Crowdfunding for Terrorism Financing: FATF

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, FATF (Financial Action Task Force) has released a report titled-”Crowdfunding for Terrorism Financing”, highlighting that violent extremist organizations have employed well-structured networks for fundraising purposes.

• The report makes a reference to the Popular Front of India (PFI) as having resorted to solicitation for funds at mosques and public places, which were ultimately used to procure arms and ammunition and for training the cadres.

What is Crowdfunding?

• About:
  • Crowdfunding is a dynamic fundraising method that leverages online platforms to gather small contributions from a large pool of individuals for various purposes such as supporting charitable causes, funding startup ventures, or financing creative projects.
  • While crowdfunding is predominantly used for legitimate purposes, recent events have exposed its potential exploitation for illegal activities, notably by terrorists and terrorist groups.
  • These entities utilize fundraising platforms and social media to solicit financial support globally for their extremist causes.
• Methods of Misuse for Terror Financing:
  • Abuse of humanitarian, charitable and non-profit causes which can act as a front to raise funds for terrorism.
  • Dedicated crowdfunding platforms or websites which, given the volume and variety of activity, makes it difficult to detect illicit activity.
  • Social media platforms and messaging apps to allow extremists to amplify their messages and lead users to specific fundraising causes.
  • Interaction of crowdfunding with virtual assets, including the use of privacy coins and anonymity enhancing services such as tumblers and mixers.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Mixed Fundraising Strategies:
  • The PFI collected funds through solicitation at religious places, such as mosques, and public spaces.
  • Additionally, the group used modern digital methods, including the circulation of QR codes and bank account details to encourage donations.
  • Funds collected by the organization involved both domestic and foreign transactions, making the investigation challenging due to the multi-dimensional nature of the financial flows.
• Diverse Use of Funds:
  • Funds raised through crowdfunding were not limited to a single purpose. A portion of the collected funds was invested in businesses and real estate projects, aiming to generate a regular income for the organization's terrorist activities.
• Global Context:
  • The report places the issue of crowdfunding for terrorism financing in a global context. It highlights that while most crowdfunding activities are legitimate, terrorist organizations like ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and Al-Qaeda have exploited these platforms to raise money for their activities.
• Recommendations:
  • The FATF report emphasizes the need for consistent Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) regulations on a global scale.
  • It points out that many countries do not systematically assess the risks associated with crowdfunding activities, leading to a lack of comprehensive data about its misuse.
  • FATF highlights the cross-border nature of crowdfunding campaigns and the associated financial transfers.
  • Countries are urged to recognize that even if their jurisdiction does not have significant domestic terrorism activity, it can still be used as a pass-through for financial flows.

What is PFI?

• The Popular Front of India formed in 2007 through the merger of three Muslim organizations in southern India in Tamil Nadu, emerged in the aftermath of the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and has been involved in various social and Islamic religious activities among Muslims.
• The PFI has presented itself as an organization advocating for the rights of minorities, Dalits, and marginalized communities but has faced allegations of involvement in extremist activities.
• In 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs had declared the PFI along with its associates or affiliates or fronts as an “unlawful association”..

How to Deal with Such Organisations while Preserving Civil Liberties and Ensuring National Security?

• Clear Legal Framework:
  • Establish a clear and comprehensive legal framework that outlines the conditions under which an organization can be designated as a threat to national security.
  • This framework should be based on constitutional principles, international Human Rights standards, and due process.
• Judicial Oversight:
  • The judiciary can assess whether the government's actions are in accordance with the law and protect individuals' rights.
• Transparency and Accountability:
  • Maintain transparency in the process of designating organizations as unlawful and disclose the reasons for such actions.
  • Establish mechanisms for accountability and oversight to prevent misuse of the legal framework.
• Targeted Actions:
  • Focus on targeting individuals or entities directly involved in criminal or terrorist activities rather than broadly targeting an entire organization. This approach minimizes the impact on innocent members and supporters.
• Intelligence and Surveillance:
  • Enhance intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities to monitor the activities of potential threats. Ensure that these actions are in accordance with the law and subject to oversight.
• Public Awareness:
  • Promote public awareness about the dangers of extremist ideologies and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. Encourage the public to be proactive in safeguarding national security.

Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved the Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 to enable and empower the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) to undertake campaigns in the Digital Media space.

• The CBC operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is responsible for creating awareness and disseminating information about various government programs, schemes, and policies in India.
• CBC is committed to adapting to the changing media landscape and embracing new technologies to reach a wider audience.

What are the Key Policies under the Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023?

