Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Exercise Ekuverin Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, the 14th edition of the annual India-Maldives bilateral Exercise Ekuverin started in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. About Exercise Ekuverin: Nomenclature: The Exercise ‘Ekuverin’ meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi language started in the year 2009. Countries involved: Ekuverin is one of the three major joint exercises between India and the Maldives. Launch year: It is a bilateral military annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives since 2009. Objective: The Exercise aims to enhance interoperability while carrying out counterinsurgency and Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban, jungle and coastal terrain. Significance: Exercise Ekuverin continues to be a shining example of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and its commitment to building enduring defence partnerships with friendly nations. Focus areas: It focuses on integration of niche technology to enhance interoperability, the countries will share best practices, reflecting the shared commitment of India and the Maldives towards peace and security in the region. Important for Indian Ocean region: The exercise reflects the growing defence cooperation and mutual commitment of India and the Maldives towards regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Other Exercises between India and Maldives: The two bilateral exercises are “Ekuverin” and “Ekatha” and trilateral- “Dosti”, which includes Sri Lanka. About Exercise Ekuverin 2025: The Indian Army contingent of 45 personnel, represented by a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, is participating alongside an equal-strength Maldivian contingent represented by the MNDF. The two-week-long exercise aims to enhance interoperability and operational synergy in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism operations across jungle, semi-urban and coastal terrain. It will witness participation of troops from both sides sharing best practices, tactical drills and joint operational planning to strengthen their capability to respond to common security challenges in the region. Source: News on AIR Hornbill Festival Category: History and Culture Context: Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, began recently amid renewed pushback by the state government against the Centre’s re-imposition of the Protected Area Regime. About Hornbill Festival: Nomenclature: It was named after the Hornbill bird is named after the hornbill bird, a symbol of fidelity, beauty, and grace in Naga folklore.  Location: It is celebrated at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima in Nagaland. Launch year: It was first organized in the year 2000 and it showcases the heritage of its 17 Naga tribes. Objective: It aims to promote inter-tribal interaction and preserve Nagaland’s heritage, blending the traditional with the contemporary in a harmonious display of unity. Significance: It is also called the festival of festivals and is held every year. Organising authority: It is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of the Government of Nagaland. Evolution: It has evolved into a celebration showcasing the diverse and vibrant cultural and traditional heritage of the tribes of Nagaland. It serves as a platform for the Naga tribes to display their rich traditions through performances, dances, and exhibitions. Distinctive attire: Warriors, dressed in full ceremonial attire, perform traditional dances and war cries that narrate stories of victories, harvests, love, and tribal legends. Their distinctive attire features hornbill feathers, boar tusks, and colourful woven sashes, creating a striking display of Naga heritage and pride. About Hornbill Festival 2025: Theme of 2025 festival:  Cultural Connect This year Nagaland has officially named Switzerland and Ireland as country partners for the Hornbill Festival 2025. Source: The Indian Express International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category: International Organisations Context: India has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Category B, which includes 10 countries. About International Maritime Organization (IMO): Nature: IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.  Objective: Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted, and universally implemented.  Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in London. Membership: It has 176 Member States and three Associate Members. Once a member state adopts a regulation, it becomes part of that country’s domestic law. Funding mechanism: Funding is sourced through mandatory contributions by member states and also from voluntary donations and commercial revenue. Association with UN: It is the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. Lacks enforceability of laws: The IMO formulates regulations on shipping safety, maritime security, and environmental protection but does not enforce them.  