14th September, 2024

Topic: Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Economy

Source: DD News

Context

The Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation has been adopted, according to the Prime Minister.

About

• In New Delhi, following the Second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference, the Declaration was unanimously approved.
• The Asia-Pacific region’s civil aviation sector is expected to experience sustainable growth thanks to the comprehensive framework provided by the Declaration, which also aims to address emerging challenges and improve regional cooperation.
• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is commemorating its 80th anniversary during the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference.
  
  

Important Declarations

• India’s aviation industry has made significant strides, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who noted that the country has 15% more female pilots than the world average.
• An international Buddhist circuit is suggested in order to improve connectivity and tourism in the area.
• By 2047, India wants to build 350–400 airports, increasing its aviation presence worldwide.
• The creation of a Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office to support the management of aviation issues in smaller countries.
• Programs such as the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, which aims to plant 80,000 saplings to mark the 80th anniversary of ICAO.
• Future plans should prioritize sustainability and green aviation.
  
  

Importance of the Delhi Declaration

• In the Asia-Pacific region, where civil aviation is expanding quickly, it is a significant step toward enhancing regional cooperation in this area.
• The framework tackles three major issues facing the aviation industry today: safety, green aviation, and sustainability.
• The International Buddhist Circuit is one of several initiatives that support the larger regional objectives of enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and fostering economic prosperity throughout Asia.
• With its ambitious goals of constructing 350–400 airports by 2047, India is establishing itself as a major player in the development of aviation infrastructure and establishing itself as a leader in the world of aviation.
  
  

India’s Civil Aviation Industry

• By 2025, India’s domestic aviation market is expected to rise from its current position as the third largest in the world to the third rank overall.
• Important government programmes like the UDAN Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Plan, and NCAP 2016 are helping to grow India’s civil aviation industry.

• With 136 airports in operation and plans to open another 100, the government prioritizes infrastructure modernization, improving regional connectivity, and supporting public-private partnership (PPP) models for airport development.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/pm-modi-announces-adoption-of-delhi-declaration-on-civil-aviation/

Mains Model Questions

Q. What are the root causes of the rise in aviation-related accidents in light of the recent incidents that have occurred all over the world? Discuss about the actions that the Indian government should take to improve aviation crisis management and safety.

Introduction:

The global transportation industry has always placed a high priority on aviation safety. Given the rising number of aviation-related incidents, it is critical to investigate the root causes and talk about potential solutions, especially for the Indian government, to improve aviation safety.

Body:

Root Causes of Accidents Associated with Aviation

In contrast to the common belief that aviation accidents are on the rise worldwide, 2023 saw record-low accident and fatality rates in commercial aviation.

• These incidents, which involved propeller aircraft on domestic flights, were mostly ascribed to weather-related factors in the Brazil crash and a heavy workload and stress on the flight deck in the case of the Nepal crash.
  
  

Actions the Indian Government Is Taking to Improve Aviation Safety

• Infrastructure Improvement: Airport and air traffic infrastructure urgently needs to be upgraded in light of India’s rapidly growing air carrier network and rising air travel demand. Problems like improper rubber removal techniques on runways, inadequate lighting, signage, and runway markings require immediate attention.
• Air Traffic Control Systems: As air travel increases, there is a greater demand for sophisticated air traffic control systems and trained personnel. This entails constructing control towers and creating systems that can handle more traffic.
• Fuel Quality and Regional Airport Development: When operating in less developed areas, business and commercial aircraft operators must exercise caution. It’s also critical to guarantee uniform fuel quality throughout the nation.
• Respect for International Standards: The Indian government works hard to uphold the standards and advised procedures set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization. However, significant advancements in infrastructure and safety standards require competent staff and efficient oversight.

Conclusion:

Even though aviation safety is generally improving, India’s aviation industry faces particular difficulties because of the country’s large population and quick economic expansion. In order to reduce risks and improve aviation safety, the Indian government is working to improve infrastructure, improve air traffic control systems, ensure consistent fuel quality, and adhere to international standards. These efforts, along with increased surveillance and enforcement, are crucial. Proactive actions in these areas will boost safety and give India’s aviation industry more confidence.

