1. India’s Impressive Climb in the Network Readiness Index 2024
Context: India has achieved a significant milestone by rising from 60th position in 2023 to 49th in 2024 in the Network Readiness Index (NRI). This leap highlights India’s advancements in digital infrastructure and technological capabilities.
About the Network Readiness Index (NRI)
The NRI, published by the Portulans Institute, assesses the digital readiness of 133 economies. It uses 54 variables categorized under four pillars:
- Technology
- People
- Governance
- Impact
India’s Key Achievements in NRI 2024:
India’s overall score rose from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, reflecting significant progress in multiple areas.
Global Rankings Across Key Metrics:
- 1st place globally:
- AI scientific publications
- AI talent concentration
- ICT services exports
- 2nd place globally:
- Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTH) Internet subscriptions
- Mobile broadband traffic
- International internet bandwidth
- 3rd place globally:
- Domestic market scale
- 4th place globally:
- Annual telecom investments
Telecom Sector Transformations:
India’s telecom industry has witnessed remarkable growth:
- Tele-density: Increased to 84.69%.
- Wireless connections: Surged to 119 crore.
- Internet subscribers: Rose from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore.
Impact of 5G and Beyond
The launch of 5G services in 2022 propelled India’s global mobile broadband speed ranking from 118th to 15th.
India’s ambitious Bharat 6G Vision is setting the stage for it to become a global leader in telecom innovation.
India’s advancements in the NRI underline its growing stature in the global digital landscape and its commitment to building a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem.
2. Accelerated and Extended Degree Programmes: A New Horizon in Higher Education
Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) enabling Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to offer two innovative options for undergraduate students: the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and the Extended Degree Programme (EDP).
What are ADPs and EDPs?
Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP):
- Students opting for ADP can complete their degree faster by earning additional credits starting in their chosen semester.
- The curriculum and credit requirements remain the same as a standard three- or four-year UG programme.
- Completion Time:
- A three-year UG programme can be completed in five semesters (instead of six).
- A four-year UG programme can be completed in six or seven semesters (instead of eight).
Extended Degree Programme (EDP):
- The EDP allows students to take a lighter academic load, earning fewer credits per semester.
- This flexibility enables them to take longer to complete their degree without compromising academic standards.
Recognition:
Both ADPs and EDPs are regarded as equivalent to standard-duration degrees by government departments, private organisations, and recruiting agencies like the UPSC and State Service Commissions.
How Will ADPs and EDPs Be Implemented?
- Eligibility and Selection:
- Students must choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
- HEIs will establish committees to evaluate and approve applications for these programmes.
- Capacity:
Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can opt for ADP in each institution.
- There is no cap on the number of students who can enrol in EDP.
- Timeline:
- HEIs may start offering ADPs and EDPs from the 2025–26 academic year.
- Participation is voluntary for institutions.
Significance of ADPs and EDPs:
For Students:
- ADP: Empowers high-performing students to fast-track their education, enabling them to join the workforce or pursue higher studies sooner.
- EDP: Offers flexibility for students needing extra time to balance academics with personal or professional commitments.
Alignment with NEP 2020:
- The initiative reflects the vision of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, fostering personalised learning and academic flexibility.
This progressive step by the UGC is set to transform the Indian education system, making it more flexible, inclusive, and aligned with the diverse needs of students.
3. SC Mandates Prior Sanction to Prosecute Public Servants under PMLA
Context: In a landmark ruling on November 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of India mandated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must obtain prior sanction before prosecuting public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) if the alleged offenses are linked to their official duties.
About the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002:
Enacted in 2003, the PMLA aims to combat money laundering in India. It has three primary objectives:
- Prevent and control money laundering.
- Confiscate and seize properties obtained from laundered money.
- Address any other issues related to money laundering.
Key Provisions of the Act:
- Definition of Money Laundering (Section 3): Any act where a person knowingly assists, participates, or is involved in processing proceeds of crime to project them as untainted property.
- Responsibilities of Financial Entities: Obligation for banks, financial institutions, and intermediaries to verify and maintain transaction records.
- Powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED):
- Investigate money laundering offenses.
- Attach properties involved in money laundering.
- Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal:
- Resolve disputes related to property attachment and confiscation.
- Special Courts: Designated courts to try offenses under the PMLA.
- International Cooperation: The Act enables agreements with other countries to enforce its provisions globally.
News Summary:
The Supreme Court Ruling:
The SC upheld a 2019 Telangana High Court judgment that overturned charges against IAS officers Bibhu Prasad Acharya and Adityanath Das in a money laundering case linked to former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy.
- The court emphasized the necessity of prior sanction for public servants under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) when offenses relate to their official duties.
Key Points from the Ruling:
- Prior Sanction Provision (CrPC Section 197):
- Prohibits courts from taking cognizance of offenses by public servants in their official capacity without government approval.
