What is Daam Malware?

 The Central government recently issued an advisory warning individuals about a dangerous malware known as ‘Daam’ that specifically targets Android phones. This advisory highlights the severity of the threat and provides crucial information on how to safeguard personal data and devices from potential attacks.

Understanding Daam Malware

Daam is a malicious software that possesses the capability to infiltrate Android devices and gain unauthorized access to various sensitive components, including call records, contacts, history, and even the device’s camera.

Distribution and Modus Operandi

The Daam malware primarily spreads through third-party websites or applications obtained from untrusted or unknown sources. By luring users into downloading and installing infected files, the malware manages to bypass security checks implemented on Android devices.

Once the Daam malware successfully bypasses the security check, it starts its nefarious activities. Its primary objective is to compromise sensitive data stored on the targeted device, such as call records and history. Additionally, Daam can modify device passwords, leaving users vulnerable to unauthorized access and control.

Encryption Algorithm and File Manipulation

Daam utilizes the AES (advanced encryption standard) encryption algorithm to encode files present on the victim’s device. This encryption process results in the deletion of non-encrypted files, leaving only the encrypted ones with the “.enc” extension. Victims also receive a ransom note, typically named “readme_now.txt,” which serves as a demand for payment in exchange for restoring access to the compromised files.

Precautions and Best Practices

In light of this advisory, several precautions are recommended to protect oneself against the Daam malware and similar threats. Firstly, it is crucial to avoid visiting untrusted websites and refraining from clicking on unverified links. These measures significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently downloading infected files or accessing malicious content.

Furthermore, keeping antivirus software up to date is essential. Regularly updating your antivirus program ensures that it remains equipped with the latest security patches and can effectively detect and neutralize potential threats like Daam.

Identifying Suspicious Numbers and Exercising Caution with Shortened URLs

Users should exercise caution when encountering suspicious numbers that do not appear to be genuine mobile phone numbers. Scammers often use email-to-text services to mask their true identities, making it crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical of such communication.

Shortened URLs, particularly those utilizing ‘bitly’ and ‘tinyurl’ hyperlinks (e.g., “https://bit.ly/” or “bit.ly” and “tinyurl.com/”), should also be approached with caution. These URLs may redirect users to potentially harmful websites or initiate malicious downloads.

What is the tampon tax and which countries have axed it?

 

Millions of women and girls face what is known as 'period poverty'. Tax on pads and tampons make the matter worse. Currently, such taxes have been scrapped or cut in 48 nations, with advocates saying that access to hygiene products is a rights issue.

More than a quarter of menstruating women and girls around the world – some 500 million people – struggle to manage their periods, often because they cannot afford sanitary pads, according to the World Bank.

Concern about “period poverty” has fuelled campaigns globally calling for the end of the so-called tampon tax, which refers to consumption levies such as value-added tax (VAT) that most countries charge on items such as sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners and menstrual cups.

In some countries, period products are considered non-essential items for VAT purposes, while items including toilet paper, condoms and over-the-counter medicines are tax-free or carry a lower levy.

Here’s what you need to know about tampon taxes around the world.

Which countries have abolished the tampon tax?

Since Kenya became the first country to scrap VAT on sanitary pads and tampons in 2004, at least 17 countries have followed suit, according to research by the Thomson Reuters Foundation.Among the latest countries to pass laws to abolish the tampon tax are Mexico, Britain and Namibia.Another 10 countries have designated sanitary products as tax-exempt goods or have exempted the tax on imported raw materials used to make them.

Advocates against period poverty usually campaign for sanitary products to be zero-rated for VAT, as this means producers can also claim back taxes on raw materials, making the final product truly tax-free.

Although Tanzania and Nicaragua had also scrapped the tax on period products, both countries reintroduced it in 2019. Mainly in Europe, 17 countries have reduced the VAT on sanitary products, with Italy the latest to do so this year.

The European Union last year revised a directive that previously only allowed member states to reduce VAT on sanitary products by 5%. The change means nations can now apply lower tax rates to some goods.

In tampon tax pioneer Kenya, free distribution of period products in schools is included in the annual budget, though campaigners say the supply is patchy.

Elsewhere in Africa, free pads are provided to schoolgirls in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.

Why are some countries unwilling to scrap tampon taxes?

