In News:

The introduction of smart classrooms as part of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has had a significant impact on education, leading to a 22% increase in enrolment across 19 cities, according to a report from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM-B). The study covers the period from 2015-16 to 2023-24 and highlights several key benefits of this initiative, which aims to improve the overall learning environment in government schools.

Key Findings:

• Increased Enrolment: The introduction of smart classrooms has been linked to a 22% increase in student enrolment across 19 cities, suggesting that the initiative has made education more appealing and accessible.
• Smart Classroom Development: By 2023-24, 71 cities had developed 9,433 smart classrooms in 2,398 government schools. The states with the most smart classrooms are:
  • Karnataka (80 classrooms)
  • Rajasthan (53 classrooms)
  • Tamil Nadu (23 classrooms)
  • Delhi (12 classrooms)
  • West Bengal has a very limited number, with just two classrooms.
• Improved Learning Experience: Teachers have expressed positive feedback, agreeing that the smart classrooms have improved learning experiences and attendance among students. Additionally, the smart classroom setup has contributed to increased comfort for teachers and higher preference for these modern facilities.
• Teacher Training: Special training provided to teachers has enhanced their comfort with using the smart classroom tools, with senior secondary teachers showing the highest comfort levels.
• Digital Libraries: The study also found that 41 cities have developed Digital Libraries with 7,809 seating capacity, offering essential resources for students. Cities like Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Tumakuru (Karnataka) have seen positive outcomes from these libraries, particularly in supporting students preparing for competitive exams.

Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

• Launched in June 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to promote cities that offer core infrastructure, a decent quality of life, a sustainable environment, and the application of smart solutions. As of November 2024, 91% of the projects under the mission have been completed.

SAAR Platform and Research

• In 2022, the Smart Cities Mission introduced the SAAR (Smart Cities and Academia towards Action and Research) platform to bridge the gap between academia and the government. Under this platform, 50 impact assessment studies have been initiated by 29 premier institutions, including six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and 12 specialized research institutes.

In News:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has recently been renamed MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), reflecting a shift in understanding of the disease's root causes and its broader implications.

Why the Name Change?

• The primary reason for renaming NAFLD to MASLD is to highlight the metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause of the disease.
• Previously, the term NAFLD focused on the absence of alcohol consumption, which inadvertently shifted attention away from the true contributors, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• The term MASLD eliminates the stigma associated with "non-alcoholic," which may have misled people into thinking alcohol consumption was the only factor, even though metabolic issues are the central cause.
• The term MASLD shifts the focus towards metabolic dysfunction, making it easier for healthcare professionals to understand, diagnose, and treat the condition more effectively.

The Connection to Metabolic Dysfunction

• MASLD is strongly associated with metabolic issues such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood sugar. These metabolic problems are key contributors to liver fat accumulation.
• People with abdominal obesity are 2-3 times more likely to develop fatty liver disease. MASLD affects about 25% of the global population, and the rates increase significantly (up to 50-70%) in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
• By focusing on metabolic dysfunction, MASLD encourages addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, offering a more effective approach to treatment and prevention.

How is MASLD Diagnosed?

Advancements in non-invasive diagnostic methods have improved the ability to diagnose MASLD more easily and accurately, including:

• FibroScan: A non-invasive, painless test to measure liver fat and stiffness, replacing the need for liver biopsy.
• MRI and Ultrasound Techniques: Reliable methods for assessing liver fat and scarring.
• Blood Tests: Common tests like ALT, AST, and GGT assess liver function. Researchers are also exploring new markers like CK-18 fragments and the ELF score (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis) to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Implications for Patient Care

The renaming of NAFLD to MASLD has important implications for patient care:

• Targeted Treatments: By focusing on the metabolic roots, treatments such as weight loss, blood sugar management, and cholesterol control can be prioritized. These interventions help reduce the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, liver failure, and cirrhosis.
• Earlier Diagnosis: MASLD encourages earlier recognition of the condition, which can lead to better management and improved long-term outcomes.