Topic: Dark patterns, a growing concern in India’s digital landscape

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Cyber security

Source: The Hindu

Context

As the digital world grows, an unsettling pattern of dark patterns that trick users of websites and apps has surfaced in recent years.

What are Dark patterns?

• Online platforms employ misleading strategies known as “dark patterns” to trick users and keep them from making the proper decisions.
• Dark patterns are business strategies that take advantage of consumer psychology and creative design to the detriment of companies.
• Typical dark patterns include using confusing language to trick users into making purchases, hiding subscription cancellation buttons deep within websites, and fabricating a false sense of urgency to push users into making purchases.
• The strategies compromise the integrity of the design process and are unethical. The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 classifies the practices as “unfair trade practices.”
  
  

The threat of dark patterns in India’s digital environment

• User psychology is exploited by dark patterns, which use emotional triggers like urgency or fear of missing out (FOMO) as well as cognitive biases to influence user behaviour.
• Absence of Oversight: Companies are able to employ manipulative techniques without facing serious legal consequences because there is little regulation surrounding digital design ethics.
• Customer Vulnerability: Dark patterns take advantage of the ignorance that exists when more and more novice users of digital services, particularly in developing nations, engage in these services.
• Complicated User Interfaces: A lot of apps and websites purposefully create complicated user interfaces that hide crucial information.
  
  

Concerns regarding Dark patterns

• Erosion of Trust: When companies and customers engage in dishonest and opaque ways, dark patterns go against the basic expectations of integrity and openness. This erodes digital platforms’ perceived integrity over time.
• Damage to Brand Reputation: Over time, companies run the danger of suffering significant harm to their reputation, which will make it more difficult for them to draw in and keep clients.
• Legal and Scrutiny Risks: Regulatory agencies are paying more attention to dark pattern usage, and businesses who do so risk legal repercussions.

Actions that India has taken

• In accordance with section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has published the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.
• Unfair trade practices are forbidden for e-commerce entities by the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020.
• Prior to processing an individual’s personal data, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, mandates that the individual provide free and clear consent.
  
  

Global initiatives

• A number of states in the US have proposed laws to address dark patterns, such as the Colorado Privacy Act, the Connecticut Data Privacy Act, and the California Privacy Rights Act.

Way Forward

• Taking a User-First Perspective: Businesses need to put user experience first in order to solve this problem. They should do this by routinely analysing and enhancing their interfaces to get rid of dark patterns. This entails giving simple opt-out options, guaranteeing subscription terms are transparent, and providing unambiguous instructions for terminating services.
• Responsible innovation requires educating developers and designers about moral design principles. This method promotes the development of intuitive and useful interfaces.
• In order to safeguard consumers, regulatory bodies must take action and establish clear guidelines for morally righteous digital practices, including obligatory disclosures, fines for noncompliance, and frequent audits.
• User advocacy groups are essential in spreading the word about dark patterns because they inform customers of their rights, assist in spotting and reporting dark patterns, and work with companies to maintain best practices.
• By identifying and alerting users to potential dark patterns, technological solutions such as browser extensions and plug-ins further empower users and raise consumer awareness and confidence in safely navigating digital platforms.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_pattern

Mains Model Questions

Q. “We need to pay close attention to cyber security in digital India.” Discuss about the difficulties in maintaining cyber security and offer suggestions for boosting cyber knowledge in India.

Introduction:

India’s goal with Digital India is to become a knowledge economy and a society empowered by technology. But there are new vulnerabilities associated with the shift to a digital India.

