• 05 Mar 2025

Cyber Frauds in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Chhattisgarh has reported cybercrime cases totaling Rs 168 crore, with a recovery of Rs 5.2 crore. 

Key Points 

• Cyber Fraud: It is a kind of cybercrime that aims to steal money (or other valuable assets) from an entity. It involves using online solutions (internet based) to commit fraud. 
• Types of Cyber Fraud:   

Cyber Fraud	Description
Phishing	Phishing involves emails that appear to be from trusted sources, tricking users into clicking links that lead to fake websites and attackers gain sensitive details e.g., credit card numbers.
Malware	Malware is used to steal personal information that allows cyber criminals to gain control of a victim's computer.
Ransomware	Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for decryption. E.g., WannaCry attack in 2016
Cyberbullying	Cyberbullying includes any threat to a person’s safety, coercion to say or do anything.
Cyber Spying	Cyber Spying targets a public or private entity’s network to gain access to classified data, private information, or intellectual property.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)	Scammers hack legitimate email accounts to impersonate suppliers, employees, or tax office members, considered a white-collar crime.
Dating Hoodwinks	Hackers use dating websites, chat rooms, and online dating apps to pose as potential partners and gain access to personal data.

• Cyber Cell in each District: All five divisions in Chhattisgarh now have one cyber cell in each district and the  police stations were upgraded to handle such cases. 
  • All district police stations are being upgraded to cyber police stations, with expert manpower being trained at national centers.  
• Investment: The state government has invested Rs 2.77 crore in constructing a cyber building, equipped with state-of-the-art devices, including a unified forensic device, mobile forensic kits, and disk storage systems.  
  • These technological advancements are part of the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and fraud in the state.  
• Increase in Cyber Fraud: Cybercrime has been increasing globally, with digital transactions surpassing Rs 20 lakh crore last year. As digital transactions grow, incidents of cyber fraud have also surged. 

Proxy Oath for Women Panchayat Representatives in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

The husbands (Pradhan Pati) of six newly elected women panchayat representatives allegedly took the oath in their place, in Paraswara village panchayat, Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh.  

Key Points 

• Pradhan Pati: It is a term used in India to describe the husbands of elected women representatives in panchayats (village councils) who unofficially exercise the power on behalf of their wives (actual panchayat representatives).  
  • This phenomenon arises due to socio-cultural norms where, despite women holding official positions, their husbands or male family members make decisions and perform administrative duties. 
• Swearing-in Controversy: A video surfaced on social media, showing the husbands of six newly elected women panchayat representatives allegedly taking the oath in their place. 
  • In response to this, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pandariya Janpad Panchayat was instructed to investigate the matter. He confirmed that action would be taken based on the probe report. 
• Irregular Oath-taking: The panchayat secretary allegedly administered the oath to the husbands of the six elected women representatives instead of the actual representatives. 
• Public Outrage: Locals and social activists condemned the incident as a violation of women’s empowerment and demanded strict action against those responsible. They warned that failure to act could encourage similar incidents in the future. 

 Governance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)  

• State Subject: Local governance falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, with PRIs operating as per respective State Panchayati Raj Acts.  
• Constitutional Framework:  
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established a three-tiered Panchayat system and mandated 1/3rd reservation for women, later increased to 50% in 21 states and 2 UTs.  
  • Article 243D provides for reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes in PRIs.  
  • Article 40 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to establish village panchayats and grant them the necessary powers and authority to function as self-governing units.  
• The Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996, grants Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas special powers to manage natural resources and protect tribal culture and livelihoods.

Rising Debt of State-run Universities in Haryana

Why in News?  

The former Haryana finance minister plans to launch a campaign highlighting the rising debt of state-run universities after the government replaced grant-in-aid with loans. 

Key Points 

• Rising University Debt: 
  • The 22 state universities in Haryana have accumulated a debt of ₹6,625.82 crore due to shift in grant-in-aid policy with loan. 
  • The rising debt could impact research, teaching, and even the survival of universities. 
• Government’s Justification: 
  • The state government maintains that the funds are provided under the scheme “non-recoverable financial assistance in the form of interest-free perpetual loans.” 
  • Officials argue that grant-in-aid counts as revenue expenditure, while loans count as capital expenditure, which is aimed at building assets and generating revenue for universities. 
• Concerns Over Self-Financing Model: 
  • Decision of giving loans instead of grant-in-aid practically means that all government universities would have to adopt a self-financing pattern which forces universities to increase fees, making higher education unaffordable for lower and middle-class students. 

 Grant-in-aid 

• Grants-in-aid are payments in the nature of assistance, donations or contributions made by one government to another government, body, institution or individual.  
• Apart from Grants-in-aid given to the State Governments, the Union Government gives substantial funds as Grants-in-aid to other agencies, bodies and institutions.  
• Similarly, the State Governments also disburse grants-in-aid to agencies, bodies and institutions such as universities, hospitals, cooperative institutions and others.  
• The grants so released are utilized by these agencies, bodies and institutions for meeting day-to-day operating expenses and for creation of capital assets. 