Prevention

Preventing MASLD involves avoiding foods that exacerbate liver fat buildup. Dr. Punit Singla, director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, emphasizes limiting or avoiding:

• Fast food, junk food, and processed foods
• Foods high in sugar, including red and processed meats

A healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can significantly help prevent or manage MASLD.

In News:

On December 20, 2024, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal. During the event, he e-inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and a newly constructed residential complex for the Border Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Secretary of Border Management (MHA), and the Director-General of SSB.

Key Highlights from the Speech:

• Tributes to Martyrs: Shri Shah paid tributes to SSB martyrs, highlighting their sacrifices in protecting the country's borders and eliminating Left Wing Extremism in the eastern region. He acknowledged the 4 Padma Shri, 1 Kirti Chakra, and other national awards received by SSB for their exceptional service.
• Role in Connecting Borders: The Home Minister praised SSB’s role in connecting the culture, language, and heritage of border villages with mainstream India. He emphasized that the SSB has fulfilled its motto of "Service, Security, and Brotherhood" while maintaining a strong relationship with Nepal and Bhutan.
• Security and Vigilance: SSB is responsible for securing a 2,450 km border with Nepal and Bhutan. Shri Shah noted that SSB's vigilance has helped in stopping narcotics, arms smuggling, and human trafficking. Additionally, the force has worked to ensure that Bihar and Jharkhand are now Naxal-free.
• Zero-Tolerance Policy: The SSB has a zero-tolerance policy on encroachments, narcotics, and smuggling. Over the last three years, the SSB successfully removed more than 1,100 encroachments from government land and seized significant amounts of narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit currency.
• Impact in Jammu & Kashmir: SSB has played a critical role in combating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than 19 terrorists and arresting 14 through various operations.
• Humanitarian Efforts: Besides security, SSB has actively participated in disaster relief operations during floods and landslides, often at great personal risk.
• Government Schemes for CAPF Personnel: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various welfare schemes like Ayushman Cards, CAPF e-Housing, and scholarships have been launched to support CAPF personnel and their families.
• Self-Employment Initiatives: SSB has promoted self-employment for border youth, training them in areas like beekeeping, mobile repairing, and driving. They have also contributed significantly to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, creating awareness about drug addiction among 36,000 youth.
• Environmental Contribution: The force has planted over 6 crore trees as part of its environmental efforts.

In News:

For the first time, a court in the US has held Israel’s NSO Group liable for its intrusive spyware Pegasus, which could set up a measure of accountability for the company that it has, for long, allegedly downplayed.

Overview:

• Pegasus is a spyware developed by the Israeli company NSO Group.
• It has been used for surveillance, allegedly targeting journalists, activists, politicians, and government officials across the world, including India.

Recent Legal Developments:

• US Court Ruling (2024):
  • A US court held NSO Group liable for using Pegasus to surveil 1,400 WhatsApp users, including 300 from India.
  • NSO Group violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the California Computer Data Access and Fraud Act (CDAFA).
  • The ruling may revive debates on the accountability of spyware use and its implications on privacy.

Use of Pegasus in India:

• Targeted Individuals (2021):
  • 300 Indian numbers allegedly targeted, including journalists, politicians, Union Ministers, and civil society members.
  • High-profile targets included opposition leaders, constitutional authorities, and activists.
• Government Denial:
  • The Indian government denied involvement, stating allegations lacked substance.
  • In Parliament, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw rejected claims, asserting India’s surveillance laws prevent unauthorized surveillance.
• NSO Group Response:
  • NSO Group denied the allegations, calling them “false and misleading” and citing doubts about the sources.

Investigations and Legal Actions:

• Supreme Court Inquiry:
  • The Supreme Court appointed a committee of technical experts in 2021 to investigate claims.
  • August 2022 Report: Found no conclusive evidence of spyware use on examined devices but noted lack of cooperation from the government.
• State-Level Investigations:
  • West Bengal: Set up a Commission of Inquiry into Pegasus surveillance, later halted by the Supreme Court.
  • Andhra Pradesh: The issue became political, with allegations that the previous government used Pegasus to monitor opposition figures.

