APRIL 8, 2024 | DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR APSC/UPSC
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Suvidha Portal
- Why in News?
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) received over 73,000 applications on the Suvidha portal since the announcement of the General Elections 2024.
- Assam alone accounted for 2,609 applications.
- Key Points:
- Out of the total applications, 60% were approved, 15% were rejected, and 10,819 applications were cancelled due to invalidity or duplication. The rest are under process.
- Tamil Nadu had the highest number of requests (23,239), followed by West Bengal (11,976), and Madhya Pradesh (10,636). Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, and Manipur had the lowest numbers of requests.
- Suvidha Portal Features:
- The Suvidha portal aims to ensure fair and transparent elections by facilitating various permission requests from political parties and candidates.
- It allows requests for rallies, temporary offices, canvassing, video vans, helicopters, vehicle permits, and pamphlet distribution.
- The portal allows online submission of permission requests from anywhere, with offline options available for inclusivity.
- It offers real-time tracking of application status through a companion app on iOS and Android platforms.
- Managed by nodal officers, the Suvidha portal streamlines the processing of permission requests, enhancing efficiency and transparency in the electoral process.
- It also aids in scrutinizing election expenditures, contributing to greater accountability and integrity.
- The ECI reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a fair, efficient, and transparent electoral environment through the Suvidha platform, providing equal access to permissions and clearances for all political parties and candidates.
Russia-Ukraine
(GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.)
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Disclaimer: Image Used for Illustration Purposes Only |
- Why in News?
- Recently, Ukrainian military drones attacked the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, targeting the dome of the plant’s sixth power unit.
- The attack caused no critical damage or casualties, and radiation levels remained normal.
- Key Points:
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed of the drone strike, and its experts confirmed that the detonation was consistent with their observations.
- The head of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, urged refraining from actions that jeopardize nuclear safety.
- The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been caught in the crossfire since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- The IAEA has repeatedly expressed concerns about the plant's safety amid fears of a potential nuclear catastrophe. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of attacking the facility.
- The plant's reactors have been shut down for months, but it still requires power and qualified staff to operate crucial cooling systems and safety features.
Transformation of Northeast
- Why in News?
- Recently, PM Modi highlights the significant transformation of the Northeast from an "abandoned region" to an "abundant region" during his tenure.
- Key Points:
- Investments and Development:
- He emphasizes that investments towards Northeast's development in the last five years are nearly four times more than those made by previous governments.
- Infrastructure development has connected the region with the rest of the country and the world.
- Addressing Insurgency:
- Significant progress has been made in controlling insurgency with 11 peace agreements signed in the last decade and more than 9,500 insurgents surrendering since 2014.
- Insurgency incidents have reduced by 71% since 2014.
- Border Disputes:
- Modi asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and highlights developmental projects in the region, including infrastructure, housing, water supply, and airports.
- Naga Peace Talks:
- The Framework Agreement with NSCN(IM) lays down broad principles for a final solution to the Naga political problem, and talks are ongoing to conclude the peace process.
- Addressing Infiltration from Myanmar:
- Steps have been taken to prevent infiltration from Myanmar, including scrapping the Free Movement Regime, deploying Border Guarding Forces, and constructing fencing along the border.
- The government is also urging Mizoram to capture biometric data of illegal migrants.
The Assam Tribune Editorial Summary (April 8, 2024)
Introduction to Smiley’s World
- Why in News?
- Recently, in a report Microsoft Threat Intelligence said that, China may use AI-generated content on social media to influence public opinion during elections in countries like India, South Korea, and the US.
- China has already experimented with AI in Taiwan's presidential polls.
- Key Points:
- The article discusses how George Smiley's world, characterized by espionage and covert operations, has adapted to modern technology.
- Chinese state-backed cyber groups, possibly supported by North Korea, could target elections in the US and South Korea.
- The article mentions Flax Typhoon, a Chinese cyber player targeting various countries' telecommunications sectors.
- In February, a Chinese state-linked hacker group claimed to have targeted key offices of the Indian government and businesses, stealing immigration data.
- Impact of AI on Elections:
- While the possibility of AI-generated content significantly impacting elections in major economies is low, it could still sow divisive tendencies through fake news and memes, exacerbating existing polarization.
- North Korea's Role:
- North Korea has increased cryptocurrency heists and supply chain attacks against South Korea to fund its military goals and intelligence collection.
- The article points out the difficulty in distinguishing between victims and perpetrators in Smiley’s World, citing examples of countries like Pakistan and Canada accusing India of interference in their internal affairs.
- Way Forward:
- The murky world of espionage necessitates eternal vigilance, especially for countries like India, to protect their democratic credentials and defend against cyber assaults.
Freebies and Elections
- Why in News?
- Indian elections are influenced by government schemes, especially those offering freebies.
- Parties, both ruling and oppositions promise tangible benefits to voters to secure votes.
- Key Points:
- While freebies may seem beneficial on the surface, economists argue that they perpetuate poverty and hinder economic growth.
- Dependence on handouts erodes the work culture and creates a parasitic class.
- Assam's work culture has suffered due to the proliferation of freebies, leading to dominance in various sectors by non-locals despite claims of Assamese nationalism.
- Taxpayers bear the burden of funding these schemes, which benefit a large section of the population at their expense. This creates a cycle of dependency and stifles real development.
- Way Forward:
- Instead of focusing on freebies, prioritizing job creation to foster genuine development and reduce dependency on government handouts.
- They should be condemned the trend of competing to offer more freebies,
- Prioritize building a strong work culture and promoting self-reliance for sustainable development.
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