VAT is an important source of revenue for governments – and the reason why many countries still have a tampon tax. In countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), VAT revenue represented 6.7% of their gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.

VAT rates vary widely from country to country – from 5% in Canada to up to 27% in Hungary – and governments often have different definitions of what is considered an essential good that is exempted from the levy. In nearly two dozen U.S. states, menstrual products still carry a general sales tax (GST) similar to VAT that is levied on all consumer goods and services, said Laura Strausfeld, executive director at Period Law, a non-profit doing law and policy work to end the tampon tax in the United States.

Several other U.S. states have no such levy. Advocates also say that in countries where menstruation remains a taboo subject, lawmakers and policymakers show little interest in starting debate about the affordability of period products.

What comes next?

In the United States, advocates said there is growing political will to remove the sales tax in states where it is still imposed such as Texas, where a bill to scrap it won preliminary approval in March.“This is actually the first year that this (removing the tax in all states) can happen. In 2023, there are 22 states left and all of them are on a path towards removing the tax,” said Strausfeld.

From Chile to the Czech Republic there are ongoing efforts to slash the tax, as well as bills to distribute free products in schools, such as the Dignified Menstruation Law in Mexico.

Some women’s rights advocates say the distribution of free pads may ultimately be the only way to ensure access to period products. n 2022, Scotland became the first nation to make tampons and sanitary pads free and available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies.

Source: Indian Express, 25/05/23

World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies

 he world population has reached eight billion and is expected to grow for decades, but many countries are facing a sharp drop in working-age adults. The competition for workers and talent will intensify globally, and many countries will be reliant on migration to realise their long-term growth potential. A recent report from the World Bank, titled “World Development Report 2023: Migrants, Refugees, and Societies”, proposes policies for better migration management in destination, transit and origin countries, underscoring its urgency.

Match-Motive Framework

The report introduces the “Match-Motive Framework,” a labour economics-based approach that emphasizes how well migrants’ skills and attributes match the needs of the destination countries. The framework also considers the reasons why migrants move in search of opportunity and determines the extent to which migrants, origin countries and destination countries gain from migration. The framework combines “match” and “motive” to determine policy priorities for countries of origin, transit, destination, and the global community.

Policies for Origin and Destination Countries

The World Bank report suggests that origin countries should make labour migration an explicit part of their development strategy. At the same time, it is suggested that the countries of destination promote migration in sectors where migrant skills are highly sought after, make efforts to integrate them into their society, and tackle social consequences that may worry their citizens. The report also calls for international cooperation and multilateral efforts to strengthen the match of migrants’ skills with the needs of destination societies.

Population Shifts

Many low-income countries are anticipated to experience a surge in population, which will exert pressure on them to generate additional employment opportunities for the youth. However, developing and impoverished nations such as India are observing an increase in the number of young people, while developed countries have already surpassed this stage, as they are experiencing depopulation. Spain, with a population of 47 million, is predicted to reduce by over one-third by 2100, with people aged 65 and above accounting for a greater proportion of the population, escalating from 20 per cent to 39 per cent. As their populations are no longer expanding, countries like Mexico, Thailand, Tunisia, and Türkiye might soon require more foreign workers.

What are Heat Domes?

 Heat domes are high-pressure systems that result in extremely hot and dry weather conditions, causing a variety of impacts on human health, the environment, and society. As the frequency and intensity of heat domes increase, understanding their causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies becomes crucial.

What is a Heat Dome?

A heat dome is a type of high-pressure system that occurs when a large area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere traps hot air near the surface of the earth. This results in a dome-like shape of high pressure that prevents the hot air from rising and cooling, leading to persistent hot and dry weather conditions.

How Can Heat Domes Impact Human Health?

Heat domes can have severe impacts on human health. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. Heat domes can also aggravate pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, and increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related injuries, particularly among vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals, children, people with pre-existing health conditions, construction workers, farmers, and those living in poverty.

Contributing Factors to the Increased Frequency and Intensity of Heat Domes

Several factors contribute to the increased frequency and intensity of heat domes. Climate change is a significant factor, as rising global temperatures alter weather patterns and create favorable conditions for the formation of heat domes. Melting icebergs and loss of Arctic sea ice also contribute to drier conditions, reducing the moderating effect of the ocean on temperature extremes. Changes in weather patterns, such as the slowing down of atmospheric circulation, can result in prolonged periods of stagnant weather conditions, leading to the formation of heat domes.

