Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is set to organise the first-ever Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) in November 2025. ESTIC may ‘replace’ the Indian Science Congress (the oldest congregation of scientists in India).
Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave
Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) is India's premier STI platform bringing together ministries, innovators, and global visionaries.
Inaugural ESTIC will be held at the Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi in November.
ESTIC will showcase cutting-edge research, deep-tech breakthroughs, and thought-provoking discussions. There will be 11 thematic technical sessions and 75 exhibition stalls by ‘deep tech’ startups at the event.
It would involve all the science-related Ministries and Departments (including that of Atomic energy, Space, Biotechnology, Earth Sciences and Information Technology etc.)
It is expected to host various dignitaries like Nobel Laureate Andre Geim (2010, Physics), Jean-Yves Le Gall (former President of the French Space Agency) etc.
Indian Science Congress
ISC is the oldest congregation of scientists in India. It is organised annually in the first week of January. The 108th (the last edition of ISC) was held in 2023.
Organised by: Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), Kolkata
Context: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has requested the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGI) to consider enumerating particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) separately in the upcoming Census.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Mains: Challenges faced by PVTGs & significance of Separate Enumeration.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
PVTGs are a sub-category of Scheduled Tribes (STs) created based on the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission (1960-61) which had investigated the various issues faced by STs, and in consultation with state governments.
The Commission identified the disparity in socio-economic and living conditions between different tribal groups, and said that some tribal groups were more vulnerable than others. They are characterised by:
either a declining or stagnant population
geographical isolation
use of pre-agrarian practices (such as hunting and gathering)
economic backwardness
relatively low literacy
75 PTVGs have been identified across the country, spread over 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar). Among the 75 listed PVTGs, the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
Challenges Faced by PVTGs:
Outdated List: Baseline survey has not been conducted in States and UT’s which is impacting the implementation of welfare programmes designed for PVTGs. Moreover, regular census does not comprehensively capture data of PVTGs. The criteria for identifying PVTGs is questionable, especially the marker of geographical isolation.
Land Alienation: A mounting pressure from external groups who seize their lands for various purposes such as mining, industrialisation, and other uses, leading to the displacement and forfeiture of traditional livelihoods for numerous PVTGs.
Lack of Access to basic services: Due to a dearth of infrastructure and resources in their remote regions, as well as discriminatory and neglectful treatment by government officials, PVTGs frequently encounter impediments to obtaining basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and clean water.
Exploitation: PVTGs are often subject to exploitation and discrimination by more powerful groups, including non-tribal populations and the government. They are often denied their rights to resources, participation in decision-making processes, and representation in government bodies.
Socio-Cultural: PVTGs have a unique culture and way of life, but they are increasingly under threat of assimilation into mainstream society. This is due to factors like education, urbanisation, and migration, which can erode traditional knowledge and practices. Impact of
Climate Change: PVTGs are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which can impact their livelihoods and access to natural resources. This includes changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of natural disasters like floods and droughts.
Way Forward
Conducting a Baseline Survey: A comprehensive survey should be conducted to identify PVTGs living in different parts of the country to capture critical information about PVTGs, such as their population size, geographical location, economic conditions, social and cultural practices, and access to basic amenities like health care, education, and livelihood opportunities.
Developing a Vulnerability Index: A vulnerability index should be developed for each PVTG based on factors such as health, education, livelihood, and social protection, among others. It will enable policymakers to tailor interventions that are targeted and effective.
Rights-based Approach: Suitable measures should be taken for protection and promotion of their rights (especially to their land rights and customary habitats). Strict controls need to be imposed so that no development can take place on PVTGs land and habitats without their free, prior, and informed consent.
Livelihood strategies: Development of livelihood strategies for PVTGs should factor in their often nomadic lifestyle and their unique skills and indigenous knowledge. Focus should be on conservation and enhancement of their traditional skills. E.g., Todas in dairy and horticulture.
Governance: There is a need to develop a comprehensive framework to assist the PVTGs in a manner that empowers them to determine their own development path at their own pace.