Pegasus Spyware Features:

• Capability: Can hack iOS and Android devices to collect data, record conversations, capture photos, and access app data.
• Exploitation Method: Uses zero-day vulnerabilities to exploit iOS and Android devices covertly.
• Invisibility: Operates without user knowledge, often only detected through signs like browser closings after phishing links are clicked.

Controversial Use of Pegasus:

• Global Use: Though intended for fighting terrorism and crime, Pegasus has been misused for spying on journalists, politicians, human rights activists, and opposition leaders.
• India Specifics:
  • Pegasus Project: Targeted Indian citizens, including activists, journalists, and politicians.
  • Amnesty International: Confirmed use of Pegasus to target Indian phones.

India's Legal Framework for Surveillance:

• Telecommunications Act (2023): Empowers the government to control telecom services during emergencies, but requires authorization for lawful interceptions.
• IT Act (2000): Allows the government to monitor, intercept, or decrypt information through computer resources under certain conditions.
• Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act (2023): Aims to protect personal data, including provisions on surveillance, data breaches, and rights of individuals over their data.

Privacy and Surveillance Concerns:

• Impact on Fundamental Rights:
  • Surveillance infringes on the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  • Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19) may be curtailed, with surveillance being used to suppress dissent.
• Lack of Transparency:
  • Surveillance often occurs without judicial or parliamentary oversight, leading to potential executive overreach.
• Inability to Seek Legal Remedies:
  • Citizens targeted by surveillance cannot challenge it due to lack of awareness, undermining constitutional rights.
• Executive Overreach and Suppression of Free Expression:
  • Pegasus revelations have raised concerns about surveillance targeting constitutional functionaries, suppressing free speech, and stifling open discourse.

In News:

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) completes two years of remarkable success, driving mutual growth and showcasing the complementarity of both economies.

Key Achievements:

• Bilateral Merchandise Trade Surge:
  • Trade increased from USD 12.2 billion (2020-21) to USD 26 billion (2022-23).
  • Trade moderated slightly in 2023-24 to USD 24 billion, but exports from India to Australia grew by 14%.
  • From April-November 2024, bilateral trade reached USD 16.3 billion.
• Preferential Import Utilization:
  • Export utilization: 79%
  • Import utilization: 84%
• Sectoral Growth:
  • Textiles, chemicals, and agriculture sectors have seen significant growth.
  • New export products: Gold studded with diamonds, turbojets.
  • India’s imports: Metalliferous ores, cotton, wood products that fuel Indian industries.
• Geopolitical Strengthening:
  • Enhanced relations in forums like Quad, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).

Key Features of the Agreement:

• Tariff Reductions:
  • Australian goods: 85% tariff-free access to India (rising to 90% by 2026).
  • Indian goods: 96% tariff-free access to Australia (rising to 100% by 2026).
• Access to Key Markets:
  • India: Access to Australia's fast-growing market.
  • Australia: Access to India's labor-intensive sectors like gems, jewelry, textiles, leather, furniture, food, agriculture.
• Services and IT:
  • 135 sub-sectors covered in services.
  • India gains market access in 103 sub-sectors with Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status in 31.
  • Fast-tracked approval of medicines and elimination of double taxation for India's IT sector.
• Job Creation & Skill Exchange:
  • Expected creation of 1 million jobs in India.
  • Opportunities for Indian yoga teachers, chefs, and 100,000 students with post-study work visas.

Future Prospects:

• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Builds on ECTA to advance bilateral trade, with 10 formal rounds and ongoing inter-sessional discussions.
• Trade Target: Aim to reach AUD 100 billion in trade by 2030.
• Global Economic Impact: Strengthening the partnership will contribute to a more resilient and dynamic global economy, with deeper economic integration between India and Australia.