Impacts of Heat Domes on the Environment

Heat domes can have severe impacts on the environment. The persistent hot and dry conditions associated with heat domes can lead to droughts, exacerbate wildfires, and damage infrastructure such as roads and buildings. Drier conditions can also have long-term impacts on ecosystems, including changes in plant and animal populations, and disruptions to agricultural production.

Formation of Heat Domes

Heat domes form when a large area of high pressure occurs in the upper atmosphere, causing air to sink and warm as it descends towards the surface. This sinking air creates a dome-like shape of high pressure that traps hot air near the surface, preventing it from rising and cooling. Other factors that contribute to the formation of heat domes include less reflection of sunlight due to changes in atmospheric conditions and dry air.

Can Heat Domes be Completely Prevented?

Heat domes are a natural weather phenomenon, and it is not possible to completely prevent their occurrence. However, the impacts of heat domes can be mitigated through various strategies.

Mitigation Strategies for Heat Domes

Mitigating the impacts of heat domes requires a multi-pronged approach. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change is critical in addressing the root causes of heat domes. Improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels can help mitigate the impacts of heat domes. Urban planning strategies, such as planting trees and implementing cooling measures, can help reduce the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates the impacts of heat domes in urban areas. Additionally, implementing early warning systems, providing access to cooling centers, and educating vulnerable populations on heat-related risks and preventive measures can also help mitigate the impacts of heat domes on human health.

QS World University Rankings 2023

 The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, released on March 29th, 2023, has ranked over 1,600 universities from around the world, evaluating their performance across 51 subjects. Indian universities have made significant progress this year, with 44 courses from Indian universities ranked among the global top 100.

Ranking Universities by Subject Categories

The QS World University Rankings by Subject aims to provide students, parents, educators, and policymakers with a tool for assessing the performance of universities in specific subject areas. The rankings are based on four indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, and H-index.

Indian Universities’ Performance in QS World University Rankings by Subject

According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Indian universities have performed well in several fields. Indian universities have excelled in Computer Science, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Business Studies, and Physics. In the dentistry program, the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences had the best performance globally, achieving a perfect score in citations per paper and H-index.

IIT Delhi’s Electrical Engineering program broke into the top 50 categories globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Sociology program took 68th place, showing a rise of 33 places.

Research Output and Citations

India is the fourth-largest producer of research globally, according to the QS. Between the years 2017 and 2022, research output in India grew by 54%. However, only 15% of India’s publications were cited in top journals from 2017 to 2021, a lower percentage than the United Kingdom and Germany, which have top journal citation percentages more than double that of India.

India’s Overall Performance and Progress

India’s overall performance improved by 17.2% year on year in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. This progress is noteworthy, considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, among countries having over 10 universities featured in the rankings, Mainland China improved the most in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

‘Dhara: An Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems’ Initiative

 The Ministry of Culture’s flagship initiative, “Dhara: An Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems,” has completed its first year. During this year, 10 successful conferences were organized on various themes highlighting India’s civilizational achievements. The program aims to promote and revive multiple domains of Indian knowledge systems by creating public awareness, stakeholder participation, and a framework for their promotion. A key execution partner for this series is the Indian Knowledge Systems Division of the Ministry of Education. It is a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

First series of DHARA

The first series of the initiative is to be dedicated to the contributions made by our ancestors in the field of mathematics. According to the Culture Ministry, the mathematics field in the country has a long history starting from the invention of Zero. Some of the texts to be highlighted in the series are SULBA SUTRAS and CHANDA SASTRA.

Bringing back lost glory

The Suba Sutra is one of the oldest texts and dates back to 800 BCE. The Pythagoras theorem was actually invented by India as per Sulba Sutra. Pythagoras invented it very late and took the credit. Through these events, India is trying to spread the message that our history is deep-rooted. And we have been the best in every field since ancient times.

Chanda Sastra

It is one of the six major parts of the Vedas. This was the centre of the composition of Vedas. Sanskrit pronunciations have mathematical calculations involved. Every syllable in the Sanskrit hymns has a fixed rhythm.  How long should the word be pronounced? And every verse has a fixed number of syllables. Basically, the Chanda Dastra was full of maths that dealt with the calculations in Vedic hymns. Scholars learnt Chanda Sastra first before learning the Vedic hymns!