Promotes SDG 14: It contributes directly to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Deals with legal issues: The organisation also deals with legal matters such as liability, compensation, and facilitation of maritime traffic. Organisational Structure: The Assembly is the supreme governing body, comprising all member states. It meets every two years to approve the work programme, budget, and elect members to the Council. The Council acts as the Executive Organ, overseeing IMO’s work in between Assembly sessions. Major Committees: The IMO has five major committees, which are responsible for policy development and regulation formulation, including the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). Source: PIB Norovirus Disease Category: Science and Technology Context: Cases of norovirus, commonly known as the “winter vomiting disease,” have been rising in the United States in recent weeks. About Norovirus Disease: Nature: It is a common and highly contagious virus that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, a condition known as gastroenteritis. Other names: It is also sometimes referred to as the ‘stomach flu’ or the ‘winter vomiting bug’ as norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months.  Vulnerable people: People of all ages can get infected and sick with norovirus, which spreads very easily and quickly. Frequency: One can get norovirus illness many times in your life because there are many different types of noroviruses. These viruses are responsible for about 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and close to 50% of cases across the world. Transmission: One can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus infection occurs most frequently in closed and crowded environments.  Symptoms: These include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and tiredness. In extreme cases, loss of fluids could lead to dehydration. Treatment: Most people recover completely without treatment.  No vaccines are currently available to prevent norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving the symptoms. Prevention: Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Further, contaminated surfaces should be disinfected with a bleach-based solution, especially in outbreak situations. Source: NDTV Sanchar Saathi Category: Government Initiatives Context: The Department of Telecommunications has ordered phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones by March 2026. About Sanchar Saathi: Development: Sanchar Saathi is a is a security and awareness platform developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Availability: It is available both as an app and a web portal. Objective: It primarily aims to help mobile users manage their digital identity, report suspicious activity, and safeguard their devices.  Focus on awareness: The platform also provides educational material on telecom safety and cyber risks, making it a combined service-and-awareness system. Chakshu Feature: It lets users report suspicious calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, such as fake KYC alerts, impersonation scams, or phishing links.  It helps authorities spot fraud patterns. Addresses spam calls and links: Users can report spam calls and messages that break TRAI rules. Complaints made within seven days can lead to action against the sender. It also allows reporting of phishing links, unsafe APKs, and fraudulent websites.  Checks linked mobile connections: It shows how many mobile numbers are registered using one’s identity. It also helps identify SIM cards taken without one’s knowledge. Blocks lost or stolen phones: It allows users to block the IMEI of a lost or stolen device so it can’t be used. Phones can be unblocked if recovered. Verifies authenticity of a device: It allows users to check if a phone is genuine by validating its IMEI. It is useful when buying second-hand phones. Reports fraud international calls: Some scammers use illegal telecom setups to make international calls appear as regular +91 calls. Sanchar Saathi enables users to report such cases. Verifies trusted contacts: It provides a directory to confirm genuine customer-care numbers, emails, and websites of banks and other major institutions. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Colombo Security Conclave: A Template for Indian Ocean Security Cooperation (UPSC GS Paper II – “International Relations: India and its Neighbourhood, Regional Groupings, Security Architectures”) & GS Paper III – “Maritime Security, Internal Security Challenges”)   Context (Introduction) The 7th NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) summit in 2025 reflects India’s efforts to build a cooperative security framework in the Indian Ocean, as regional geopolitics, China’s growing footprint, and non-traditional maritime threats reshape strategic priorities.   Main Arguments Regional Security Platform: CSC provides a dedicated Indian Ocean security forum, unique in a region lacking a unified architecture despite high maritime vulnerabilities. Evolution of the Group: Originally a trilateral (India–Sri Lanka–Maldives), CSC expanded to include Mauritius (2022), Bangladesh (2024), and Seychelles (2025), signalling widening trust and strategic convergence. Addressing Non-Traditional Threats: The platform prioritises maritime security, counter-terrorism, trafficking, organised crime, and cyber threats, central to the economic and livelihood needs of littoral states. Development–Security Link: For CSC members, maritime security is inseparable from blue economy prospects, fisheries protection, disaster resilience, and sea-borne trade. India’s Strategic Moment: The summit strengthens India’s leadership at a time when the Indo-Pacific security environment is shifting due to China’s expanding influence and geopolitical volatility.   