18 August 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
18-August-2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The Hindu Editorial Summary
1. Now, drones to monitor progress, quality of assets produced at MGNREGS worksites
Topic: GS2 – Digital governance
Context:
- The Union Ministry of Rural Development will use drones to increase surveillance of worksites under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Information about the news:
- Drones will have four main monitoring functions: surveying ongoing works, inspecting completed works, conducting impact assessments, and special inspections for complaints.
- Drones are intended to address issues like corruption, misuse of machines, wage discrepancies, and unauthorized work.
- The drones will be used by district ombudspersons who handle complaints and ensure timely resolution within 30 days.
- The use of drones aims to enable real-time monitoring, gather evidence, and facilitate efficient verification of works for better implementation of the scheme.
Significance of technology induction in governance:
- Efficiency: Technology streamlines administrative processes, reducing time and resources required for tasks.
- Transparency and accountability: Digital systems provide a transparent record of actions and decisions, minimizing corruption and favoritism.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Analyzing data helps policymakers make informed decisions and identify trends for better planning.
- Accessibility: Technology enables remote access to services and information, increasing citizen participation and reach.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Technology allows real-time tracking and monitoring of projects, enhancing project management.
- Cost Savings: Automation reduces administrative costs and enhances resource allocation efficiency.
- Inclusive Governance: Technology bridges gaps, providing services to remote and marginalized populations.
- Ease of Service: Citizens can access government services online, improving convenience and reducing bureaucratic hurdle
Challenges ahead:
- Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology hinders equitable service delivery.
- Cybersecurity: Technological systems are vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.
- Privacy Concerns: Collection of personal data raises privacy issues and misuse risks.
- Resistance to Change: Bureaucratic resistance and lack of tech adoption can impede progress.
- Skill Gap: Inadequate digital literacy among officials and citizens affects implementation.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Poor connectivity can hinder digital initiatives in remote areas.
- Financial Constraints: Technology implementation requires substantial funding and resources.
- Interoperability: Integrating diverse systems and databases can be challenging.
- Digital Exclusion: Vulnerable groups might be excluded due to lack of tech access or skills.
Way Forward:
- Digital Literacy: Promote digital education and training for citizens and officials.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in improving connectivity and digital infrastructure.
- Inclusive Approach: Ensure equitable access to technology, reaching marginalized communities.
- Data Protection: Establish robust data privacy laws and cybersecurity measures.
- Capacity Building: Provide training programs to enhance tech skills of government personnel.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Involve citizens, NGOs, and private sector for diverse input and support.
- Incremental Implementation: Adopt a phased approach to tech integration for smoother transition.
- Collaboration: Partner with tech experts to design and implement effective solutions.
- Regulatory Framework: Establish clear guidelines and regulations for tech-enabled governance.
Model question: Â Discuss the significance of integrating technology in governance for efficient public service delivery and transparent administration. Highlight the challenges that arise in the process and suggest a comprehensive strategy to overcome these challenges.
2. Indians stranded in Niger cross border, enter Benin
Topic: GS1 – Indian diaspora
Context:
- A group of Indians, including Keralites, were stranded in Niamey, Niger due to deteriorating security conditions.
About the news:
- Despite repeated pleas for evacuation from the Indian Embassy, there was no major response.
- The group took the risk of crossing Niger’s border by road to Benin after no evacuation plan was confirmed.
- The Indian Embassy provided a letter directing them to cross the capital city border.
- Niger military stopped the group at the Benin border, but they were allowed to cross after repeated requests.
- The Indian Embassy hasn’t arranged evacuation, so the members will need to arrange their own flight to India.
Reasons for recent instability in Niger:
- Attacks by armed groups:Â In recent months, there have been a number of high-profile attacks by armed groups in Niger, including the attack on the Inates military base in January 2023, which killed more than 100 soldiers. These attacks have created a sense of insecurity and fear among the population, and have made it difficult for the government to maintain control of the country.
- Poverty and food insecurity:Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the vast majority of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day. This poverty and food insecurity creates conditions that are conducive to radicalization and recruitment by armed groups.
- Climate change:Climate change is also a major factor in the instability in Niger. The country is experiencing increasingly frequent and severe droughts, which are leading to crop failures and food shortages. This is creating a sense of desperation among the population, which makes them more vulnerable to radicalization.