- Exceptions: Certain serious offenses like rape, trafficking, and sexual harassment do not require prior sanction.
- Compatibility with PMLA:
- Section 65 of the PMLA aligns with CrPC provisions, ensuring cases against public servants adhere to the requirement for sanction.
Impact on High-Profile Cases:
- Arvind Kejriwal (Excise Policy Scam): Challenged the cognizance of an ED chargesheet, citing the absence of prior sanction.
- P. Chidambaram (Aircel-Maxis Case): Successfully argued for a stay on trial proceedings due to lack of government approval.
Implications of the Ruling
For Public Servants:
- Protects honest officials from frivolous prosecutions while ensuring accountability for misconduct.
For Investigative Agencies:
- Delays in prosecution as government sanction becomes a mandatory requirement.
- Risk of overturned convictions if sanction requirements are not met.
Understanding Money Laundering
Money laundering is the process of disguising the illicit origin of funds derived from criminal activities, such as:
- Drug trafficking
- Corruption
- Terrorism financing
- Embezzlement
What is Hawala?
Hawala is an informal system for transferring money without physical movement. It relies on trust-based networks, requires no documentation, and ensures anonymity, making it a favored method for illegal transactions.
This landmark ruling underscores the delicate balance between ensuring accountability for corruption and protecting public servants from undue harassment, setting a significant precedent for future cases under the PMLA.
4. Ajmer Sharif Dargah: A Spiritual and Cultural Treasure of Rajasthan
Context: An Ajmer court recently admitted a petition calling for a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the revered shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The petition claims the dargah was built on the remnants of Hindu and Jain temples.
Historical Background of Ajmer;
Origins of the City:
- Ajmer, historically known as Ajaymeru, was the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs who ruled parts of modern-day Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh between the 7th and 12th centuries.
- The city was founded by Ajaydeva in the mid-12th century.
The Ghurid Invasion:
- In 1192, Ajmer was attacked by Muhammad of Ghor, following the defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan at the Second Battle of Tarain.
- According to Har Bilas Sarda, a historian, the Ghurid army looted the city and destroyed many temples.
- Despite allegations, Sarda does not explicitly claim that the dargah was constructed on a demolished temple site.
Revival Under the Mughals:
- After centuries of decline, Ajmer was revitalized under Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign (1556–1605).
The Evolution of Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
The Beginning:
- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was laid to rest in 1236 in a modest cell where he had lived.
- For over 200 years, no formal structure marked his grave.
First Constructions by the Khaljis:
- In the 1460s, Sultan Mahmud Khan Khalji of Malwa and his son Ghiyasuddin built the first permanent mausoleum and the Buland Darwaza.
- The gateway, featuring intricate carvings, is believed to have used materials from a demolished Jain temple.
Mughal Contributions:
- The shrine saw substantial development under the Mughals:
- Humayun added the iconic white marble dome in 1532.
- Akbar, a devoted follower of the Chishti saints, built the Akbari Masjid in the 1570s.
- Jahangir installed a gold railing around the tomb in 1616.
- Shah Jahan expanded the complex further, blending Mughal grandeur with spiritual significance.
Architectural Brilliance of Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
An Architectural Masterpiece:
- The dargah is an exceptional example of Indo-Islamic architecture, showcasing a blend of white marble and intricate silver and gold work.
- The Nizam Gate, donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad, exemplifies the saint’s widespread reverence.
Key Features:
- The tomb is enclosed in a silver railing and surrounded by a marble screen.
- The prayer room, built by Chimni Begum, Shah Jahan’s daughter, is a serene space reserved for women.
Spiritual Importance of Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
A Beacon of Unity:
- As one of India’s holiest Muslim shrines, the dargah embodies religious harmony and inclusivity, attracting visitors of all faiths.
- Devotees, including celebrities and politicians, visit to seek blessings and solace.
The Urs Festival:
- The annual Urs festival, commemorating the saint’s death anniversary, is the dargah’s most significant event.
- It features:
- Qawwali performances
- Special prayers
- Offerings of chaddars at the tomb.
- Thousands of devotees from across the globe gather to celebrate this spiritual occasion.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and the Chishti Order
The Life of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
- Born in 1141 in Sistan (Persia), Moinuddin began his spiritual journey after becoming an orphan at 14.
- He studied theology, philosophy, and ethics in renowned seminaries in Bukhara and Samarkand.
- Moinuddin traveled extensively, meeting his mentor Khwaja Usman Harooni and being initiated into the Chishti order.
Arrival in Ajmer:
- In 1191, Moinuddin settled in Ajmer, where his simple lifestyle and compassion earned him the title Gharib Nawaz (Friend of the Poor).