Challenges / Criticisms  China Divergence: India views China’s presence in the Indian Ocean as a strategic risk, but many CSC members depend on China economically and do not share New Delhi’s threat assessment. Institutional Weakness: CSC still functions primarily through NSA-level meetings, lacking a deeper, standing institutional mechanism for sustained cooperation. Domestic Uncertainties: Political instability in key states, especially Bangladesh, may affect continuity of engagement and weaken long-term group cohesion. Fragmented Regional Architecture: The Indian Ocean remains divided among multiple, overlapping but weak security groupings, diluting collective action. Uneven Capacity: Smaller island states lack resources for maritime domain awareness, search-and-rescue, and cyber defence, limiting CSC’s effectiveness.   Way Forward Institutionalisation: Create permanent secretariat, working groups, and annual joint exercises, similar to ASEAN-led mechanisms, ensuring policy continuity. Capacity Building: India can expand IT, maritime domain awareness (MDA), and coast guard training through IORA, SAGAR, and I4F initiatives. Balanced China Strategy: CSC should frame cooperation around non-traditional security, avoiding overt anti-China signalling to maintain consensus among smaller states. Economic-Security Integration: Promote blue economy partnerships, port security, anti-piracy collaboration, and disaster preparedness, reflecting member priorities. Incremental Expansion: Gradually include Malaysia (guest in 2025) and other Indian Ocean states, ensuring the group grows without overstretching.   Conclusion The CSC has emerged as a promising mini-lateral model for Indian Ocean security governance, overcoming historical fragmentation. Its future strength will depend on institutional resilience, balanced strategic messaging, and sustained cooperation that aligns security priorities with the developmental needs of littoral states.   Mains Question  “The Colombo Security Conclave is becoming a crucial pillar of India’s maritime diplomacy but faces structural and geopolitical challenges.” Discuss. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Mandating Sanchar Saathi: Cybersecurity vs Privacy Trade-offs (UPSC GS Paper II – “Fundamental Rights; Government Policies; Right to Privacy”; GS Paper III – “Cybersecurity; Internal Security; Technology & Threats”)   Context (Introduction) To curb cybercrime—from digital arrests to spoofed IMEI frauds—the government has mandated SIM binding and compulsory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all new smartphones. The move has raised concerns over privacy, proportionality, and potential surveillance misuse.   Main Arguments:  Cybercrime Escalation: Scams involving government impersonation, digital arrests, and cross-border networks have intensified, exploiting gaps in SIM-based verification systems. Account Exploitation: User accounts remain active even after SIM removal, enabling criminals to operate anonymously on encrypted messaging platforms. IMEI Spoofing: Counterfeit devices and tampered IMEI numbers have made tracking cybercriminals extremely difficult for law enforcement. Security Patch Intent: SIM binding aims to disable messaging app access when the associated SIM is removed, reducing impersonation risk. Device Verification Goal: Sanchar Saathi is intended to authenticate devices and weed out cloned or illegal handsets, strengthening the digital identification ecosystem.   Challenges / Criticisms  Privacy Intrusion: The directive mandates that the app be pre-installed, visible, and undeletable, requiring higher security privileges, risking intrusive access. Surveillance Concerns: Elevated permissions could create a Panopticon-like tool, enabling continuous monitoring or exploitation—especially worrying given past use of Pegasus. Legality & Proportionality Issues: Under K.S. Puttaswamy (2017), state actions must satisfy legality, necessity, and proportionality. Existing alternatives make the measure disproportionate. Security Vulnerability: A privileged government app could become a high-value target for hackers, exposing millions of users to systemic risks. Industry Pushback: Privacy-focused companies like Apple have resisted compliance, signalling global discomfort with mandatory surveillance-linked applications.   Way Forward Privacy-by-Design Tools: Strengthen USSD codes, SMS checks, and web-based verification instead of forcing device-level intrusive apps. Targeted IMEI Regulation: Improve CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) functioning, coupled with telecom audits and stricter KYC enforcement. Risk-Graded Measures: Apply intrusive tools only for high-risk cases after judicial authorisation, not for every smartphone buyer. Independent Oversight: Create a privacy and cybersecurity review board, ensuring safeguards before deploying government apps on private devices. Transparent Standards: Publish data handling policies, permissions, and audit logs, ensuring that no invisible surveillance architecture is embedded into devices.   Conclusion Cybercrime demands strong action, but compulsory government apps with privileged access raise grave concerns for privacy and constitutionalism. A sustainable cybersecurity strategy must rely on least-intrusive tools, transparent safeguards, and adherence to the proportionality doctrine laid down in Puttaswamy.   Mains Question  “The compulsory installation of the Sanchar Saathi app aims to curb cybercrime but raises serious concerns under the privacy framework.” Examine. (250 words, 15 marks)   Source: The Hindu  