• Expansion to Digital Platforms:
  • The CBC can advertise on social media, Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, digital audio platforms, mobile applications, and websites.
  • It mandates that the websites, mobile apps, OTT platforms and digital audio platforms need to be at least a year old to be eligible to apply under the scheme.
• Advertisement Rates and Transparency:
  • Advertising rates will be linked to subscriber base and viewership numbers, determined through competitive bidding to ensure transparency and efficiency.
  • Rates discovered through this process will remain valid for three years.
• OTT Platforms Engagement:
  • OTT platforms can be empanelled not only for placing advertisements during regular content but also for the production of embedded/in-film advertisements, promotions, or branding activities as per CBC's Letter of Intent.
• Funding Source:
  • The CBC typically utilizes 2% of the total outlay of government schemes for publicity and outreach activities, and this fund is used for advertisements and campaigns.

What is the Significance of Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023?

• This policy marks a pivotal moment in CBC's mission to disseminate information and create awareness regarding various schemes, programs, and policies of the Government of India in response to the evolving media landscape and the increased digitalization of media consumption.
• The huge subscriber base in the Digital Universe, coupled with technology enabled messaging options through Digital advertisements will facilitate effective delivery of citizen centric messages in a targeted manner, resulting in cost efficiencies in public oriented campaigns.
• In recent years, the way audiences consume media has witnessed a significant shift towards the digital space.
• The Government of India’s Digital India program has led to a huge growth in the number of people in the country who are now connected to the internet, social and digital media platforms.
  • As per TRAI’s Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators January–March 2023, the internet penetration in India as of March 2023, is over 880 million, and the number of telecom subscribers as of March 2023 is over 1172 million.

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants

Source: IE

Why in News?

In India, a stark gender disparity in organ transplants has been revealed by data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). Between 1995 and 2021, four out of every five organ recipients were men, indicating a significant healthcare imbalance.

• The low representation of women in organ transplants highlights the need and importance of equitable access to healthcare for all.

What are the Trends in Organ Transplants in India?

• According to the data collated by the NOTTO, the nodal agency for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in India, there is a significant gender disparity among organ recipients and donors in the country.
  • The data shows that between 1995 and 2021, out of the total 36,640 patients who underwent organ transplants, 29,695 were men and only 6,945 were women.
    • Although studies show that the number of women donors is higher than men.
  • This indicates that women who need organ transplants are not getting adequate access to healthcare and treatment, due to various socio-cultural and economic factors.
• According to the NOTTO data, there has been an overall increase in the number of organ transplants in India, with a record high of 16,041 such procedures in 2022.
• Among the different types of organ transplants, kidney transplants are the most common, followed by liver, heart, and lung transplants.
• Among the different states, Delhi topped the table in living donor transplants, while Tamil Nadu remained the leader in deceased donor transplants, where organs from brain-dead patients are used.
  • Also, India conducts the third highest number of transplants in the world.

What are the Causes and Consequences of Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants?

• Causes of Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants:
  • The gender disparity in organ transplants reflects the prevailing gender inequality and discrimination in Indian society, where women’s health and well-being are often neglected or compromised.
  • Lack of awareness and education among women and their families about the need and benefits of organ transplants.
  • Preference for male members as recipients, especially in cases of living donor transplants, where organs from family members are used.
  • Fear and stigma associated with organ donation and transplantation, especially among women, who may face social exclusion or marital problems.
  • Financial constraints and affordability issues, as organ transplants are expensive and require long-term follow-up and medication.
• Consequences of Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants:
  • Gender bias and discrimination in the healthcare system, where women may face harassment, negligence, or denial of treatment by the medical staff or authorities.

Way Forward

• Organize awareness and information campaigns on organ donation and transplantation, targeting women and their families, through various media and platforms.
  • Providing counseling and support services to women and their families, to address their doubts, fears, and concerns regarding organ donation and transplantation.
• Strengthening and expanding the network and infrastructure of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, to ensure timely and equitable access and availability of organs and services.
• Implementing and enforcing the legal and ethical norms and guidelines for organ and tissue donation and transplantation, to prevent and punish any malpractices or violations.
• Encouraging and facilitating the participation and empowerment of women as organ donors and recipients, by recognising and rewarding their contributions and achievements.

Thousands of Earthquakes Rock Iceland

Source: IE

Why in News?

Iceland has declared a state of emergency following a series of 800 earthquakes that struck the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula in less than 14 hours.

• Approximately 1,400 earthquakes were detected in a day, and the peninsula has experienced over 24,000 seismic events since late October. The strongest of these earthquakes, with a magnitude of 5.2, occurred approximately 40 km from Reykjavík, Iceland's capital.

What is Happening in Iceland?