- Weak governance:Niger has a weak government that is struggling to maintain control of the country. The security forces are poorly equipped and trained, and they are often corrupt. This makes it difficult for the government to prevent or respond to attacks by armed groups.
- Regional instability:Â Niger is also affected by instability in neighboring countries, such as Mali and Burkina Faso. These countries are also home to armed groups, and the porous borders between them make it easy for these groups to operate.
3. Bilkis Bano case: SC asks why remission policy is ‘selective’
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity
Context:
- The Supreme Court questioned the Gujarat government’s policy of premature release of prisoners, asking if it’s applied selectively.Â
Concerns raised by the Supreme Court:
- The question arose during a hearing of petitions challenging the early release of 11 men convicted for gang-raping Bilkis Bano and killing seven people during the 2002 Gujarat riots.
- Justice B.V. Nagarathna raised the concern of selective application of the remission policy.
- Petitioners, including Bilkis Bano and political leaders, challenged the release of the convicts under the State’s Premature Release Policy of 1992.
- An affidavit revealed opposing views between law enforcement and the Home Ministry on the convicts’ release.
4. President Murmu launches warship Vindhyagiri
Topic: GS2 – Defence sector
Context:
- President Droupadi Murmu launched Vindhyagiri, the last of the three Project 17A frigates built by the Indian Navy at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
More information about the news:
- The launch enhances India’s maritime capabilities and aligns with the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) through indigenous shipbuilding.
- Project 17A signifies India’s commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement.
- The President emphasized the Navy’s proactive role in addressing security threats in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.
- Vindhyagiri will join its sister ships at the Outfitting Jetty at GRSE for further activities and equipment trials before delivery and commissioning
5. NEP a flexible policy, States free to adapt according to their requirements: FM
Topic: GS2 – Government policies.
Context:
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP) as progressive and adaptable to states’ needs.
- Sitharaman emphasized that the NEP underwent rigorous consultation and offers flexibility for states to adapt it according to their requirements.
- She highlighted the policy’s focus on education in mother tongue or local languages.
About New Education Policy 2020:
- A focus on early childhood care and education (ECCE), with the goal of universalizing access to ECCE by 2030.
- A 5+3+3+4 structure for school education, with a focus on flexibility and choice for students.
- A greater emphasis on vocational education and skill development.
- A focus on interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving skills.
- A greater emphasis on research and innovation.
- A focus on making education more inclusive and equitable.
Here are some of the benefits of the new education policy:
- It will make education more accessible and affordable for all children, regardless of their background.
- It will focus on developing the skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in the 21st century economy.
- It will promote a more holistic approach to education that will help students develop their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- It will create a more equitable education system that will provide opportunities for all students to succeed.
6. With huge allocation, tech. will transform judiciary, says CJI
Topic: GS2 – Digital governance
Context:
- Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud highlighted the allocation of a “huge budget” for the third phase of the e-courts project.
- The project aims to introduce technology into the functioning of the judiciary, particularly lower courts.
More about the news:
- The Union Budget allocated ₹7,000 crore for Phase 3 of the e-courts project, focused on interlinking courts, digitization, and setting up e-Sewa Kendras.
- The project’s success during the pandemic and the need for efficient justice administration through technology influenced the increased budget.
- The e-courts project envisions a hybrid model, combining physical and virtual courts.
- The initiative aims to transform the judiciary by implementing Information and Communication Technology tools.
- Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing justice administration.
How technology can transform the judiciary?
- Efficient Case Management: Technology streamlines case filing, tracking, and management, reducing delays.
- Virtual Courts: Enables remote hearings, increasing accessibility and reducing travel-related issues.
- E-Filing: Digital filing of documents simplifies processes and reduces paperwork.
- Digitization: Converts physical records into electronic format for easy access and searchability.
- Transparency: Online access to case information promotes transparency and public trust.
- Video Conferencing: Facilitates remote testimonies, reducing costs and improving witness participation.
- Paperless Environment: Reduces paper usage, storage costs, and environmental impact.
- Access to Justice: Online resources and information make legal services more accessible to the public.
- Decision Support: AI-powered tools assist judges in legal research and decision-making.
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