Joint Parliamentary Committee on Personal Data Protection Bill
Context: The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill 2019, has argued in its report defending the controversial exemption clause that allows the Government to keep any of its agencies outside the purview of the law. The JPC said that a secure nation alone provides the atmosphere which ensures personal liberty and […]
RBI panel moots law to regulate digital lending
Context: A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Working Group (WG) on digital lending, including lending through online platforms and mobile apps, has recommended a separate legislation to oversee such lending as well as a nodal agency to vet the Digital Lending Apps. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Cyber security related issues), GS-III: Indian Economy Dimensions […]
Third edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC)
Context: The 3rd edition of Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) – 2021 is being held in November 2021 under the aegis of Naval War College, Goa. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges Dimensions of the Article: About the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) About the Indian Ocean About the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Challenges in Indian Ocean Region […]
Indian military ineffective sans Russian equipment
Context: A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has said that the Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment. The report is crucial in the pretext of the US administration’s review of Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges, GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: More about the […]
Navy to host its largest exercise, Ex Milan in 2022
Context: India is set to host its largest naval exercise, Ex Milan, early 2022 for which 46 countries have been invited according to a senior defence official. Relevance: Prelims, GS-III: Internal Security Challenges, GS-II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Milan (naval exercise) Organization and the Commands of the Indian Navy About recent developments in […]
‘Pandora Papers’ expose offshore assets of heads of state
Context: More than a dozen heads of state and government, including the King of Jordan and the Czech Prime Minister, have hidden millions in offshore tax havens, according to the so-called “Pandora Papers” investigation published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) media consortium. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Money Laundering), GS-II: International Relations […]
Maoist influence down from 96 to 41 districts: Home Ministry
Context: The geographical influence of Maoists has contracted to only 41 districts in the country, a sharp reduction from 96 such districts in 10 States in 2010, according to data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to Chief Ministers and other officials. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism, […]
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to finally see light of day
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is soon expected to launch the National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID that aims to provide a “cutting-edge technology to enhance India’s counter-terror capabilities”. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Various Agencies and other interventions regarding Internal Security and their mandate), GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies and Interventions) Dimensions of the […]
Ugly face of a crime-fighting move: Facial Recognition System
Context: In June 2021, the Joint Committee examining the Personal Data Protection Bill (2019) was granted a fifth extension by Parliament. The Government is also exploring the potential of facial recognition technology. Relevance: GS-III: Science and Technology, GS-III: Internal Security Challenges Dimensions of the Article: Introduction to Face Recognition How does it work? About Facial […]
ITBP inducts its first women officers
Context: The India-China LAC guarding the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force commissioned its first two women officers in combat after they completed their training. Relevance: GS-III: Internal Security Challenges (Various Security Forces/Agencies and their mandate) Dimensions of the Article: About the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) About the Indo-Tibetan Border Police […]