• About Iceland:
  • Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, technically the longest mountain range in the world, but on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. The ridge separates the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates — making it a hotbed of seismic activity.
    • The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent or constructive plate boundary where tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the creation of new oceanic crust
  • This geological setting makes the region prone to frequent earthquakes, with an annual average of approximately 26,000, as reported by Perlan, a natural history museum based in Reykjavik.
  • While most of these tremors go unnoticed, the occurrence of earthquake swarms, characterized by numerous small earthquakes without a discernible mainshock, raises concerns about the possibility of an impending volcanic eruption.
    • These earthquake swarms indicate heightened tectonic stress in specific areas.
• Notable Icelandic Volcanoes:
  • Iceland boasts a total of 33 active volcanoes.
  • Eyjafjallajökull, one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes, erupted in 2010, causing a widespread ash cloud.
    • Other notable volcanoes include Hekla, Grímsvötn, Hóluhraun, and Litli-Hrútur, part of the Fagradalsfjall system.

How are Earthquake Swarms a Sign of Volcanic Activity?

• Magma Formation and Movement:
  • Intense heat beneath the Earth's surface melts rocks, giving rise to magma, a flowing substance lighter than solid rock.
  • The buoyancy of magma propels it upwards, with most of it being confined to magma chambers deep underground.
• Volcanic Eruptions:
  • While the majority of magma cools and solidifies over time, a fraction erupts through vents and fissures on the Earth's surface.
  • These eruptions are the visible outcomes of the geological processes occurring beneath the surface.
• Earthquake Swarms as Indicators:
  • The movement of magma near the Earth's surface exerts force on surrounding rock layers.
  • This force often leads to the occurrence of earthquake swarms, clusters of seismic activity in a particular region.
• Proximity to Eruption:
  • Magma movement underground doesn't always culminate in a volcanic eruption.
  • The closer magma gets to the Earth's surface, the higher the likelihood of an eruption, accompanied by more frequent and symptomatic earthquake swarms.

Key Initiatives for Tribal Groups

Source: IE

Why in News?

On the Occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15^th November) the Prime Minister (PM) has launched three key Initiatives to ensure last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

• The PM launched ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM PVTG) Development Mission and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

What are these Key Initiatives?

• PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN):
  • About: PM JANMAN aims to protect and nurture tribal groups, especially those on the verge of extinction, by providing them with necessary support, development, and connectivity to mainstream services and opportunities.
  • Coverage: The initiative covers 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) residing in 18 states and union territories, spread across 22,544 villages in 220 districts.
    • Approximately 28 lakh people belong to these identified tribal groups.
  • Significance: PM JANMAN underscores the government's commitment to uplifting and safeguarding tribal communities, preserving their cultural heritage, and integrating them into the mainstream development process.
    • It emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between tribal populations and essential services while ensuring their socio-economic empowerment.
• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra:
  • The focus of the Yatra will be on reaching out to people, creating awareness and providing benefits of welfare schemes like sanitation facilities, essential financial services, electricity connections, access to LPG cylinders, housing for the poor, food security, proper nutrition, reliable healthcare, clean drinking water, etc.
  • Enrolment of potential beneficiaries will be done through details ascertained during the Yatra.
  • The Yatra will start from districts with significant tribal populations initially and will cover all districts across the country.
• PM PVTG Mission:
  • The PM-PVTG Development Mission program aims to improve the socio-economic status of Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
    • For this, availability of Rs 24000 Crore for Scheduled Tribes has been envisaged in the Union Budget.
  • The mission includes providing basic facilities like safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, better access to roads in settlements for backward scheduled tribes.

CITES Standing Committee Meeting

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The recently concluded 77^th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) in Geneva, Switzerland, brought promising developments for India's wildlife conservation efforts.

What are the Major Outcomes of the Meeting from India’s Point of View?

• Removal from Review of Significant Trade (RST) for Red Sanders: India had been under the Review of Significant Trade (RST) process for Red Sanders since 2004.
  • This is a process through which the CITES Standing Committee places increased scrutiny on the exports of a species from a country to determine if the Convention is being properly implemented.
  • Owing to compliance and robust reporting, India has been removed from this process, marking a significant achievement for the country's Red Sanders growers.
  • The Red Sanders(Pterocarpus santalinus), a tree species endemic to specific districts in Andhra Pradesh, holds high market value and has faced threats due to illegal harvesting and smuggling.
• India's Category in CITES National Legislation Program: The recent meeting decided to place India in Category 1 as it had fully complied with the requirements of CITES National Legislation programme.
  • The CITES provides that every Party align its national legislation to accommodate CITES provisions. Previously, India was listed in Category 2 for CITES National Legislation programme.
  • The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was, therefore, amended in the year 2022, wherein the provisions of CITES were incorporated in the Act.
• Call for Big Cat Conservation: India advocated for stringent conservation measures for Big Cats, especially Asian Big Cats, urging other range countries and stakeholders to join the International Big Cat Alliance for their conservation, launched by the Indian Prime Minister in April 2023.