Service Delivery: Service providers need to be well incentivised to perform their duties and remain stationed in the areas where PVTGs reside. Residential clusters should be created where government officials of different categories and different departments can be accommodated.
Accountability Mechanism for officials: Ensure the accountability of government officials working in the areas of PVTGs.
Significance of Separate Enumeration of PVTGs
PVTGs have never been enumerated separately in any census, till date.
Separate Enumeration of PVTGs would accurately capture the number of PVTG households, individuals, and their distinctive demographic, cultural and socio-economic features, and issues.
Such information would help in the better implementation of targeted schemes for PVTGs, such as the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), and other government schemes, especially in health and education. It will help in understanding if the PVTG classification criteria is still relevant.
Context: The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has signed a contract with an Israeli spyware company to access a powerful hacking software known as Graphite.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Spyware Graphite.
Spyware Graphite
Graphite is a powerful hacking software which can hack mobile phones and encrypted messaging applications.
The spyware is designed to gain remote accessto a mobile phone and essentially take control of it.
The user of the spyware can not only access the mobile user’s photos, read their messages, and track their whereabouts, but also monitor encrypted messages sent on platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal.
The spyware also enables the phone to be used as a listening device by manipulating its recorder.
Utility:
Can be used to crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Concerns:
Can be used to facilitate the surveillance of activists and journalists. Can pose a profound threat to free speech and privacy.
Can be used to violate people’s due process rights.
However, the firm claims that it sells its products to only governments and law enforcement agencies for the purposes of fighting serious crime. It has a zero-tolerance policy for governments that use the technology to target members of civil society.
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to frame guidelines to regulate conduct on social media. The SC noted that influencers often commercialise free speech in ways that may offend the sentiments of vulnerable groups.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Freedom of Speech and Expression in Digital Era.
Form Guidelines to regulate Conduct on Social Media: SC
The guidelines to regulate conduct on social media, including online shows such as podcasts, should be framed in consultation with the National Broadcasters and Digital Association.
Rationale: To balance free speech with the equally important right of varied communities to live in society with dignity, and sensitisation of social media users.
Article 19 of Indian Constitution: Right to Free Speech & Expression
Article 19 outlines the fundamental rights of Indian citizens related to freedom of speech and expression.
When can limits be imposed on Free Speech?
Article 19(2) specifies the grounds for reasonable restrictions on Article 19. These include:
Sovereignty and integrity of India
Security of the State
Friendly relations with foreign states
Public order
Decency or Morality
Contempt of Court
Defamation
Incitement to an offence
However, the Supreme Court has consistently held that the state cannot impose restrictions beyond these constitutionally prescribed limits.
Regulation of Commercial Speech:
The Supreme Court’s jurisprudence has consistently recognised that even commercial speech falls within the ambit of Article 19(1)(a).
Sakal Papers v. Union of India (1962):
The government sought to limit the number of pages a newspaper could publish. The SC struck this down as unconstitutional as such a measure curtailed both the dissemination of news and the circulation of newspapers.
It affirmed that the freedom to publish any number of pages and to reach as many readers as possible is an essential component of the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a). The same logic extends to other forms of expression.
Tata Press Ltd. v. MTNL (1995): The SC ruled that advertising, as a form of commercial speech, also comes under the ambit of freedom of speech and expression Article 19(1)(a).
The fact that speech is commercial or perceived to be driven by profit cannot in itself justify its regulation.
Associated Criticism and Concerns:
1. Legal Mechanisms for Prosecution already Exist:
Digital media is already governed by a robust statutory framework. Social media companies are bound by the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 under the IT Act, 2000 which require them to prevent their platforms from being used to disseminate obscene, pornographic, or otherwise harmful content.
The IT Act 2000 further establishes a censorship framework that permits the removal of online content pursuant to court orders or executive directions.
Social media influencers can be held accountable for what they say online under the ordinary criminal law. The existing takedown regime under Section 69A of the IT Act and the Blocking Rules, 2009, is already opaque. Aggrieved individuals are often not given notice before their content is removed.