Body:

India’s internet vulnerabilities

• After China and the United States, India has the third-highest population of internet users worldwide.
  The number of cybersecurity incidents in India increased fourfold in just one year, according to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) (2017 to 2018).
• A few notable instances of cyberattacks are the 2016 Union Bank of India Heist, the 2017 Wannacry Ransomware, the 2017 Zomato Data Theft, the 2017 PETYA Ransomware, etc.
• The goal of “Digital India” demands greater attention to cybersecurity than in the past, but there are a number of issues with it.
• Absence of a national cybersecurity architecture: There aren’t any coordinated efforts to protect both the public and private sectors’ critical infrastructure. As a result, the security architecture’s ability to identify threats and coordinate effective countermeasures is diminished.
• Lack of skilled labor: While India has a large and youthful population with strong IT skills, there is a shortage of talent in certain fields, like cyber security. Talented and skilled labor is in far greater demand than it is in supply.
• Absence of high-end secure devices: Less than 1% of Indians own a mobile phone that complies with stricter security regulations. Because of India’s diverse economic strata, vulnerability is increased because not everyone can afford expensive, secure phones.
• Absence of knowledge: Both at the corporate and individual levels, there is a deficiency of knowledge regarding cyber fraud, cyber laws, and regulations.
• Cyberspace has innate vulnerabilities that are unavoidable due to its constant evolution.

Actions to strengthen India’s cybersecurity capabilities

• Revision of antiquated policy: India must update its National Cyber Security Policy to reflect the realities of the current technological and ecological landscape.
• Whole of Government Approach: Roles and responsibilities for implementation and supervision must be specified for each implementation agency. Strong intra-government coordination on cybersecurity issues will be made possible by this.
• State-level cybersecurity capabilities also need to be improved.
• Building a competent workforce: An educated and skilled labor force is essential to improving cybersecurity in the nation. They are able to construct a cyberarchitecture that is secure and safe.
• Collaboration with the private sector: In order to address the cybersecurity challenge, it was necessary to allocate funds and create opportunities for the private sector to help raise additional resources.

Conclusion:

India’s digital economy currently accounts for 14–15% of the country’s GDP, with a goal of 20% by 2024. Future economic prospects for India are heavily reliant on cyber security. Consequently, Therefore, it is essential that we take the required actions to provide cybersecurity expertise and make India’s cyberspace safe and secure.

Topic: Universal Basic Income

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Financial Inclusion

Source: The Hindu

Context

Many nations have discussed the idea of a universal basic income (UBI) in response to the phenomenon known as “jobless growth,” which is the rise in output and labor productivity without the corresponding growth in the creation of new jobs.

About

• This theory has gained traction, particularly since the International Labour Organization (ILO) linked a rise in automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to a decline in job growth and an increase in inequality in their most recent World Employment and Social Outlook report.
• A universal basic income is one of the many solutions proposed to deal with this.

What is the Universal Basic Income (UBI)?

• It is a social and economic program in which the government gives all citizens a fixed amount of money every month, without regard to their financial situation, employment status, or other characteristics.
• Reducing poverty and income inequality while ensuring a minimum level of financial security for all are the main objectives.

Important UBI features include:

• No conditions are attached to the Universal Basic Income (UBI), in contrast to certain welfare programs.
• To be eligible for the payment, you do not need to work or demonstrate your need for money.
• Regular: To guarantee a consistent income flow, payments are made on a regular basis (such as a monthly basis).
• Universal: It is offered to all citizens, irrespective of their employment or income bracket.
• Basic: Although the precise amount may differ based on the nation or region implementing it, it is usually intended to cover basic living expenses.

Arguments in support of India’s Universal Basic Income

• Poverty Alleviation: By giving all citizens, a guaranteed income and ensuring that even the most vulnerable groups have a minimal level of financial security, universal basic income (UBI) could dramatically reduce poverty.
• Welfare Program Simplification: A universal basic income might simplify and optimize the current welfare framework.
• A universal payment system might be less complicated and less expensive to administer than managing several targeted schemes with intricate eligibility requirements.
• Decrease in Bureaucracy and Corruption: Compared to targeted subsidy programs, direct cash transfers to all citizens would be more transparent and less prone to abuse.
• Assistance for Informal Sector Employees: A large number of Indians labor in the unorganized sector without benefits or job security.
• Better Public Health and Education: Families that receive a basic income will be better able to pay for healthcare and education, which will improve health outcomes and increase educational attainment. These developments can support long-term economic growth.
  