Haryana Amended Green Energy Open Access Regulations

Why in News? 

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has amended its Green Energy Open Access Regulations, 2023. 

Key Points 

• Expanded Eligibility for Open Access:  
  • Consumers with a contracted demand of 100 kW or more, whether through a single connection or multiple connections totaling 100 kW or more within the same electricity operation division of a distribution licensee, are now eligible for Green Energy Open Access.  
• Extended Additional Surcharge Exemption for Offshore Wind Projects:  
  • Electricity generated from offshore wind projects commissioned until December 2032 and supplied to open access consumers will be exempt from additional surcharges. This extends the previous exemption, which was applicable only until December 2025.  
• Clarifications on Open Access for Non-Independent Feeder Consumers:  
  • Eligible consumers not connected to independent feeders can access open access, provided they accept system constraints and any power cut restrictions imposed by their distribution licensee. Under-drawal due to such restrictions will not be compensated.  

Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) 

• HERC was established on 17^th August 1998 as an independent statutory body corporate as per the provision of the Haryana Electricity Reform Act, 1997.  
• Haryana was the second State in India to initiate the process of Reform & Restructuring of the Power sector. 
• The Haryana Electricity Reform Act, 1997 was passed by the Haryana State Legislative Assembly on 22^nd July 1997. After receiving assent of the President of India on 20^th February 1998, this Act came into force on 14th August 1998. 

Uttarakhand Approves Unified Pension Scheme

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), and New Excise Policy 2025.  

• The government has also announced financial assistance for 45 writers to promote literature and culture. 

Key Points 

• Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Approval: 
  • The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for officers and employees under the National Pension System (NPS). 
  • The scheme aims to provide assured pension payouts post-retirement. 
  • It will come into effect from 1st April, 2025. 
• New Excise Policy 2025 
  • Liquor licenses near religious places will be closed to respect religious sentiments. 
  • Stricter control will be imposed on liquor sales, considering public sensitivities. 
  • Sub-shops and the metro liquor sales system have been abolished. 
  • If a shop sells liquor above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), its license may be canceled. 
  • The excise revenue target for 2025-26 has been set at Rs 5,060 crore. 
  • In 2023-24, revenue of Rs 4,038.69 crore was earned against a target of Rs 4,000 crore. 
  • In 2024-25, Rs 4,000 crore has been received so far against a target of Rs 4,439 crore. 
• Promotion of Literature and Culture 
  • The government has announced financial assistance for 45 writers this year. 
  • 21 new literary awards, along with the Uttarakhand Sahitya Bhushan award, have been introduced. 
  • The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to preserving literature and culture. 
  • Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that this financial aid is symbolic of the state's dedication to cultural preservation and literary growth. 

 Unified Pension Scheme 

• Assured Pension: This would amount to 50% of the employee’s average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months before retirement for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years.  
  • The amount would proportionately go down for a smaller service period, up to a minimum of 10 years of service. 
• Assured Minimum Pension: In the case of retirement after a minimum 10 years of service, the UPS provides for an assured minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month. 
• Assured Family Pension: Upon a retiree’s death, their immediate family would be eligible for 60% of the pension last drawn by the retiree. 
• Inflation Indexation: Dearness relief will be available on the above mentioned three kinds of pensions. 
  • Indexation will be calculated based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. 
• Lump Sum Payment at Retirement: In addition to gratuity, employees will receive a lump sum payment at retirement equivalent to 1/10th of their monthly emoluments (pay+DA) as of the retirement date for every completed six months of service.  
  • This payment will not affect the amount of the assured pension. 
  • Gratuity is an amount paid by an employer to its employees for rendering their services. 
• Choice for Employees: The employees can still opt to remain under the NPS. However, an employee can only opt for once. once opted, the option can not be changed. 

Taj Festival

Why in News? 

The Taj Mahotsav was organised at Shilp Gram, Agra from 18th February to 2nd March 2025 . 

Key Points  

•  About:  
  • The Taj Mahotsav saw a unique confluence of Indian art, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine . During the festival, various cultural programs, craft exhibitions, and food fairs were organized. 
  • This was the 33rd edition of the Taj Mahotsav organised by the Taj Mahotsav Committee. 
  • The theme of the festival was ' Dharohar ', depicting the rich cultural heritage of India. 
• Major events: 
  • Flower show at Atal Garden 
  • Garment Show 
  • our heritage our identity  
  • Bird watching at Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary 

Taj Festival 

• About:  
  • It is a vibrant 10-day festival held annually at the Shilpgram in Agra. The festival is inspired by the rich Mughal and Nawabi culture that developed in Uttar Pradesh during the 18th and 19th centuries . 
• Objective:  
  • The Taj Mahotsav was started in 1992 to promote local artisans and traditions of Agra. 