Way Forward

The next phase of Dhara will focus on the metallurgical, agricultural, and ancient economic traditions of India. Each conference focuses on historicity, diversity, and innovative methodologies to bring them to national consciousness, promoting academic research, and empowering the youth.

What is Structural Transformation?

 Structural transformation in economics is the shift in labour force from agriculture to high-productivity sectors like manufacturing and modern services. It is a compositional shift caused by the transfer of surplus labour from the farms to better-paying sectors. It is expected to result in increased productivity and higher incomes.

Why is Structural Transformation in News?

The recently released annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report for 2021-22 shows that the farm sector still employs a significant proportion of the labour force in India, at 45.5%. Although this figure has decreased slightly from 46.5% in 2020-21, it is still higher than the 2018-19 low of 42.5%. This indicates that the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, which led to a migration back to the farms, have not yet been fully resolved. Notably, the structural transformation has been slowing down since 2011-12.

What is the Structural Transformation that occurred in India in 1991?

Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization. This structural transformation was brought in under the New Economic Policy that was launched in 1991. Mr PV Narasimha Rao was the then PM and Dr Manmohan Singh was the then Finance Minister. The main aim of this structural transformation was to make India more market-oriented, reduce the inflation rate, increase the growth rate of the economy, increase the flow of economic goods in the country, etc.

What was the Structural Transformation that occurred in India during the Colonial period?

Industrialization and Urbanization. There was a movement of people. For instance, people in present-day Jharkhand moved to work in tea plantations in Assam. During the colonial period, industrialization in some parts of the country led to deindustrialization in other parts. Cities like Surat and Masulipatnam declined. And cities like Bombay and Madras grew. The Structural transformation during the colonial period brought in huge changes. These changes were predominantly witnessed in production systems, the density of settlements, and technology. And a major change was seen in the way of life of the people.

Zero Discrimination Day 2023

 Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated on March 1. The day is mainly celebrated by organizations like UNAIDS. The main objective of the day is to promote equality. The first Zero Discrimination Day was celebrated in 2014. It was launched by UNAIDS. The first Zero Discrimination Day celebrations were conducted in Beijing.

The theme of Zero Discrimination Day 2023

Save Lives: Decriminalize

Zero Discrimination Day in India

In India, activists use the day to speak against discrimination faced by the LGBT community.

Section 377 and Zero Discrimination Day

The day is used by Indian activists to raise voices to repeal section 377. The section was legislated by the Britishers. It penalizes sexual acts that are against nature, that is, homosexual activities. In 2018, the Supreme Court dismissed the section from the IPC. However, Parliament has not yet taken any action on this.  So internationally, the code hasn’t been repealed in India. In other former British colonies like Singapore, the act has been completely repealed.

History

The day first started focusing on HIV. However, it has now been extended to all forms of discrimination.

National Science Day 2023: The Raman Effect, which CV Raman won the Nobel for

 

In 1986, the Government of India designated February 28 as National Science Day, to commemorate the announcement of the discovery of the “Raman effect”. Here is more about CV Raman and his groundbreaking discovery.

In 1986, the Government of India, under then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, designated February 28 as National Science Day to commemorate the announcement of the discovery of the “Raman Effect”. This year’s edition is being celebrated under the theme of “Global Science for Global Wellbeing”, in light of India’s G20 presidency.

The Raman Effect was the discovery which won physicist Sir CV Raman his Nobel Prize in 1930. Conducting a deceptively simple experiment, Raman discovered that when a stream of light passes through a liquid, a fraction of the light scattered by the liquid is of a different colour. This discovery was immediately recognised as groundbreaking in the scientific community, being the subject of over 700 papers in the first seven years after its announcement.

What is the “Raman Effect”? Why is it so important? Most importantly, who was the man behind this momentous discovery?

A young prodigy conducting after-hours research

Raman was born to a family of Sanskrit scholars in Trichy (present-day Tiruchirapalli) in the Madras Presidency in 1888. At the age of only 16, He received a BA degree from Presidency College in Madras, and was placed first in his class. While studying for his MA degree, at the age of 18, he got published in the Philosophical Magazine: this was the first research paper ever published by Presidency College.

