The Bhakti movement (15th-16th centuries) shaped Assamese literature.
2. Sankardeva and Madhavdeva standardized the language and created a rich literary tradition.

Colonial Era and Challenges

1. The British replaced Assamese with Bengali as the official language in 1837.
2. Assamese intellectuals fought to restore its status, which was achieved in 1873.
3. The 20th century saw the revival and modernization of Assamese literature.

Modern Era and Challenges

1. The rise of English and Hindi led to concerns about the decline of Assamese.
2. English-medium education has become more prevalent, impacting Assamese language use.
3. Efforts are underway to preserve and promote Assamese, including through government policies and community initiatives.

Classical Language Status

1. Assamese was recognized as a classical language in 2004.
2. This recognition brings benefits like increased funding and support for language and literature.
3. It highlights the language’s historical and literary significance.

Current Initiatives

1. Digital platforms and social media are playing a role in promoting Assamese.
2. Cultural organizations and literary societies are organizing events and publishing literature.
3. Government policies and educational initiatives are aimed at preserving the language.

Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya’s legacy in Assamese Drama

Kulada Kumar Bhattacharya’s Legacy in Assamese Drama

1. Early Influences: Bhattacharya’s early exposure to Assamese drama was shaped by the social and political changes of the 19th century. He was influenced by works that incorporated elements of Western drama, such as Shakespeare’s plays.
2. Education and Training: He received formal training in acting and stagecraft at the New Era Academy of Drama and Music in London and further honed his skills at the British Drama League.

Contribution to Assamese Theatre:

Playwriting and Directing: Bhattacharya wrote and directed plays that incorporated contemporary themes and innovative staging techniques.

1. Actor: He was a skilled actor, performing in both Assamese and English plays.
2. Theatre Activism: He co-founded the Assam National Theatre in 1960 to promote and nurture modern Assamese drama.
3. Filmmaking: He also contributed to Assamese cinema through documentary filmmaking.

Impact on Assamese Drama:

1. Introduced Modern Theatrical Techniques: He brought modern theatrical techniques, such as the use of ramps and symbolic representations, to Assamese theatre.
2. Fostered Appreciation for Diverse Theatrical Forms: He introduced Assamese audiences to a variety of dramatic styles, including those from Europe and India.
3. Inspired Future Generations: His work has inspired and influenced subsequent generations of Assamese theatre artists.

New Vaishnavite Literature and Devotion 

Introduction

1. The Neo-Vaishnavite period was a significant era in Assamese literature, deeply influenced by religious devotion and cultural norms.
2. The literature of this period, particularly drama, poetry, and prose, aimed to promote Vaishnavism and its principles.

Key Figures and Their Contributions

Sankardeva:

1. Pioneered the Ankiya Nat, a unique form of Assamese drama.
2. Wrote philosophical texts like “Bhakti Pradeepa” and “Nimi-Nabasiddha-Samvada.”
3. Composed devotional songs and poetry.

Madhavdeva:

1. Disciple of Sankardeva.
2. Known for his lyrical poetry, including “Nam Ghosha” and “Bhakti Ratnavali.”
3. Wrote Ankiya dramas, notably “Arjuna Bhanjana.”
4. Emphasized child-like devotion to Krishna.

Characteristics of Neo-Vaishnavite Literature

1. Religious Devotion: The literature is deeply rooted in Vaishnavism, promoting the principles of love, devotion, and surrender to God.
2. Moral and Ethical Teachings: The works often convey moral lessons and ethical guidelines.
3. Use of Vernacular Language: The writers used a simple and accessible language to reach a wider audience.
4. Unique Literary Forms: The period saw the development of unique literary forms like Ankiya Nat, Borgeet, and Nam Ghosha.
5. Influence of Sanskrit Literature: Sanskrit literature had a significant influence on the themes, language, and style of Neo-Vaishnavite literature.

Raax Mahotsav

Performance of the Ras Lila involves various classes of musical instruments, music and dance, and artifacts mask and painting. 

First Raas Leela was performed at Dakhinpat Sattra in 1840 A.D. and it is continued with full ritual ways. These constitute Assamese classical music and dance. 

Raas Lila was made into a stage performance by Pitambardeva Goswami of Garamur Sattra in the year 1934; in the year 1950 he permitted the girls of the Sattra to take roles in the Raas Lila and dance. 

Today, in most of the centers women participation is the normal way to carry on the Raas Lila performance. This festival has a great impact on the life and culture of the people of Majuli in particular, though it is a part of the culture of the Sattras as a festival it is performed by many of the villages. 

During the festival every man and woman and child remains busy receiving visitors and performing different duties related to the festival. There are reports to the effect that during the festival that lasts for four to five days at a stretch, lakhs of outsiders visit the island, and every family is to receive and keep one or more of them for those days.