Agra District  

• About:  
  • It is situated on the banks of  Yamuna River in the western region of Uttar Pradesh state . 
  • The latitude of this district is 27.11' N and longitude is 78.0' to 78.2' E.  
  • It forms the interstate border with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.  
  • Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi in 1504 AD . 
  • In 1504 AD, he shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra . 
• Major places of interest: 
  • The Taj Mahal 
  • Agra Fort 
  • fatehpur sikri 
  • Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah 
  • Akbar's Tomb 
  • lofty gate 
  • Moti Masjid 
  • Keetham Lake (Suri Sarovar Bird Sanctuary)

Fluoride Poisoning in Sonbhadra

Why in News?  

High levels of fluoride pollution have been found in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.  

 Key Points  

• About: 
  • More than two lakh people of 276 villages of Sonbhadra district are affected by drinking fluoride-contaminated water. 
    • The fluoride level in groundwater of villages in Kon, Bhabni, Myorpur and Duddhi blocks has been found to be 5-6 times more than the prescribed standard. 
• Adverse effects on health: 
  • Due to fluoride contamination, people's bones are becoming weak and crooked, children are being born disabled and a large number of elderly people are becoming unable to walk . 
• Order of NGT: 
  • Despite the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), people are forced to drink fluoride-contaminated water. 
  • It was not implemented effectively by the local administration and concerned departments . 

Fluoride  

• About  
  • Fluoride is a widely occurring, non-biodegradable and long-term pollutant. It is produced by burning coal bricks. Fluoride is naturally found in minerals as well as in soil, water and air. 
• Toxicity:  
  • It is highly toxic. The World Health Organization recommends an upper limit of fluoride in drinking water of 1.5 mg/liter. 
• Effects of Fluoride: 
  • When consumed in adequate amounts, fluoride prevents tooth decay, aids in the formation of tooth enamel, and prevents the loss of bone mineralization but in high amounts it has a negative effect on bones and joints, and also causes fluorosis in teeth. 
  • Fluoride pollution also has negative effects on wildlife. 

42nd National Senior Rowing Championship

Why in News?  

The 42^nd National Senior Rowing Championship is being organized in Bhopal from 3^rd to 7^th March 2025 . More than 500 players from across the country are participating in it. 

 Key Points 

• About: 
  • This competition is being organized at the State Water Sports Academy, Boat Club located in Bhopal . 
• Objectives:  
  • This competition is being organized with the aim of promoting water sports and giving a new platform to the youth.  
• Format of the competition:  
  • 14 events are being organised in this competition , which also includes 2 events of Para Single Scull Women and Men category. 
  • The competition will conclude on 7^th March 2025, with all finals being held. 
  • A total of more than 500 players from 27 teams are participating in it , which shows the wide level of the competition. 

Rowing sport 

• About: 
  • Rowing is a sport in which athletes propel a special type of boat with the help of oars It differs from other water sports because in this the rower 's back is to the direction of the boat's movement. 
• History:  
  • Rowing originated as  a mode of transportation in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome 
  • As a sport it dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, with the Oxford–Cambridge University Boat Race held in the United Kingdom, inaugurated in 1828. 
• Competition Distance:  
  • Rower athletes compete over 2,000 metres either individually or in teams of 2, 4 or 8. 
• Types of rowing: 
  • Double sculls: Each athlete holds a rudder in each hand. 
  • Sweep rowing: The athlete handles a single rudder with both hands. 

Arogya Mela-2025

Why in News? 

A 4-day state level Arogya Mela was organized by the Government of Rajasthan from 1^st to 4^th March 2025 in Jaipur . 

Key Points 

•  About: 
  • The Minister of State for AYUSH said that in order to realize the concept of 'Nirogi Rajasthan', the state government is continuously promoting Ayurveda and Indian medical system in the state , as a result of which people's interest in AYUSH system has increased and it is emerging as a strong alternative to allopathy. This is an exemplary initiative of the state government in front of other states. 
• Objective: 
  • The objective of this fair was to increase public awareness about Ayush medical systems, provide free medical consultation and treatment and promote healthy lifestyle by highlighting the importance of yoga and naturopathy . 
•  Treatment and counseling: 
  • Free medical consultation and treatment was provided by experts of Ayurveda , Homeopathy , Unani , Yoga and Naturopathy medical systems . 
  • In the fair , treatment facilities were provided through special Ayush treatment methods like Jalouka Chikitsa, Agnikarma Chikitsa, Osteopathy, Marma Chikitsa, Cupping Therapy etc. 
  • Beauty experts provided information on maintaining beauty through herbal treatment and natural means at the beauty clinic . 
• Information about the courses: 
  • Information regarding admission process and eligibility for MD, MS, Graduate Degree and Diploma courses regarding skill development and educational opportunities in the field of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Yoga and Unani medicine was provided.