Due to his ill health, he was unable to travel abroad for further education. Thus, in 1907, he got married and settled down in Calcutta as an assistant accountant general. While still a full-time civil servant, Raman began after-hours research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). Raman raised the profile of IACS, doing some award-winning research as well as conducting public demonstrations with charisma. At the age of 29, he finally resigned from his civil services job and took up a professorship in Presidency College, Calcutta.

A voyage across the ocean leads to interest in the scattering of light

By 1921, CV Raman had gained a solid reputation as a top scientific mind both in India and in the West. That year, he made his first journey to England. It was on the return journey that Raman would make an observation that would change his life and science forever.

While passing through the Mediterranean Sea, Raman was most fascinated by the sea’s deep blue colour. Dissatisfied with the then-accepted answer (“the colour of the sea was just a reflection of the colour of the sky”), his curious mind delved deeper.

He soon found out that the colour of the sea was the result of the scattering of sunlight by the water molecules. Fascinated by the phenomenon of light-scattering, Raman and his collaborators in Calcutta began to conduct extensive scientific experiments on the matter – experiments that would eventually lead to his eponymous discovery.

Simply put, the Raman Effect refers to the phenomenon in which when a stream of light passes through a liquid, a fraction of the light scattered by the liquid is of a different colour. This happens due to the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules.

In general, when light interacts with an object, it can either be reflected, refracted or transmitted. One of the things that scientists look at when light is scattered is if the particle it interacts with is able to change its energy. The Raman Effect is when the change in the energy of the light is affected by the vibrations of the molecule or material under observation, leading to a change in its wavelength.

In their first report to Nature, titled “A New Type of Secondary Radiation,” CV Raman and co-author KS Krishnan wrote that 60 different liquids had been studied, and all showed the same result – a tiny fraction of scattered light had a different colour than the incident light. “It is thus,” Raman said, “a phenomenon whose universal nature has to be recognised.”

Raman would go on to verify these observations using a spectroscope, publishing the quantitative findings in the Indian Journal of Physics on March 31, 1928.

The importance of the discovery

CV Raman’s discovery took the world by storm as it had deep implications far beyond Raman’s original intentions. As Raman himself remarked in his 1930 Nobel Prize speech, “The character of the scattered radiations enables us to obtain an insight into the ultimate structure of the scattering substance.” For quantum theory, in vogue in the scientific world at the time, Raman’s discovery was crucial. The discovery would also find its use in chemistry, giving birth to a new field known as Raman spectroscopy as a basic analytical tool to conduct nondestructive chemical analysis for both organic and inorganic compounds. With the invention of lasers and the capabilities to concentrate much stronger beams of light, the uses of Raman spectroscopy have only ballooned over time.

Today, this method has a wide variety of applications, from studying art and other objects of cultural importance in a non-invasive fashion to finding drugs hidden inside luggage at customs.

Source: Indian Express, 28/02/23

NASSCOM Report on AI skill penetration

 The National Association of Software and Services Companies, NASSCOM released a report on “Artificial Intelligence Penetration”. The report was launched along with DRAUP and SALESFORCE. According to the report, the AI penetration of India is 3.09. This is the highest among all G20 countries and OECD countries. The report also says India will have more than one million AI professionals by 2024.

Key Findings of the Report

• AI-led core sectors of India are expected to add 500 billion USD to the economy
• In 2022, the demand for AI in India was 629,000. However, the talent base stalled at 416,000
• The current demand-supply gap of AI in the country is 51%. It is lower than the developed economies like the United States
• 73% of the AI jobs in India are taken by five major role players. They are data engineer, ML engineer, data architect, data scientist, data engineer, and DevOps engineer
• ML engineers and Data engineers alone constitute 46% of total AI jobs

Requirements

To achieve its complete potential in the AI field, India has to enhance its skills in the field, launch more AI-related schemes, add AI to academics and put in other efforts.

Current Scenario of AI in India

Today there are 1,900 AI-based startups in India. Most of these startups operate in the field of disease detection, NLP, fraud prevention, fake detection, etc. The government of India is planning to establish three AI Centres of Excellence.

BIMARU States Acronym

 BIMARU is an acronym for the states BI: Bihar; MA: MP, R: Rajasthan, and U: UP. The acronym was formed by Ashish Bose, an economist from the 1980s. BIMARU (Bimar) in Hindi means sick. The economist framed the acronym to stress the fact that the poor economic conditions of these four states are affecting the overall GDP growth of India. During the Investors Summit conducted in UP, PM Modi recalled the term.