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Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Bioremediation Category: Science and Technology Context: India’s rapid industrialisation has come at a heavy environmental cost and to address this, India needs to focus on bioremediation. About Bioremediation: Definition: Bioremediation is the use of living microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. Significance: Bioremediation has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to address various environmental challenges, from oil spills to contaminated soil and groundwater. Working Mechanism: Bioremediation involves introducing specific microorganisms or creating conditions that favour the growth of naturally occurring microbes capable of degrading pollutants. This technique leverages the natural capabilities of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to break down contaminants into less harmful or harmless substances. Common micro-organisms used: Some bacteria commonly used in bioremediation include Pseudomonas, Alcanivorax, Bacillus, and Deinococcus, as they can break down various toxic substances. Monitoring: Bioremediation can be monitored indirectly by measuring the oxidation-reduction potential or redox in soil and groundwater, along with pH, temperature, oxygen content, electron acceptor/donor concentrations and concentration of breakdown products (e.g. CO2). Types of Bioremediation: In Situ Bioremediation: It involves treatment of the contaminated material at the site. Prominent types of In Situ Bioremediation techniques include Bio-Venting, Bio-Sparging, Bio-Augmentation, etc. Ex Situ Bioremediation: It involves the removal of the contaminated material to be treated elsewhere. Prominent types of Ex Situ Bioremediation techniques include Land Farming, Composting, Bio-Piles, Bio-Reactors, etc. Applications of Bioremediation: Heavy Metal Bioremediation: It removes toxic heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, copper) through degradation, absorption, and detoxification. Soil Bioremediation: It degrades hydrocarbons in soils contaminated with oil and petroleum products, maintaining soil health and promoting natural recovery. Marine Oil Spill Bioremediation: It involves use of indigenous oil-degrading microorganisms (Halomonas aquamarina, Alcanivorax) to break down oil, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical cleaners. Rubber Waste Bioremediation: Bioremediation of rubber waste includes microbial treatments which reduce pollutants such as BOD, COD, and solids, alongside sulfur removal and rubber degradation for recycling. Source: The Hindu Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Category: International Conventions Context: At the conference on 50 years of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Mr. Jaishankar said that Global South should be at centre of preparations to deal with bioweapons. About Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Nomenclature: It is formally known as “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction”. Origin: It was negotiated in Geneva, Switzerland within the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament (ENDC) and Conference of the Committee on Disarmament (CCD) from 1969 until 1971. It was opened for signature in 1972 and entered into force in 1975. Objective: It aims to effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It supplements the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which had prohibited only the use of biological weapons. Membership: It has almost universal membership with 188 States Parties (India signed and ratified in 1974) and 4 Signatory States (Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic). Uniqueness: It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty which bans an entire category of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Meeting: States Parties meet approximately every 5 years to review its operation. States Parties to BWC have strived to ensure that Convention remains relevant and effective, despite the changes in science and technology, politics and security since it entered into force. Measures taken by India to implement Biological Weapons Convention (BWC): Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro organisms, Genetically/Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules, 1989: It protects the environment, nature and health, in connection with the application of gene technology and micro-organisms. Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005: It Prohibits unlawful activities (such as manufacturing, transport, or transfer) related to weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery. Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET): SCOMET list is India’s National Export Control List of dual use items, munitions and nuclear related items, including software and technology. Source: The Hindu Darjeeling Mandarin Orange Category: Miscellaneous Context: Recently, the ‘Darjeeling Mandarin Orange’ has officially been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About Darjeeling Mandarin Orange: Scientific name: It is botanically known as Citrus reticulata Blanco Nature: The Mandarin Orange is a major cash crop of the Darjeeling Hills and it is widely recognised for its rich aroma and flavour. Growing areas: It is grown in the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Other names: It is commonly known as “suntala” is the pride of Darjeeling hills due to its delightful aroma and flavour. Significance: It is the third product from the region, after Darjeeling Tea and Dalley Khursani chilli, to get the tag. Required Climatic Conditions for its growth: It is cultivated at elevations ranging from 600 to 1500 meters above sea level, They grow successfully in all frost free tropical and sub-tropical regions upto 1,500 m. above mean sea level. Annual rainfall should be 100-120 cm. Temperature should range from 10–35°C is suitable for cultivation of the crop. The preferred soil is medium or light loamy soils. Source: Deccan Herald INS Taragiri Category: Defence and Security Context: INS Taragiri was delivered to the Indian Navy recently at MDL, Mumbai, marking a major milestone in achieving self-reliance in warship design and construction. About INS Taragiri: Nature: It is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri, a Leander-class frigate that was part of the Indian Naval fleet from 1980 to 2013. Construction: It is the fourth ship of Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Ltd (MDL). Design: Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team (Mumbai), P17A frigates reflect a generational leap in indigenous ship design, stealth, survivability, and combat capability.  Significance: Taragiri is the fourth P17A ship to be delivered to Indian Navy in the last 11 months. The experience gained from construction of first two P17A ships have enabled the build period of Taragiri to be compressed to 81 months, in comparison to 93 months taken for First of the Class (Nilgiri). Step towards Aatamanirbhar Bharat: With an indigenisation content of 75%, the project has involved over 200 MSMEs and has enabled employment generation of approximately 4,000 personnel directly and more than 10,000 personnel indirectly. Propulsion: It is configured with Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plants, comprising a diesel engine and a gas turbine that drive a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) on each shaft, and state-of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System. Weapon suit: The potent weapon and sensors suite comprises BrahMos SSM, MFSTAR and MRSAM complex, 76mm SRGM, and a combination of 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems, along with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. Source: PIB Operation Sagar Bandhu Category: International Relations Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held conversation with Sri Lankan President and assured India’s continued support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. About Operation Sagar Bandhu: Nature: Operation Sagar Bandhu is India’s rapid Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched to support Sri Lanka during the devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. Coordination: It is coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Objective: It aims to provide immediate relief and essential supplies to Sri Lanka, ensuring rapid support under India’s Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR maritime cooperation frameworks. Key features: It included immediate deployment of INS Vikrant, INS Udaigiri, and IAF C-130J aircraft with relief cargo. The supplies included tents, tarpaulins, blankets, hygiene kits, ready-to-eat meals, and HADR equipment. It ensured sea–air integrated relief for fast delivery across affected regions. It involved continuous monitoring with readiness for additional assistance as the disaster evolves. About Cyclone Ditwah: Nature: It is a tropical cyclone that brought heavy rains to Sri Lanka and Southern India. Nomenclature: “Ditwah” is a name given by Yemen, as per the WMO-ESCAP (World Meteorological Organization & UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific) cyclone naming list. Significance of name: The name refers to Detwah Lagoon, an ecologically significant coastal waterbody located in the Socotra Archipelago. Assigning of names to cyclones: Names of tropical cyclones are assigned sequentially from a pre-approved list contributed by 13 member countries, which includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) SC Orders CBI Probe into Digital Arrests (GS Paper II – “Role of Judiciary; Centre–State Relations; Federalism; Coordination Mechanisms” & GS Paper III – “Cybersecurity; Internal Security; Technology Challenges”)   Context (Introduction) The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to lead a nationwide probe into “digital arrest” scams—cybercrimes costing Indians over ₹3,000 crore—overriding State consent and highlighting the growing threat of behavioural exploitation, weak cyber policing, and transnational criminal networks.   