Financial Assistance:  Financially assisting Raas committees. The state government transfers ₹25,000 each to about 3,000 organisers across the state. The government also provides ₹150,000 and ₹10,000 to Rongali Bihu and Durga Puja organisers.

Majuli Cultural University

• Majuli Cultural University is the only university which besides academic learning, emphasizes on the promotion of Indian cultural and knowledge values. 

• The university also stands for fostering the exchange of ideas and the development of mutual respect and harmony among students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.

• Significance: 
• 1.  Preservation and Development of local culture:
• Certificate Course in Missing Language
• Six-Month Certificate Course in Functional Sanskrit
• Six-Month Certificate Course in Manuscript Studies
• Three-Month Certificate Course in Borgeet: Singing and Performance
• Three-Month Certificate Course in Basics of Mati Akhora and Sattriya Dance

• 2. TKDL traditional biodiversity:
• Indian traditional systems of health cultures and knowledge systems, and any other forms of human knowledge, the University aims to provide education towards  making India a first category knowledge-hub and a centre of attraction for all classes of knowledge-seekers from across the world. 
• 50 bedded Ayush University

Classical Language Status

• Historical and Cultural Significance:
• Assamese language has a rich and ancient history dating back over 2000 years.
• It has a strong connection to classical Indian and global cultural traditions, as evidenced by references in ancient texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
• The diverse religious beliefs and practices in Assam, including Saivism, Tantric Buddhism, and nature worship, further highlight its deep-rooted cultural heritage.

• Process of Recognition:
• A committee was formed by the Assam government to prepare a comprehensive dossier showcasing the historical, linguistic, literary, cultural, geological, and anthropological aspects of the Assamese language.
• The committee meticulously researched and compiled evidence from various disciplines, including history, literature, anthropology, and geology.
• The dossier presented a strong case for the recognition of Assamese as a classical language by demonstrating its enduring cultural and linguistic legacy.

• Impact of Recognition:
• Global Recognition: The recognition will help establish Assamese as a distinct language on the global stage and address issues like incorrect representation on platforms like Google Unicode.
• Research and Development: Increased government investment in research will promote the study, preservation, and dissemination of the Assamese language.
• Cultural Promotion: The recognition will inspire the younger generation to contribute to the promotion of Assamese language through digital and technological platforms.
• Overall, the recognition of Assamese as a classical language is a significant milestone that will further strengthen its cultural identity and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Digital Life Certificates

The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) is organizing nationwide digital life certificate camps on November 11 and 12. These camps aim to simplify the life certificate submission process for pensioners using face authentication technology.

Key points:

1. Purpose: To streamline the life certificate submission process for pensioners.

2. Technology: Aadhaar-based face authentication technology will be used.

3. Locations: Camps will be held in 25 cities and towns across Assam, including Guwahati, Barpeta, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, Tinsukia, and Nalbari.

4. Facilitators: SBI and IPPB will set up camps at various branches and post offices.

5. Support: DOPPW officials will be present to guide pensioners on the face authentication process.

6. This initiative aims to make the process of submitting life certificates more convenient for pensioners.

Security Issues Current Affairs 

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s data or locks their device, demanding a ransom for the decryption key or to regain access. Initially, ransomware attacks focused on encrypting data and demanding a ransom for the decryption key.

Modern Tactics: Recent ransomware attacks have evolved to include double-extortion and triple-extortion tactics:

1. Double-extortion: Attackers threaten to leak stolen data online if the ransom is not paid.
2. Triple-extortion: Attackers use stolen data to target the victim’s customers or business partners.
3. Types of Ransomware:
4. Encrypting Ransomware (Crypto Ransomware): Encrypts the victim’s data, demanding a ransom for the decryption key.
5. Non-encrypting Ransomware (Screen-locking Ransomware): Locks the victim’s entire device, displaying a ransom demand on the screen.

Subcategories of Ransomware Include:

1. Leakware or Doxware: Steals and threatens to publish sensitive data.
2. Mobile Ransomware: Affects mobile devices, often using screen-lockers.
3. Wipers: Threaten to destroy data, sometimes even if the ransom is paid.
4. Scareware: Uses fear tactics to coerce payment, sometimes posing as legitimate alerts.

Ransomware as a Cyber Threat

1. Financial Impact: Ransomware attacks can cost organizations millions of dollars. An IBM report showed that the average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high of Rs 19.5 crore (USD 2.35 million) in FY 2024, up by around 7% over 2023, with the local industrial sector being the most impacted. Ransomware victims and negotiators are often reluctant to disclose ransom payments.
2. Speed of Attacks: Once hackers gain access to a network, they can deploy ransomware in less than four days, giving organizations little time to detect and respond.