Who coined “BIMARU”?

Ashish Bose. He was an economist and a demographer. Demographers are persons who study the changes happening in the economy due to population increase or decrease. In these four states, the population increased tremendously. According to Bose, these four states are economically backward in terms of health care, education, and other developmental activities mainly due to population explosion.

What is the issue?

The Total Fertility Rate in these states is 2.1. The TFR is the number of children a woman produces in her lifetime. Yet, family planning was not as efficient as in the southern states.

Role of BIMARU states in a population explosion

India is to beat China in population very soon and will become the most populous country in the world. These four states have a major role in making India the most populous. They account for 41% of the total Indian population! By 2026, they will account for 43.5%.

Report: WhatsApp is India’s most accessible app for PWDs

 The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy is a think tank that does legal research. The organization recently released a report on the popularity of software applications in India. The title of the report is “Making the Digital Ecosystem Disabled Friendly”. The organization has found that WhatsApp is the most accessible app for disabled persons.

About the report

The organization evaluated applications in different categories such as e-commerce, online payments, transport, food delivery, etc. The report was generated based on the web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

What is WCAG?

The WCAG was created by Web Accessibility Initiative. It was launched by W3C, World Wide Web Consortium. The W3C is the main key to WWW (World Wide Web). The headquarters of the org is in the USA. The main objective of W3C is to create web standards.

Other apps audited

The think tank also audited other apps such as OLA, UBER, TELEGRAM, FLIPKART, AMAZON, ZOMATO, SWIGGY, PAYTM, PHONE PE, etc.

After auditing, the apps were categorized as “highly accessible”, “moderately accessible”, and “less accessible”. WhatsApp was highly accessible.

What is Angel Tax?

 he Section 56 (2) (vii b) in the Income Tax Act is referred to as Angel tax. These taxes are imposed on startups. Say a startup SSS sells one lakh shares to a person X. Selling price of one share is Rs 5000. Now SSS gains 50 crores. Say the actual market value of the share is Rs 2000 per share. So 20 crore rupees is the actual market value. SSS made 30 crores of rupees profit. So SSS has to pay angel tax on the 30 crores rupees!

Why is Angel Tax in News?

During Union Budget 2023, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sita Raman proposed to amend the Angel tax. Now, the equity amount received by the startups will be subjected to income taxes and not angel taxes. Meaning, the entire 50 crores of rupees, that is, the total amount the startup received by selling the shares is subjected to income tax! Earlier, only 30 cores were subjected to taxes.

What are startups saying about the change?

Startups are disappointed. Most of the investors of the startups, that is, the share buyers are from foreign countries. Already startup investments have been decreasing. In 2022, it fell by 33%. The new change in Angel Tax is to further affect the startup investment

What are voice deepfakes?

 Deepfakes is the process of mimicking the voice of a person. Talking in their tone and style; like a mimicry. However, here the mimicry is done using the software. Therefore, the deep fake is the process of mimicking a person’s voice using an online tool.

What is the issue? Why is deep fakes in news?

By the end of January 2023, netizens used the features of “voice cloning” and “speech synthesis” of Eleven Labs. Eleven Labs is an online site providing AI speech software. Using the features in the software, the netizens created voices of popular stars Emma Watson, Ben Shapiro, and Joe Rogan. But the messages were abusive and spread racism. Celebrities are now raising their voices against this. And thus, the voice of deep fakes in news.

What is Voice Deepfake?

The voice created is artificial. However, it sounds human-like. The major challenge of a voice-deep fake is cloning a voice. It takes weeks or even months to clone a voice. Artificial Intelligence can create copies of voices after listening to the speaker for just 3 seconds! To create an audio file using an online tool, you just have to upload the voice of the person. The file should be at least 3 seconds long. The person should be continuously speaking in the audio file. After you upload this file, the software clones the voice of the speaker. You should then give the text. The software gives you the net output where Emma Watson or other stars (whose voice you uploaded) speak the text!

T he development in the northeastern states has always been slow as compared to the Indian mainland. This is mainly because the states are covered with forests and the percentage of the tribal population is high. Also, natural factors hinder the development of the region. For instance, Brahmaputra is called Sorrow of Assam. Frequent earthquakes occur in the region. There are anti-socialistic groups, Naga insurgencies, etc; Chinese interference in the border; the Inrush of Rohingyas and many more reasons that hinder the development of North Eastern India. To fasten the development process in the region and to link the region with the rest of the mainland, the Government of India has launched the Yuva Sangam Registration portal.