Main Arguments Pan-India Crime Architecture: Digital arrest scams involve interstate mule accounts, SIM misuse, and foreign cybercrime hubs (notably Southeast Asia), necessitating a national agency with jurisdiction beyond State boundaries. Exceptional Circumstances: The SC invoked extraordinary powers to bypass State consent under the DSPE Act, noting the magnitude of losses (₹3,000 crore), vulnerable victims (mainly elderly), and deep institutional coordination gaps. Behavioural & Cognitive Exploitation: Scamsters weaponise India’s high authority bias (79% trust government), fear of law enforcement, and availability heuristics using familiar names (e.g., CJI Chandrachud) to coerce victims into compliance. State-Level Inadequacies: Telecom negligence in SIM issuance, poor cyber forensics, and fragmented State cybercrime cells created an enforcement vacuum that only the CBI can fill. National Security Angle: The Supreme Court recognised that digital arrests may be exploited in cognitive warfare—where adversaries use psychological manipulation to undermine citizen trust and destabilise society.   Challenges / Criticisms  Federal Tensions: Centralising the probe raises concerns about cooperative federalism but was justified due to States’ uneven consent and capacities. Cross-Border Crime: Many scams originate from Southeast Asian cybercrime hubs; cooperation through Interpol and international MLATs remains slow and inconsistent. Institutional Bottlenecks: State cyber cells lack trained personnel, behavioural analysts, and cyber-forensic tools necessary to counter advanced scam networks. Technological Gaps: Inadequate AI/ML deployment by banks and telecom firms allows “layering” of funds through multiple mule accounts. Cognitive Vulnerabilities: Cultural predispositions—paternalism, fear of police, acquiescence bias (highest among 51 studied cultures)—make Indian citizens uniquely susceptible to authority-driven fraud.   Way Forward Centralised Cyber Command (Estonia Model): Build a unified national cyber command integrating CBI, I4C, CERT-In, RBI, and telecom regulators to respond to real-time scams. AI-Driven Fraud Detection (UK/US Banks): Implement machine-learning systems to flag unusual transfers, mule accounts, and rapid fund movement (layering). Mandatory E-KYC and SIM Regulation (South Korea Model): Enforce stricter telecom KYC, biometric validation, and real-time SIM audit to prevent identity-based fraud. Behavioural Risk Education (Singapore Model): Launch national behavioural-science campaigns explaining salience bias, authority bias, and coercion tactics used in digital arrests. Cross-Border Cyber Cooperation: Expand Interpol coordination, sign targeted cybercrime treaties with Southeast Asian nations, and set up joint investigation teams. Legal Modernisation: Update the IT Act to explicitly recognise digital coercion, impersonation of authorities, and online psychological manipulation as aggravated offences.   Conclusion The Supreme Court’s intervention reflects a shift from viewing cybercrime as a technical violation to understanding its deeper cognitive, behavioural, and transnational dimensions. Protecting citizens demands not only law enforcement coordination but a whole-of-society response combining technology, regulation, behavioural science, and international cooperation.   Mains Question  What do you understand by the terms digital slavery and digital arrest? What measures have government taken to tackle it ? Suggest reforms  (250 words) Source: The Hindu Bioremediation in India: Need, Types, Government Efforts & Challenges (UPSC GS Paper III – “Environment; Pollution Control; Biotechnology; Government Policies & Interventions”)   Context (Introduction) India’s rapid industrialisation has intensified soil, water, and air contamination. With traditional remediation methods proving costly and unsustainable, bioremediation offers a low-cost, scalable, and eco-friendly alternative, especially vital for cleaning polluted rivers, land, and industrial sites.   Main Arguments Industrial Pollution Crisis: Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna receive untreated sewage and industrial effluents daily, making low-cost biological clean-up essential. Sustainable Alternative: Traditional remediation methods are energy-intensive, expensive, and sometimes generate secondary pollution; bioremediation is nature-driven and less resource-heavy. Ecological Restoration: Bioremediation can address oil leaks, pesticide residues, and heavy metal contamination affecting ecosystems and public health. Biodiversity Advantage: India’s diverse indigenous microbial strains, adapted to local climates, offer higher efficiency than imported species. Economic Feasibility: Bioremediation suits resource-constrained local bodies and supports concurrent goals under Swachh Bharat, Namami Gange, and green technology missions.   Types of Bioremediation In situ Bioremediation: Treatment at the contamination site—e.g., spraying oil-eating bacteria directly on spills. Ex situ Bioremediation: Contaminated soil or water is removed, treated in controlled facilities, and returned after detoxification.   How Traditional Microbiology Combines with Cutting-edge Biotechnology Enhanced Microbial Identification: Modern genomics helps identify microorganisms with pollutant-degrading traits. Genetically Modified Microbes: GM bacteria can degrade plastics, oil residues, or persistent chemicals that natural species cannot. Replicating Biomolecules: Biotechnological tools enable replication of useful microbial enzymes for use in sewage treatment and agriculture. Nanobiotechnology: IIT researchers have developed cotton-based nanocomposites to mop up oil spills. Targeted Applications: Engineered enzymes and microbial consortia are tailored to degrade site-specific toxins.   