In practice, the legal mechanisms are frequently invoked without adequate adherence to principles of natural justice. Thus, the court’s apprehension appears misplaced.
2. Reasonable Restrictions already exist under Article 19(2):
The reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) of the Constitution are already exhaustive. The SC has consistently held that the state cannot impose restrictions beyond these constitutionally prescribed limits. Any additional regulation could impinge upon the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
3. Framing legal definition of Dignity and risk of Expansive Censorship:
Reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) do not include the protection of individual dignity. But, it is challenging to legally define the amorphous concept such as dignity.
To treat dignity as an independent ground for restricting speech, particularly when invoked on the basis of individual sensibilities, risks inviting expansive censorship. Such regulations are likely to exert a chilling effect on speech.
Associated Court Cases:
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015):
The SC struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, holding that vague grounds such as “annoyance,” “insult,” or “hatred” cannot justify the criminalisation of speech.
The ruling affirmed that speech which “offends, shocks, or disturbs” remains constitutionally protected, and restrictions on free speech must satisfy the test of reasonableness under Article 19(2).
Rehana Fathima case (2021): The Supreme Court overturned a Kerala High Court order that prohibited activist Rehana Fathima from posting her views on social media, citing free speech concerns.
Mohammed Zubair’s bail case (2021): The Uttar Pradesh government sought to ban Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair from tweeting while he was out on bail. The SC rejected the request holding that such restrictions would create a "chilling effect" on free speech. The restriction was an unjustified violation of his right to practice his profession.
Kaushal Kishore v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2023): The Constitution Bench held that the grounds enumerated in Article 19(2) are exhaustive and cannot be expanded, however well-intentioned the attempt. The judges underscored that no one can either be taxed or penalised for holding an opinion which is not in conformity with the constitutional values.
Imran Pratapgadhi Case (2025): The SC emphasised that Article 19(1)(a) protects not only agreeable speech but also views that may offend or disturb. It remains the court’s “duty to uphold” and “zealously protect” the fundamental freedom to free speech guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a).
Arguments in Favour of Comprehensive Guidelines:
Uphold dignity and do complete justice: The concerns regarding the participation of differently-abled persons in public life and the preservation of their dignity are legitimate. The SC possesses inherent jurisdiction under the Constitution to do “complete justice” to account for the wider social ramifications of online speech.
In the Subramanian Swamy v. Union of India (2016), the SC upheld the constitutionality of criminal defamation, recognising individual dignity as one of the bases for sustaining the remedy.
However, any limitation on the freedom of speech and expression must be imposed through a duly enacted law, and such restrictions must also withstand the test of proportionality.
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to include Aadhaar as the 12th “indicative” document, in addition to the 11 documents permitted for identification in order to be included in the final electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key developments: SIR controversy in Bihar.
Accept Aadhaar as Identity Proof: SC
The SC has directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as a valid proof of identity or residence from persons filing claims or objections to final electoral roll during the SIR.
The bench clarified that the use of Aadhaar would strictly be as proof of identity, and not as evidence of Indian citizenship.
The authorities concerned should verify the genuineness of Aadhaar cards, just the way they would do in the case of the other 11 documents.
SIR controversy in Bihar: Expulsion of Voters
The SIR's findings reduced the total number of registered voters in Bihar from 7.89 crore prior to the exercise to 7.24 crore after conducting it. Approximately 65 lakh voters were excluded from the draft rolls published on August 1.
The deadline for filing claims to include names and file objections to exclude names for reasons such as death, permanent shifting, and duplication, was September 1.
The EC has clarified that the claims and objections were welcome even beyond the deadline.
Context: Recently, the Ministry of Education has announced the NIRF India rankings 2025. NIRF India rankings 2025 covered 7692 institutions (the highest ever) across 17 categories including a newly added Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) category.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about NIRF Rankings 2025.
National Institutional Ranking Framework
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is an annual ranking framework to rank various educational institutions across the country since 2016.