Yuva Sangam Registration Portal

Published: February 7, 2023

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The development in the northeastern states has always been slow as compared to the Indian mainland. This is mainly because the states are covered with forests and the percentage of the tribal population is high. Also, natural factors hinder the development of the region. For instance, Brahmaputra is called Sorrow of Assam. Frequent earthquakes occur in the region. There are anti-socialistic groups, Naga insurgencies, etc; Chinese interference in the border; the Inrush of Rohingyas and many more reasons that hinder the development of North Eastern India. To fasten the development process in the region and to link the region with the rest of the mainland, the Government of India has launched the Yuva Sangam Registration portal

About the portal

The main objective of the portal is to connect with the youth in the northeast region. The portal was launched under the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. Through the Yuva Sangam initiative, youths in the region will travel across different parts of the country and learn about different cultures in India.

Significance

It is important to educate the youths and provide them with skills to develop the North Eastern Region. Chinese infiltrations are increasing in the region. GoI has to earn the trust of the locals in the region. Therefore, there is a necessity of inclusive development.

What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies?

 The Union Budget has announced Rs 2,516 crore for computerisation of 63,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) over the next five years, with the aim of bringing greater transparency and accountability in their operations and enabling them to diversify their business and undertake more activities.

What are Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)?

PACS are village level cooperative credit societies that serve as the last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure headed by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state level. Credit from the SCBs is transferred to the district central cooperative banks, or DCCBs, that operate at the district level. The DCCBs work with PACS, which deal directly with farmers.

Since these are cooperative bodies, individual farmers are members of the PACS, and office-bearers are elected from within them. A village can have multiple PACS. PACS are involved in short term lending — or what is known as crop loan. At the start of the cropping cycle, farmers avail credit to finance their requirement of seeds, fertilisers etc. Banks extend this credit at 7 per cent interest, of which 3 per cent is subsidised by the Centre, and 2 per cent by the state government. Effectively, farmers avail the crop loans at 2 per cent interest only.

A report published by the Reserve Bank of India on December 27, 2022 put the number of PACS at 1.02 lakh. At the end of March 2021, only 47,297 of them were in profit. The same report said PACS had reported lending worth Rs 1,43,044 crore and NPAs of Rs 72,550 crore. Maharashtra has 20,897 PACS of which 11,326 are in losses.

Why are PACS attractive?

The attraction of the PACS lies in the last mile connectivity they offer. For farmers, timely access to capital is necessary at the start of their agricultural activities. PACS have the capacity to extend credit with minimal paperwork within a short time.

With other scheduled commercial banks, farmers have often complained of tedious paperwork and red tape. For farmers, PACS provide strength in numbers, as most of the paperwork is taken care of by the office-bearer of the PACS.

In the case of scheduled commercial banks, farmers have to individually meet the requirement and often have to take the help of agents to get their loans sanctioned. NABARD’s annual report of 2021-22 shows that 59.6 per cent of the loans were extended to the small and marginal farmers.

Since PACS are cooperative bodies, however, political compulsions often trump financial discipline, and the recovery of loans is hit. Chairpersons of PACS participate in electing the office-bearers of DCCBs. Political affiliations are important here as well.

Where is computerisation needed?

Dr Hema Yadav, director of Pune-based Vaikunt Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management pointed out that while SCBs and DCCBs are connected to the Core Banking Software (CBS), PACS are not. Some PACS use their own software, but a compatible platform is necessary to bring about uniformity in the system.

Computerisation of PACS has already been taken up by a few states, including Maharashtra. The Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank has plans to directly lend to PACS in districts where the DCCBs are either financially weak or have lost their banking licence. In such a scenario computerisation of PACS would help.

Written by Parthasarathi Biswas

Source: Indian Express, 8/02/23

What is Hybrid Warfare?

 

Hybrid Warfare is a strategy used in the military. It includes the techniques of conventional warfare, cyber warfare, and irregular warfare. Today hybrid warfare techniques are increasing. Countries are using political influences to disrupt the governance of their enemy state, causing cyber troubles to the enemy state, and using other indirect measures to counter their enemies.

What is Hybrid Warfare?