- His teachings emphasized tolerance and selflessness, influencing followers across the Indian subcontinent.
The Chishti Order:
- The Chishti Sufi order, introduced to India by Moinuddin Chishti, embraced local traditions and emphasized devotion over orthodoxy.
- It laid the foundation for a spiritual movement that encouraged inclusivity and interfaith harmony.
Conclusion:
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is more than a shrine; it is a testament to spiritual devotion, architectural brilliance, and the enduring legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Its universal appeal transcends religious boundaries, making it a symbol of unity and peace in India’s cultural and spiritual tapestry.
5. Exercise CINBAX: A New Chapter in India-Cambodia Defence Cooperation
Context: The first edition of the Joint Table Top Exercise CINBAX has commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune. This significant event marks a new milestone in defence collaboration between India and Cambodia.
What is Exercise CINBAX?
India-Cambodia Partnership:
- Exercise CINBAX is a joint planning exercise between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army.
- Both contingents consist of personnel from Cambodia’s Army and an Infantry Brigade of the Indian Army.
Primary Objectives
- The exercise aims to simulate and plan joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- It fosters discussions on establishing a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Focus Areas of CINBAX:
Core Operational Themes:
The exercise addresses critical aspects of modern warfare and peacekeeping operations, including:
- Information Operations
- Cyber and Hybrid Warfare
- Logistics and Casualty Management
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations
Showcasing Indigenous Defence:
- A dedicated segment will exhibit Indian-origin weapons and equipment, emphasizing the country’s progress in ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) and indigenous defence production capabilities.
Structure of the Exercise:
Three Phases
The exercise unfolds over three distinct phases:
- Phase I:
- Orientation and preparation of participants for Counter-Terrorism operations during UN peacekeeping missions.
- Phase II:
- Execution of Table Top exercises, simulating scenarios to test operational strategies.
- Phase III:
- Finalization of plans and comprehensive reviews.
- Discussions on situation-based tactics and refinement of joint operational procedures.
Significance of Exercise CINBAX:
Enhancing Interoperability:
- The exercise aims to strengthen trust, camaraderie, and interoperability between the armed forces of India and Cambodia.
Strategic and Tactical Gains:
- Participants gain practical insights into Counter-Terrorism strategies through thematic training sessions and simulated wargame discussions.
Promoting Regional Stability:
- By focusing on CT operations, cybersecurity, and HADR, the exercise contributes to building regional peacekeeping capacities and addressing emerging security challenges.
The inaugural edition of Exercise CINBAX sets the stage for a stronger India-Cambodia defence partnership and reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering regional stability and peacekeeping capabilities on a global scale.
6. RS-28 Sarmat: Russia’s New Era of Nuclear Power
Context: Russia is set to deploy the RS-28 Sarmat, an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), known in the West as “Satan 2”. This missile is designed to replace older systems, marking a significant step forward in Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
What is the RS-28 Sarmat?
A Powerful New ICBM:
The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Russia, named after the Sarmatian people who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries BC. In Western military circles, it is often referred to as “Satan 2” due to its formidable power and capabilities.
Key Features of the RS-28 Sarmat:
Massive Range and Size:
- Range: The RS-28 has an impressive range of 18,000 km, making it capable of targeting almost any location on Earth.
- Weight and Size: The missile weighs around 208.1 metric tons and is 35.3 meters long with a 3-meter diameter. It is classified as a “heavy” ICBM due to its sheer size and power.
Payload Capacity:
- The Sarmat is capable of carrying a 10-ton payload, offering incredible flexibility in the type of warheads it can deploy.
- It can carry up to 10 heavy nuclear warheads, 16 smaller warheads, or a combination of warheads and countermeasures to evade enemy interception.
- The missile is also designed to carry hypersonic boost-glide vehicles, further enhancing its ability to overcome modern missile defense systems.
Advanced Evasion Techniques:
One of the most significant features of the RS-28 Sarmat is its ability to evade anti-missile defense systems. It achieves this by having a short initial boost phase, making it difficult for enemy surveillance systems to track the missile as it launches.
Why is RS-28 Sarmat Important?
A New Era of Strategic Deterrence:
The deployment of the RS-28 Sarmat significantly enhances Russia’s nuclear deterrent capability, making it a powerful tool for national defense and strategic power projection. With its immense payload and evasion capabilities, it is poised to be a key element of Russia’s defense strategy for decades to come.
A Replacement for Older Missiles:
The RS-28 Sarmat is designed to replace older, aging Russian ICBMs, providing the country with a more modern, more powerful, and more reliable system to ensure its nuclear deterrence is maintained at the highest levels.
The RS-28 Sarmat represents a major leap forward in missile technology and nuclear defense, solidifying Russia’s position in the global strategic arena.