Arguments Against India’s Universal Basic Income

• High Cost: Ensuring that every citizen receives a basic income would necessitate a significant increase in government spending, which could result in tax increases or budget deficits.
• Risks of Inflation: It is feared that Universal Basic Income may cause inflation. It might also result in careless purchases and increase debt.
• Diminished Work Incentives: According to some, having a guaranteed income could make people less inclined to work or look for work, especially in low-paying positions.
• Implementation Difficulties: Establishing and overseeing a national UBI program as diverse and complex as India could be challenging.
• Equity Concerns: Opponents contend that rather than providing a basic income to everyone, resources should be better directed toward those who are more in need.
• Social and Behavioural Effects: The long-term social and behavioural effects of universal basic income (UBI) are a source of concern. Some fear it could damage social cohesiveness or undermine traditional values of diligence and independence.

Conclusion

• The costs to the budget will be significant if cash transfers are made available to everyone. Thus, the universal cash transfer plan cannot be implemented without increasing taxes.
• An easy solution to these problems would be to continue concentrating on quickening and broadening economic growth.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/basic-income.asp

Mains Model Questions

Q. Examine the idea of universal basic income in the context of its potential benefits and drawbacks in a developing nation such as India.

Introduction:

A periodic cash payment that is unconditionally given to each individual on a case-by-case basis and does not require employment is known as universal basic income.
Universality, unconditionality, and agency are the three pillars of universal basic income (UBI), which respects recipients’ choices rather than imposes them.

Body:

Benefits of Universal Basic Income

• Reduction of poverty and vulnerability: There will be a swift reduction of poverty and vulnerability.
• Choice: Unlike in-kind transfers, a universal basic income (UBI) views recipients as agents and gives citizens the freedom to spend welfare funds however they see fit.
• Improved targeting of the poor: Since everyone is being targeted, there is no exclusion error (the poor are not left out) though inclusion error (rich gaining access to the scheme) is 60 percent.
• Protection from shocks: This income floor will act as a safety net against unforeseen events such as the current agrarian distress or economic downturn, as well as health and income shocks.
• Benefits to psychology: Having a steady income will ease the burden of having to make ends meet every day.
• Social justice and equity: The UBI will advance these constitutionally mandated objectives, which fall under the DPSPs. These objectives include welfare for the poor and equity.

Issues related to Universal Basic Income

• High Fiscal Cost: The government may find it difficult to wind down if the UBI is implemented due to the political cost of removing it in the event of failure. The current government will find it challenging to control the fiscal deficit, which could jeopardize the stability of the economy.
• Problems with implementation: A universal basic income (UBI) might strain the banking system too much given the poor’s limited access to money.
• Spending that is obvious: Families with more male members, in particular, might use this extra money on frivolous expenses.
• Moral hazard (diminishing labor supply): People who receive a minimum guaranteed income may become lazy and choose not to work.
• Cash-induced gender inequality: Men are more likely to exercise control over how the Universal Basic Income is spent, according to gender norms that may govern how the UBI is shared among households. This might not hold true for other in-kind transfers.

Conclusion: The idea of universal basic income (UBI) is revolutionary, particularly in India where poverty exclusion is a problem. If the Universal Basic Income (UBI) is implemented in a way that minimizes its drawbacks by concentrating on a suitable portion of the population, it could usher in an India free from poverty.

Topic: CBI Shouldn’t be a Caged Parrot

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Polity

Source: Livelaw

Context

In a case concerning the purported liquor policy “scam” in Delhi, the Supreme Court of India recently used the term “Caged Parrot” for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

About

• Judges emphasized how crucial it is that the CBI shake off its image of being a cagey organization while granting bail to the Chief Minister of Delhi in a corruption case involving the excise policy “scam.”
• The Supreme Court of India first used the term “Caged Parrot” in 2013 during the scandalous coal block allocation scheme. The CBI was criticized at the time for being viewed as having too much political influence and not being sufficiently independent.
• Scathing remarks were made by a bench headed by Justice R. M. Lodha, who said that the CBI was like a “caged parrot speaking in the master’s voice’. It highlighted concerns about the agency’s autonomy and its tendency to act at the behest of those in power.
• The phrase “Caged Parrot” perfectly encapsulated the sense that the CBI was restricted and controlled, akin to a parrot kept in a cage, even though it was a top-tier investigative organization.