Released by: Ministry of Education
Categories: NIRF ranks different educational institutes in the 17 categories: Engineering; Management; Pharmacy; Law; Medical; Dental; Architecture and Planning; Agriculture and allied sectors; Colleges; University; Research; Innovation; Overall; Open Universities; Skill Universities; State Public Universities; Sustainable Development Goals.
Institutions are evaluated based on five key parameters: Teaching, learning, and resources (30%), research and professional practice (30%), graduation outcomes (20%), outreach and inclusivity (10%), and peer perception (10%).
Key Highlights of NIRF India Rankings 2025:
Indian Institute of Technology Madras retains its 1st position in Overall Category for the seventh consecutive year, and in Engineering for tenth consecutive year.
University: Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
Management: IIM Ahmedabad
Medical: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Colleges: Hindu College
Law: National Law School of India University, Bengaluru.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras tops the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) category introduced for the first time in 2025.
Associated Challenges:
Risk of False Data: While the rankings claim to rely on verifiable metrics and third-party audits of research, it depends heavily on bibliometric data and self-declared inputs from institutions.
Peer Perception Parameter: It is the feedback gathered from subject experts and employers. It can be subjective and prone to influence and prejudice, as it relies more on an institution’s reputation than its actual reputability. This can be often to the disadvantage of suburban or State-run higher education institutions. As it accounts for 10% of the total weight, it can skew the rankings.
Outreach and Inclusivity Parameter (OI): The NIRF focuses only on outcomes related to regional and gender diversity. It conspicuously omits data on students who are economically and socially disadvantaged and with disabilities, despite these factors each having a 20% weightage within the OI component.
Context: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and partner institutes have developed CEREBO, a hand-held, non-invasive indigenous diagnostic device for rapid detection of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About CEREBO.
Key Features of CEREBO
CEREBO is a novel hand-held, portable, non-invasive diagnostic device designed for the detection of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs).
It utilises advanced near-infrared spectroscopycombined with machine learning to detect intracranial bleeding and brain swelling within one minute.
Benefits of CEREBO:
Can be used by paramedic staff as well as unskilled personnel.
Provides colour-coded, radiation-free results, making it safe for infants and pregnant women.
Cost-effective (reduces imaging costs) as compared to conventional imaging tools.
Offers an emergency diagnostic option when advanced tools like CT or MRI scans are inaccessible or delayed. Can be deployed in ambulances, rural clinics, military healthcare systems and disaster response units.
Enhances early detection of TBI and improves patient outcomes.
Reduces dependence on expensive, imported diagnostic tools.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is a condition caused by sudden trauma or injury to the head, which disrupts normal brain function. The injury may range from mild (concussion) to severe, often leading to long-term physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural impairments.
Nearly 1.5-2 million persons are injured every year and one million die annually in India due to TBIs. Road traffic injuries (60%) are the leading cause, followed by falls and violence.
Context: Recently, Onam, the significant harvest festival of Kerala, was celebrated with grandeur and devotion.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Onam.
About Onam
Onam is a ten-day festival celebrated to honour the return of the legendary King Mahabali to Earth (once a year) to visit his people.
The festival also signifies the end of the monsoon and the start of the harvest season.
Rituals and Celebrations:
People worship King Mahabali and Lord Vamana and pray for the health and longevity of their close ones. On Thiruvonam (the last day of the festival), King Mahabali visits the earth.
Onam is observed with a range of traditional dance performances such as:
Thiruvathira Kali (Kaikottikali dance)
Pulikali (tiger dance)
Kathakali dance
Onam Sadya (a platter of traditional local cuisine) is prepared and served to family members and guests.
Pookalams (intricate flower designs) are made in households across the state. stunning Snake Boat Race, and unique Kaikottikali dance.
On the Pamba River, the renowned AranmulaVallamkali (snake boat race competition) is organised.
