Syllabus: GS-II;

Subject: Governance

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population.

Context: The Union government issued an order paving the way for persons with disabilities to be considered for reservation in promotions.
 Synopsis:

• The Centre will grant ‘notional promotion’ to officers eligible for promotion from June 30, 2016, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
•  The Department of Personnel and Training’s decision aligns with Supreme Court directions, ensuring financial benefits when officers assume charge.
•  The promotion includes seniority quota and competitive exams. Ministries must identify supernumerary posts, created temporarily, to protect seniority.
• In May 2022, the DoPT clarified 3% reservation for Persons with Disabilities in identified Group A and B posts from June 30, 2016, addressing SC’s directive for ‘reservation in promotion.’

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

• Disability has been defined based on an evolving and dynamic concept.
• The types of disabilities have been increased from existing 7 to 21.
• The Central Government will have the power to add more types of disabilities.
• Appropriate governments to take effective measures to ensure that the persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others.
• Additional benefits such as reservation in higher education (not less than 5%), government jobs (not less than 4 %), reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5% allotment) etc. have been provided.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III.

Subject: Security

Topic: Basics of cyber security

Context: The founder editor of the wire news website Siddharth Varadarajan and another journalist in India were targeted with Pegasus.

Synopsis:

•  Pegasus, developed by NSO Group, is an invasive spyware infiltrating phones through exploit links, granting complete access.
• NSO Group claims to sell exclusively to governments; the Indian government has not denied using Pegasus.
• The spyware employs BLASTPAST, a zero-day exploit, exploiting unknown vulnerabilities without available patches.
• Citizen’s Lab findings reveal Pegasus utilizes a chain of zero-day exploits, penetrating phone security without user consent.
• In response, the Supreme Court appoints a technical committee to investigate allegations of Pegasus use in India.

Conclusion: However, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar denied the findings and termed it as “half facts, fully embellished”.

Concept: A “zero-day exploit” is a completely unknown vulnerability, about which even the software manufacturer is not aware, and there is, thus, no patch or fix available for it.

• The specific exploit allegedly in use on the two devices is called BLASTPAST

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III;

Subject: Security;

Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Context: In a first but important step in bringing relief to the families of Eight Former Indian Navy personnel on death row in Qatar, the appellate court there commuted the death sentence Thursday.

Synopsis:

• Qatar Court has commuted death sentences for eight former Indian Navy personnel October 26.
• Now Reduction of death sentences has been confirmed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• All the eight former navy personnel were employed by Dahra Global and arrested in August 2022 on undisclosed charges, reportedly related to espionage for Israel.
• Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with Qatar’s Emir in December was crucial in securing consular access and the reduction of sentences.
• Detailed court order is awaited; MEA in close contact with legal teams and families to decide on next steps.
• The case triggered diplomatic efforts, with India expressing deep concern and providing consular assistance.
• Seen as a legal victory for India after almost a year and a half since the arrest of the personnel.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Economic Development

Topic: Indian Economy and issues

Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Stability Report highlights the resilience of the Indian economy and domestic financial system. It projects an improvement in the asset quality of banks and discusses concerns for non-banking financial companies.

Highlights of the report:

• Positive trends include improved asset quality for scheduled commercial banks (SCBs), with GNPA ratio at a multi-year low of 3.2%.
• The FSR projects further improvement in the GNPA ratio to 3.1% by September 2024 under the baseline scenario.
• Macro stress tests show SCBs’ ability to comply with minimum capital requirements under various stress scenarios.
• Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) exhibit improvement, but potential stress is noted under high-risk scenarios, requiring close monitoring.
• The report emphasizes the soundness and resilience of India’s banking sector, citing enhanced provisioning, sustained capital adequacy, and increased profitability.
• Governor Shaktikanta Das underscores India’s position as a fast-growing economy and the RBI’s commitment to early risk prevention.
• Key policy priorities include achieving durable price stability, ensuring medium-term debt sustainability, and promoting inclusive and green growth.