1. Akira Ransomware: A notable ransomware variant known for its sophisticated encryption techniques.

2. LockBit Ransomware: A highly effective ransomware that targets enterprises and demands large ransoms.

3. CryptoLocker: Credited with kick-starting the modern age of ransomware in 2013 by encrypting files and demanding payment for decryption.

4. WannaCry: A cryptoworm that attacked over 200,000 computers in 150 countries in 2017, causing widespread disruption.

5. Petya and NotPetya: Encrypts the file system table, rendering computers unable to boot and causing significant operational disruptions.

6. Ryuk: Popularized big-game ransomware attacks against high-value targets, demanding substantial ransoms.

7. DarkSide: Responsible for the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021, causing major fuel supply disruptions in the U.S.

8. Locky: Uses macros in email attachments to infect devices, spreading rapidly through phishing emails.

9. REvil: Known for big-game hunting and double-extortion attacks, demanding ransoms and threatening to leak stolen data.

10. Conti: Operated a Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) scheme, using double-extortion tactics to maximize impact and ransom payments.

Food Safety in Assam

Importance of Food Safety Surveillance:

1. The FSSAI has urged states and UTs to ramp up food safety surveillance at tourist destinations to ensure safe food practices.
2. Regular inspections are crucial to detect and prevent food safety violations.
3. Consumers rely on authorities to ensure food safety standards are met.

Challenges in Food Safety Surveillance:

1. The rapid growth of the food business sector, including cloud kitchens, poses challenges for inspection.
2. Limited human resources and inadequate infrastructure hinder effective surveillance.
3. Lack of awareness among food business operators and consumers contributes to food safety issues.

Recommendations for Improving Food Safety Surveillance:

Technology-Based Solutions:

1. Utilize digital technology and online platforms to monitor food safety practices.
2. Implement a system where FBOs upload videos of their food preparation areas for inspection.
3. Encourage the use of mobile food safety laboratories.

Training and Capacity Building:

1. Train food handlers and FBOs on food safety and hygiene practices.
2. Provide training on the use of technology for food safety surveillance.

Collaboration and Coordination:

1. Establish collaboration between food safety authorities, tourism departments, and other stakeholders.
2. Organize regular advisory committee meetings at state and district levels.

Consumer Awareness:

1. Educate consumers about the importance of food safety and hygiene.
2. Encourage consumers to report food safety violations.

Infrastructure Current Affairs 

Bibek Debroy Committee

• Key Recommendations of the Bibek Debroy Committee
• Empowerment of Railway Officers:
• The committee emphasized empowering field officers, including General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs), by granting them greater decision-making authority.
• The government has partially implemented this by empowering GMs and DRMs to make independent decisions, handle various tenders, and manage divisions as business units.

• Establishment of an Independent Regulator:
• A major recommendation was to set up an independent regulatory body to ensure fair competition and regulate pricing.
• The Rail Development Authority (RDA) was approved in 2017, intended to provide expert advice on service pricing, enhance non-fare revenue, and foster competition.

• Liberalization of Indian Railways:
• The committee recommended “liberalization,” allowing private operators to participate in rail services to increase competitiveness and improve services.
• It clarified that liberalization does not imply “privatization” but aims at creating a competitive environment.
• However, due to opposition from railway unions and political parties, the government has not fully implemented this recommendation.
• Private participation is limited to select Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, primarily in freight services.

• Redesignation of Railway Board Chairman as CEO:
• To expedite decision-making, the committee recommended designating the Chairman of the Railway Board as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with final decision-making authority.
• This was implemented in 2020, with the first Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board appointed, making the Board function more like a corporate entity.

• Offloading Non-Core Services:
• The committee suggested that Indian Railways focus on its core function of running trains, while outsourcing non-core services such as security (Railway Protection Force), medical, and educational facilities for employees.
• The government is considering this recommendation to reduce operational burdens and improve focus on core railway services.

• Reforms in Accounting System:
• A major overhaul of the accounting system was recommended to shift from cash-based accounting to accrual-based accounting, enhancing financial transparency.
• This recommendation was implemented through an Accounting Reforms project, with Indian Railways now preparing financial statements on both accrual and cash bases.

• Safety Measures and Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK):
• In response to the committee’s recommendations on safety, the Ministry of Railways created the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) in 2017 with a fund of ₹1 lakh crore for replacing, renewing, and upgrading critical safety assets.
• In 2022-23, the government extended RRSK with an additional ₹45,000 crore in budgetary support.

• Integration of Advanced Technology:
• The committee recommended integrating advanced technology to modernize railway operations, including the adoption of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat and safety systems like KAVACH.
• The establishment of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for skill development and capacity building in rail technology aligns with this goal, focusing on empowering the workforce with modern skills.

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