Government Initiatives Supporting Bioremediation DBT Clean Technology Programme: Funds projects linking academia, research labs, and industry on bioremediation solutions. CSIR-NEERI Mandate: Develops and deploys bioremediation frameworks for polluted sites across India. Start-up Ecosystem Support: Organisations like BCIL and Econirmal Biotech offer microbial solutions for soil and wastewater. Integration with National Missions: Potential linkage with Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange, Urban wastewater management reforms, and upcoming Green Technology initiatives.   Challenges to Adoption in India Lack of Site-Specific Knowledge: Different pollutants and soil/water conditions demand customised microbial solutions, which are often unavailable. Complex Pollutants: Industrial pollutants like mixed chemicals, microplastics, and heavy metals require multi-strain or advanced biotech solutions. Weak Standards: India lacks unified national standards for microbial applications and bioremediation protocols. Biosafety Risks: GM microbes need strict monitoring to prevent ecological imbalance or unintended spread. Capacity Gaps: Limited trained personnel, weak awareness, and insufficient local infrastructure hinder scaling.   Conclusion Bioremediation offers India a powerful pathway to restore polluted ecosystems using indigenous biological resources. However, responsible scaling requires national standards, biosafety frameworks, localised research hubs, and public engagement to ensure that biotechnology strengthens — rather than jeopardises — ecological recovery.   Mains Question  What is bioremediation? Explain the mechanisms involved with suitable examples. Examine its role in India’s waste management strategy and outline key government initiatives promoting its adoption. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Rupee Depreciation: Why It May Help — and Why Caution Is Needed (UPSC GS Paper III – “Indian Economy: Growth, Development, Employment; External Sector; Foreign Exchange Management”)   Context (Introduction) The rupee has depreciated by 5.6% against the USD over the past year, with the REER falling from 108.1 (Nov 2024) to 97.5 (Oct 2025). This shift from overvaluation to undervaluation has revived debate about the economic implications of a weaker rupee.   Main Arguments Export Competitiveness: An undervalued rupee boosts India’s export prices, crucial when the merchandise trade deficit hit $41.7 billion in October 2025. Shock Absorption: Flexible depreciation helps India absorb external shocks such as Trump’s tariff actions and the risk of a China Shock 2.0. Reduced Import Pressure: A weaker rupee discourages non-essential imports and helps prevent cheap Chinese goods from overwhelming domestic markets. Correcting Past Overvaluation: Earlier RBI interventions kept the rupee artificially strong, hurting exports; the current policy corrects that imbalance. Better Policy Mix: Exchange rate adjustments are more effective for correcting imbalances than tariff hikes, export bans, or protectionist measures.   Challenges / Risks Associated  Imported Inflation Risk: India’s heavy dependence on oil, gas, and fertilisers means depreciation can increase import bills if inflation rises again. External Debt Burden: Dollar-denominated corporate borrowings and sovereign liabilities become costlier with a weaker rupee. Capital Outflow Concerns: Excessive rupee weakness may trigger FPI exits, tightening liquidity and raising bond yields. Weak Export Elasticity: Empirical studies (RBI, ICRIER) show Indian exports respond modestly to currency depreciation due to structural bottlenecks. CAD Vulnerability: A widening current account deficit requires the rupee to weaken carefully, not precipitously.   Way forward Controlled Depreciation: RBI must allow gradual movement aligned with fundamentals, while preventing disruptive volatility. Structural Reforms: Exchange rate policy must complement deeper reforms in logistics, ports, FTAs, and quality standards for durable export gains. Reduce Import Dependence: Faster electrification of transport, diversified energy sourcing, and domestic manufacturing can cushion future depreciation risks. Enhance Competitiveness: Improving productivity, labour reforms, and trade facilitation remain essential for leveraging currency changes. Stronger Financial Buffers: Maintaining robust forex reserves and prudent external borrowing norms supports confidence during rupee adjustment phases.   Conclusion Rupee depreciation today reflects global headwinds rather than domestic weakness. A mildly undervalued rupee is economically rational given India’s trade deficit and geopolitical shocks. Yet depreciation alone cannot substitute for structural reforms; stability, competitiveness, and import diversification must accompany a flexible exchange-rate regime.   Mains Question  The Indian rupee witnessed significant depreciation in 2025. Critically analyse its potential benefits and risks for India’s external sector and overall macroeconomic stability.  (250 words, 15 marks) Source: Indian Express