Conclusion:

India’s financial system, as highlighted by Governor Shaktikanta Das and the Financial Stability Report, remains robust and resilient. Positive metrics, low non-performing assets, and a commitment to early risk management underscore India’s strong economic foundation and status as a rapidly growing major economy.

Financial Stability Report (FSR):

• Published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) biannually.
• Assesses the nation’s financial stability, incorporating inputs from all financial sector regulators.
• Systemic Risk Survey (SRS):Conducted as part of FSR.
• Evaluates five types of risks: Global, Financial, Macroeconomic, Institutional, General.
• Key Focus Area:
• Offers a comprehensive view of the financial landscape, enabling stakeholders to anticipate and address potential issues.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: China aims to commence work on the Teesta River development projects after the January 7 polls in Bangladesh.

Synopsis:

Chinese Proposal for Teesta River Development:

• China expresses interest in developing reservoirs on the Teesta River in Bangladesh, receiving proposals from the country.
• Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) acknowledges China as a development partner and emphasizes the need to consider India’s concerns regarding the Teesta River project in the context of geopolitical factors.

India’s Concerns and Siliguri Corridor:

• India views the Siliguri Corridor, near the proposed Teesta project, as strategically vital (often referred to as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’) and is concerned about potential threats to its control.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin acknowledges India’s concerns but finds it challenging to address hypothetical questions, indicating that any objections from India will be carefully considered, taking into account geopolitical factors.

Bangladesh-China Collaboration and Teesta River Development:

• China is already collaborating with Bangladesh on various infrastructural projects.
• The concerned ministries and the Economic Relations Division in Bangladesh will assess the potential for cooperation on the Teesta River development, weighing economic benefits against geopolitical considerations.

Conclusion:

India, apprehensive about China’s involvement in the Teesta River project near the Siliguri Corridor, considers it strategically sensitive. The ‘Chicken’s Neck’ region is vital, and any Chinese presence is viewed with suspicion. Bangladesh’s careful evaluation of China’s proposal, considering India’s concerns and geopolitical factors, is crucial to maintaining regional stability. India seeks assurance that its strategic interests will be safeguarded amidst the evolving dynamics in the region.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-II;

Subject: International Relations;

Topic: Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: US President Joe Biden hoped to present a firm international response to Yemen’s Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping by launching a new maritime force, but a week after its launch many allies don’t want to be associated with it, publicly, or at all.

Synopsis:

• US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to counter Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
• Houthi attacks are in response to Israel’s actions, affecting global trade in the Red Sea.
• The US seeks international support amid challenges from Iran’s proxies.
• Only 12 of the claimed 20 countries in the coalition have been named publicly.
• Italy and Spain distanced themselves from the coalition, citing public concerns over Gaza.
• Concerns include public backlash, Houthi retaliation, and coalition cohesion.
• Saudi Arabia, UAE, and India express disinterest or reluctance to join.
• Pentagon aims to internationalize Houthi attacks, separating them from Israel-Hamas conflict.

Background:

Operation Prosperity Guardian:

• Launched in December 2023, responds to Houthi attacks on Red Sea commerce.
• • Led by the US Secretary of Defence, it involves a multinational maritime security force patrolling the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
  • The coalition includes over 20 countries, such as Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the UK.
  • Notably absent are Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as some maritime corporations avoid Red Sea routes.

  Who are Houthis:

  The Houthis, an Islamist force from northern Yemen, emerged in the 1990s, belonging to the Zaidi Shia Muslim minority.

India’s Stand:

India’s decision to stay out of Operation Prosperity Guardian is a strategic move driven by economic considerations, prioritizing trade interests and security concerns to avoid Houthi retaliation. Diplomatically, it reflects to maintain regional neutrality and balanced relationships. Domestically, it aligns with public sentiment, showcasing responsiveness. India’s proactive approach to regional security through alternative forums demonstrates strategic flexibility.

Source: Indian Express