Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 15 June 2023

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 15 June 2023

Contents

1. Digital India’s Vision and Reality: Data Security and Governance Issues
2. Lightning and Wildfires: Climate Crisis Indicator

Digital India’s Vision and Reality: Data Security and Governance Issues

Context

The events of June 12 emphasised the contrast between the promises made under Digital India and the actual realities. These instances shine light on issues surrounding data breaches and governance failings inside the country’s digital infrastructure, underscoring the need for improved cybersecurity measures and rigorous regulatory frameworks.

Relevance 

GS Paper 3: Cyber Security

Mains Question

Talk about the effects of the CoWIN platform data leak on Indian citizens’ trust in digital systems. (150 Words)

Data Breach on CoWIN Platform:

• On June 12, a data breach on the CoWIN platform was revealed, disclosing sensitive personal information circulating on Telegram.
• Despite strong proof, early denials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were later followed by a statement ensuring data privacy.
• Similar historical occurrences, such as the EPFO breach and AIIMS ransomware attack, have damaged citizens’ faith due to denials and lack of transparency.
• The absence of a National Cyber Security Strategy and a robust data protection law further intensify these issues.

Challenges in Governance:

• The weak governance processes of digital platforms, except for Aadhaar, raise questions about their legislative mandates and accountability mechanisms.
• These platforms often lack legal definitions, operate as joint ventures or special purpose vehicles, and evade audits and transparency requirements.
• This approach compromises efficiency while glitches and failures have been observed in Aadhaar, Aarogya Setu, and the GEM platform.
• Furthermore, the indiscriminate acquisition of personal data beyond technical requirements raises hazards and contributes to data breaches.

Scandal Surrounding Twitter:

• Simultaneously, a scandal arose surrounding Twitter’s claimed compulsion by the Indian government to restrict content linked to the farmers’ demonstrations.
• Previous occurrences, such as opposition to secret instructions and subsequent raids on Twitter’s offices, underline the necessity for transparent and proportionate censoring measures.
• The absence of recognition from the concerned ministry about these charges adds to the concerns.

Aligning Digital Transformation with Constitutional Frameworks:

• These occurrences show the mismatch between digital systems and constitutional frameworks.
• Individual harms are neglected, and legal and institutional frameworks are overlooked in favor of innovation.
• To achieve successful digital transformation, it is important to integrate digital systems within the confines of the Constitution. This method will preserve citizen data, rebuild trust, and meet the ambitions of Digital India.

Conclusion:

• The happenings on June 12 exposed the divide between the rhetoric and reality of Digital India.
• Strengthening cybersecurity measures, maintaining openness, passing comprehensive data protection legislation, and aligning digital activities with constitutional frameworks are vital for generating confidence and enabling a successful digital transition.
• By tackling these problems, India may truly fulfill its promise as a global example for digital innovation.

Lightning and Wildfires: Climate Crisis Indicator

Context

• The current increase in wildfires in Canada has sparked questions regarding lightning’s potential role in starting these life-threatening natural disasters. In a warming world, lightning, which is known to be the primary cause of wildfires, is anticipated to occur more frequently.
• The devastating effects of lightning strikes are not limited to Canada; they have also occurred in India.
• Since lightning is a crucial climate variable, its influence on patterns of the world’s climate cannot be disregarded.

Relevance: 

GS Paper 3 : Disaster Management

Mains Question

Analyse how the climate crisis has affected lightning patterns and the importance of lightning as a key climate variable. How can lightning function as a climate change indicator? (150Words)

Increasing Wildfires Caused by Lightning:

• Lightning strikes are mostly to blame for the current wildfires in Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
• According to reports, human activity has also increased the severity of these forest fires.
• A study that appeared in the journal Nature emphasises the relationship between lightning and wildfires and the significance of long-continuing currents (LCC) in starting fires.
• According to the study, worldwide lightning activity and LCCs will grow by the 2090s, along with an increase in surface temperatures.

Long-continuing currents (LCC) – what are they?

Long-continuing-current lightning (LCC lightning) is a term used to describe lightning flashes that have an electrical discharge that lasts longer than 40 milliseconds.

Identifying the Climate Indicators of Lightning

• When thunderstorm clouds accumulate static electrical charges, a sudden discharge of electric charge results in lightning.The wider effects of the climate crisis are reflected in changes in lightning patterns, which have been identified as climate indicators.
• The World Meteorological Organisation considers lightning to be a crucial factor in determining the climate of the planet, and it also plays a role in the generation of ozone and other greenhouse gases by emitting nitrogen oxides.

Lightning Strikes in India

• India’s biggest natural disaster in recent years is lightning strikes, which have become more common there. The number of lightning strikes in the nation increased significantly between April 2020 and March 2021, rising by 34% to around 18.5 million strikes.
• Since 1995, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has noticed a dramatic increase in lightning strikes. While there have been deaths from lightning in several states, certain areas have seen fewer strikes as a result of awareness-raising campaigns and the provision of safer shelter choices.

Implications for North America and Central Asia:

• There is a possible rise in LCC lightning activity, even if simulations indicate that overall lightning activity may drop in some areas of North America and Central Asia.
• This change may increase the likelihood of wildfires being started by lightning. Understanding how the dynamics of shifting lightning patterns affect local wildfire hazards is essential.

Context

• The growing frequency of wildfires in Canada that are connected to lightning strikes emphasises how urgent it is to confront the climate catastrophe.
• The Earth’s climatic patterns are shaped by lightning, which is a crucial climate variable. Comprehensive initiatives, such as better readiness, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns, are needed to reduce the risks related to wildfires.
• We may prevent the deadly effects of these natural disasters by taking preventative measures by recognising the connection between lightning, wildfires, and climate change.