Context: In 2024, the Indian government issued revised guidelines under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016. These guidelines provide a framework for assessing the extent of disability of people with two copies of the sickle cell gene, or with both sickle cell and beta thalassaemia, or Hb D.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts about Sickle Cell Anaemia; Rights to Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Mains: Issues in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016.
The RPWD Act 2016 marked a step towards protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, and promoting their full inclusion in society. The law aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and promises dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
About Rights to Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
The Act defines persons with disabilities as a person with physical, intellectual, or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others.
Types of disabilities covered under the Act are increased from 7 to 21. It includes various physical and mental disabilities like acid attack victims, dwarfism and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Persons with benchmark disabilities are entitled to free school education up to 18 years of age, reservations in higher educational institutions, development assistance programmes, and government employment.
Reservation: It mandates a 4% reservation in public employment and 5% reservation in educational institutions for PwD.
The Act mandates both public and private institutions to make infrastructure accessible and provide ICT consumer products for PwD.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
It is an inherited or genetic blood disorder that affects haemoglobin, the protein in Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
Healthy RBCs are soft and round. In SCD, the haemoglobin is abnormal, which causes the RBCs to become hard and sticky and look like a sickle.
These rigid, sticky cells die early and often get stuck in blood vessels, clogging the flow of blood. As a result, different parts of the body do not get the oxygen they need. This can cause pain and other serious health problems such as infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke.
Treatment:
It is a lifelong illness. The only cure comes in the form of gene therapy and stem cell transplants, however, both are costly and still in developmental stages.
Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023) aims to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a painful, progressive, and disabling blood disorder, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities like Tribals.
Narrow lens of disability in Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
Not-inclusive: The Act extends reservations in public sector employment under the 4% quota for persons with vision and hearing loss, locomotor disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. However, individuals with SCD and other blood disorders are not included in the quota.
Subjectivity in benchmark disability: The benchmark disability under the Act must meet a certain threshold of impairment, specifically 40% or more. However, different hospitals, medical boards, and doctors can assign different disability percentages to the same person, depending on their personal judgment.
Certificationbottlenecks: A medical authority, including chief medical officer, evaluates and certifies disability. Diagnosis reports of confirmatory tests must be from a government or standard lab. The certification process can be largely inaccessible for Adivasi and Dalit patients in rural or remote areas.
Way Forward
Extending job reservations to individuals with SCD and related blood disorders would acknowledge their condition as a significant, lifelong disability.
Reforming the certification process to account for fluctuating and invisible disabilities would reflect a rights-based lens rather than a purely biomedical one.
Improve Accessibility: Mobile medical units in tribal and rural areas for on-site certification and treatment.
Disability is not only shaped by physical health, but also by social exclusion, structural barriers, and policy gaps. The continual reliance on biomedical scoring and exclusion of people with SCD from full protections undermines the very purpose of recognising the condition under the Act.
Unless India’s recognition of SCD brings real rights and protections, it risks becoming exclusion disguised as inclusion.
Context: The central government plans to geo-tag all buildings (residential and non-residential) in the Census 2027.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Concept of geo-tagging, Geo-tagging and governance.
What is Geo-Tagging ?
Geo-tagging is the process of assigning precise latitude and longitude coordinates to a physical asset, building, or location and linking it to a Geographical Information System (GIS) map.
It digitally pins a structure or object to its exact place on a map allowing it to be identified, verified, and monitored in real time.
Historical Context and Present Use in India:
In India, geo-tagging has been used in government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), MGNREGA assets, and other development programmes to ensure transparency and accountability in asset creation.
For the first time in Census 2027 the government plans to geo-tag all residential and non-residential buildings across the country.
Geo-Tagging in Census 2027:
Enumerators will geo-tag each building within its Houselisting Block (HLB) using a Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) system. This is a departure from earlier censuses, where hand-drawn notional maps were prepared. Now, layout maps will be automatically generated from geo-tagged building data.
Census 2027 will beIndia’s first fully digital census using mobile applications, self-enumeration options, and real-time monitoring through the Census Monitoring & Management System (CMMS).