It uses the following three warfare techniques

• Conventional Warfare: Here conventional weapons and normal war field tactics are used. The forces primarily target the opponent and the fight is direct, face-to-face.
• Irregular Warfare: Here the war is fought for legitimacy. It has a goal. It can be fought even within a state. Mostly, this warfare includes non-military actors
• Cyber Warfare: Here the country makes cyber-attacks on enemy states. It can be on its military system or it can be on the civilian cyber hubs of the enemy country.

Why is the term coming up now?

BALTIC SEA PIPELINE EXPLOSIONS. In October 2022, the Nord Stream Pipeline exploded and leaked gases into the sea. The western world is blaming Russia and Russia suspects UK’s hands in the explosion. Suspicions began when the investigating officers found burnt explosives near the pipeline. Countries believe that the explosion might have been caused by their enemies to disrupt the normal functioning of their state. This is one of the techniques of hybrid warfare.

India’s First Model G – 20 Summit

 The Indian Institute of Democratic Leadership is a non–profit organization. It is also called the RMP institute as it was founded in memory of Shri Rambhau Mhalgi, an Indian politician and former Member of Parliament. He is famous for running the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. ABVP is the student wing of RSS. The IIDL recently conducted the Model G – 20 Summit. The institute is known for conducting training and research. It conducts training for leadership. The United Nations Economics and Social Council recently granted Special Consultative Status for IIDL.

About the G – 20 Model Summit

This is the first of its kind. The Indian Sherpa of G – 20 Mr. Amitabh Kant inaugurated the summit. It was conducted at the Mumbai campus of IIDL. The G – 20 summit is highly important for India and other members as the group constitutes 85% of the world GDP. India is hosting the summit in 2023. While developing countries are hesitating to hold international summits, India has come forward amidst the economic crisis, climate change issues, COVID issues, food crisis, energy crisis, and other global turmoil.

Why the model summit?

The IIDL conducts model summits targeting the youth in the country. Such model summits are conducted prior to any international summits. This is done to give exposure to the youths and spread awareness about the importance of such summits among them. Also, such events aid to develop leadership qualities in them at a young age.

World Population Review

 The United States Census Bureau World Population Clock recently released its “World Population Review” report. According to the report, the world’s population (as of September 2022) was 7.9 billion. It is to reach 8 billion by November 2022. In 2015, the world population was 7.2 billion.

Key Findings of the Report

• India and China were the only countries with more than 1 billion people.
• China is the most populous nation in the world with 1.42 billion people.
• The population of India is 1.41 billion. India is to overtake China and become the most populous nation in the world by 2030.
• The population growth rate of the world is decreasing. It will reach zero by 2080-2100. After 2100, the growth rate will be negative.
• Prediction made: By 2100, the world population is to reach 10.4 billion people.

Countries with more than 100 million people

Twelve countries in the world have more than 100 million people. They are as follows:

• US: 338 million
• Indonesia: 275 million
• Pakistan: 236 million
• Nigeria: 219 million
• Brazil: 215 million
• Bangladesh: 171 million
• Russia: 144 million
• Mexico: 127 million
• Japan: 123 million
• Ethiopia: 124 million
• Philippines: 115 million
• Egypt: 111 million

Of these twelve countries, the population of Russia and Japan is to decrease by 2050. But the population growth rate of the rest of the countries is expected to increase.

Countries with less than 100 million people

• Vatican City is the least populated country in the world with a population count of 500 people.
• Eighty countries have populations between 10 million and 99.9 million.
• Sixty-six countries have populations between 1 million and 9.9 million.
• Seventy-Four countries have a population of less than one million.

Population Growth rate

• World Population growth rate: 140 babies are born every minute
• The growth rate fell below 1% in 2020. This occurrence is the first since 1950.

Future Predictions

Half of the world’s population is expected to come from just eight countries. They are as follows:

• India
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Tanzania
• Congo

As fertility and birth rates are increasing in some African countries, their population is expected to double in the coming days. Another reason for the doubling is the decrease in malnutrition and infant mortality.

Life Expectancy

• Global life expectancy has increased. It was 72.8 years in 2019. This is nine years longer than the expectancy in 1990. The global expectancy is expected to increase and reach 77.2 years by 2050.
• Life expectancy is increasing because of the reduction of impacts of non-communicable diseases and AIDS.