CBI’s autonomy and supervision

• It is common to refer to the CBI as an “autonomous body.”

• By virtue of the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003, which guarantees that the agency’s investigations are free from interference, the CVC is tasked with monitoring the CBI.
• The CVC’s oversight is restricted to broader responsibilities; it is not allowed to interfere with the investigation process itself.

Challenges

• Executive Independence: Senior officer appointments at the CBI frequently rely on deputations from the government or other central authorities. It might be affected by its independence.
• Financial Dependency: The Ministry of Personnel retains administrative and financial authority over the CBI, so it does not have complete financial independence.
• Lack of Resources: The caliber and speed of investigations are hampered by the absence of forensic laboratories, contemporary infrastructure, and technical specialists.
• Coordination Problem: There are problems with the state police’s and other investigative agencies’ coordination, which makes it difficult to share intelligence and coordinate operations.

Way Ahead and Conclusion

• The CBI must endeavour to be more than just a “parrot” mouthing the words of others as it continues to play a vital role in looking into high-profile cases.
• Clarity and independence will result from giving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) statutory status through a separate piece of legislation as opposed to depending on the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• In order to protect the CBI from executive influence, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) recommended giving it structural independence.
• To improve its effectiveness in managing intricate investigations and cases involving economic offenses, cybercrimes, and corruption, the CBI needs to make investments in cutting-edge technology, training, and infrastructure.
• Establishing a system for Suo moto investigations and having court-monitored investigations could guarantee independence in delicate cases.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/supreme-court-cbi-caged-parrot-9566011/

Mains Model Questions

Q. Several states are contesting the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) authority to file a formal complaint and carry out investigations inside a specific state. States do not, however, have the sole authority to refuse to cooperate with the CBI. Describe with particular reference to India’s federal structure.

Introduction:

India’s top investigative body, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), looks into high-profile cases involving corruption, financial crimes, and other serious crimes. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions is in charge of it.

Body:

There has frequently been disagreement over the CBI’s authority within a given state, particularly when it comes to filing First Information Reports (FIRs) and carrying out investigations.

• According to the Indian Constitution, India is a federal country with a distinct separation of powers between the federal and state governments.
• The Union List, State List, and Concurrent List are the three lists that make up this power division.
  Subjects that can only be legislated by the federal government are included in the Union List, while subjects that can only be legislated by state governments are included in the State List. There are topics on the Concurrent List that are subject to legislation by both the federal and state governments.
• The matter of “police” is covered by the State List (Entry 2, List II, Seventh Schedule), which raises the question of CBI jurisdiction. Therefore, upholding law and order within their borders, including the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, is primarily the responsibility of the state governments.

States do not, however, have the sole authority to refuse to cooperate with the CBI. The following circumstances allow the CBI to have jurisdiction within a state:

• Consent of the concerned state: The CBI may look into cases within the state if the state government grants it permission to do so. This consent may be specific (applying only to a specific instance) or general (covering all cases). Additionally, states have the option to revoke their general consent at any time, thereby limiting the CBI’s authority inside their borders.
• Supreme Court or High Court orders: Even in cases where the state government has not given permission, the High Court or the Supreme Court may order the CBI to look into a case within a state. In these situations, the CBI’s authority is legally established, and the state government has no power to withhold consent.
• Cases involving central government employees or agencies: Even in situations where the relevant state government has not given permission, the CBI is authorized to look into cases involving central government employees, central government agencies, or crimes committed on central government property.
• Cases with potential for interstate or international ramifications: The federal government may request that the CBI look into a case, overcoming any objections from state governments, if such ramifications exist.

Conclusion: Although India’s federal structure permits states to use their authority in matters pertaining to law and order, the CBI’s authority is not totally restricted. As previously mentioned, certain circumstances give the CBI the required power to carry out investigations inside a state, guaranteeing that justice is done and the rule of law is upheld across the nation.