What is CITES?

• About:
  • CITES is an international agreement aimed to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
    • Currently there are 184 Parties to CITES.
  • It entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25^th party, a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention, in 1976.
• Enforceability:
  • Although CITES is legally binding on States it is generally not self-executing.
  • This means that it cannot be fully implemented until specific domestic measures have been adopted for that purpose.
    • It is therefore essential that CITES Parties have legislation in place allowing them to implement and enforce all aspects of the Convention.
• CITES National Legislation Programme:
  • National laws must fulfill all these minimum requirements under CITES National Legislation programme:
    • Designate a Management Authority and a Scientific Authority.
    • Prohibit trade violating the Convention.
    • Penalize such illicit trade.
    • Confiscate illegally traded or possessed specimens.
• After consulting the concerned Party, the CITES Secretariat assesses the national legislation concerning these criteria and categorizes it into one of three categories:
  • Category 1: Legislation generally meeting CITES implementation requirements.
  • Category 2: Legislation generally not meeting all CITES implementation requirements.
  • Category 3: Legislation generally not meeting CITES implementation requirements.

Euclid Mission for Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Why in News? 

What are the Different Findings by Euclid’s Mission?  

• The Perseus Cluster: A Glimpse into Cosmic Depths:  
  • Euclid's lens focused on the Perseus Cluster, capturing 1,000 galaxies and over 100,000 more in the background, some situated 10 billion light-years away.  
  • The mapping of special attributes and characteristics of these galaxies will help unravel the role of dark matter in shaping the universe. 
• Spiral Galaxy IC 342: Euclid's Infrared Revelation: 
  • Euclid's infrared capabilities provided valuable insights into the stars of IC 342, a spiral galaxy akin to the Milky Way useful for understanding galaxies with structures similar to our own. 
• Irregular Dwarf Galaxy NGC 6822: Galactic Building Blocks:  
  • Irregularly-shaped and small galaxies like NGC 6822 play a crucial role as the building blocks for larger galaxies.  
  • Studying them sheds light on the formation of galactic structures. 
• Globular Cluster NGC 6397 and the Horsehead Nebula: 
  • NGC 6397 is a nearly globe-shaped globular cluster about 7,800 LYs away.  
  • The mission showcased the Horsehead Nebula, aiming to uncover unseen Jupiter-mass planets in their early stages of development.  

What is Dark Matter?  

• About: 
  • Dark matter, though never detected, is believed to be present in the entire universe, its existence presumed because a number of observable celestial phenomena could not be possible if the universe did not have much more matter in it than is seen. 
    • It is believed to make up more than 95% of all the universe. 
• Characteristics: 
  • The material is considered to be a ‘matter’ since it has gravitational attraction and it is ‘dark’ because it does not seem to interact with light (or any part of the electromagnetic spectrum). 
    • Its gravitational force prevents stars in our Milky Way from flying apart. 
  • However, attempts to detect such dark matter particles using underground experiments, or accelerator experiments including the world's largest accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), have failed so far. 

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

National Epilepsy Day

National Epilepsy Day is celebrated every year in India on 17^th November to raise awareness about the brain disorder and bust myths surrounding the disease.

• Epilepsy is a brain disorder that can cause seizures due to abnormal brain activity or temporary changes in the brain's electrical functioning.
  • The brain produces orderly electrical impulses along nerve cell networks, but in epilepsy, this balance is disrupted thus it impacts consciousness, movements, or sensations.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy and India accounts for nearly 10-20% of the global burden of epilepsy.
• Epileptic seizures are broadly categorized into focal and generalized seizures based on the location of abnormal brain activity.
  • Focal seizures may cause brief emotional changes, involuntary movements, and symptoms like dizziness.
  • Generalized seizures present varied symptoms including staring, muscle jerking, loss of control, twitches, and sudden loss of consciousness.
• Every year the second Monday of February is observed as International Epilepsy Day.

Read more: International Epilepsy Day

National Press Day

National Press Day, marked on 16^th November, holds immense significance in India as it marks the establishment of the Press Council of India, functioning as a guardian of journalistic ethics and freedom.

• Unlike other global Press or Media Councils, the unique authority of the Press Council of India extends even over state instruments, ensuring the independence of the press.
• The Council, initiated in 1966, was recommended by the first Press Commission in 1956 to uphold professional standards and ethics in journalism through a statutory body comprising industry stakeholders.

Read more: National Press Day