Benefits of Geo-Tagging:
Accuracy in Enumeration: Geo-tagging will ensure that all buildings are mapped and counted, reducing the chances of omission or duplication.
Transparency and Accountability: Digitally tagged assets reduce the possibility of ghost entries and fraudulent claims.
Policy Formulation: Real-time and location-specific data on housing, amenities, and population distribution will strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
Disaster Management and Urban Planning: A geo-tagged housing database can aid in evacuation, rehabilitation, and planning for infrastructure and civic services.
Integration with Other Digital Initiatives: Geo-tagging complements initiatives like Digital India, GIS-based governance, and the Smart Cities Mission creating a unified digital governance framework.
Challenges in Geo-Tagging:
Privacy Concerns: Citizens may have apprehensions about the government mapping and digitally storing the exact location of their homes.
Digital Divide: Rural and remote areas with weak internet and digital infrastructure may face difficulties in real-time geo-tagging.
Data Security: Protecting sensitive location data from cyber threats is a major challenge.
Geo-tagging is a crucial step towards e-governance and evidence-based administration in India. It will help bridge gaps between planning and implementation by providing precise, location-linked, and real-time data.
Context: APK scam is one of the fastest-growing cybercrime threats in India. The sophisticated social engineering scam is driven by malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files that stay undetected and exploit public trust in digital systems.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Android Package Kit (APK) Scam. Mains: Cybercrimes: Types, Challenges and Regulations.
What is Android Package Kit (APK) Scam?
APK scams involve malicious files which are used to install apps on Android devices outside of the official App store. The App often has hidden malware that can steal personal data, passwords, banking information, or install spyware.
Rising cases: There has been a 900% jump in cyber crimes between 2021 and 2025. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has logged over 12 lakh different types of APK Scams in India since the beginning of 2025 (till date).
How does the APK Scam work?
APK files on Android devices are much like .exe files on Windows computers; both are used to install Apps. These files can be exploited by fraudsters to spread malware.
Fraudsters build or source these Apps to mimic the appearance and language of official portals (E.g., government subsidy schemes like PM-Kisan, tax refund platforms, electricity boards, or banks asking for KYC updates).
These fake Apps are often circulated through social media platforms and accompany convincing messages that urge users to act immediately. Once downloaded, the App seeks multiple permissions including access to contacts, messages, call logs, location, microphone, and notifications.
The App harvests data in real-time, and transmits it in encrypted bits to external servers operated by fraudsters. These bits are decoded to extract valuable information, including banking credentials, OTPs, contacts, and location coordinates etc.
Challenges:
Google or any other intermediary does not scrutinise every application that is being hosted on their server. Fraudsters use mule accounts and shell identities to pay for hosting and publishing on search engines.
Strong encryption techniques hide malicious code from detection tools. By remaining dormant during installation certain APKs can bypass antivirus softwares.
Even after earlier versions are blacklisted, the same APK file is reused with minor modifications in the interface (name, logo and URL or web address of the file) thus, allowing it to bypass detection.
Context: In Kashmir’s Pulwama, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) is producing India’s first monofloral lavender honey, a kilogram of which sells for up to ₹6,000.
Relevance of the topic:
Prelims: Key facts about Lavender: Govt. Schemes to promote Integrated Agriculture.
The product is developed under the flagship CSIR Floriculture Mission, and is poised to feed the market for functional foods and grow sustainable agriculture and rural bio-enterprise.
A kilogram of it sells between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000 in the global market, six times higher than the price of regular organic honey.
The CSIR-IIIM is in the process of filing for geographical indication (GI) for Kashmir lavender honey and upscale its production in the coming years.
About Lavender
Lavender is a perennial aromatic plant native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. It is a non-native species of aromatic plant in India.
It is used as an ornamental plant and commercially cultivated as a culinary herb and to extract essential oils.
Benefits of cultivating Lavender:
Purple Revolution: Expansion of lavender cultivation for commercial purposes (E.g., production of lavender honey, essential oils etc.)
Lavender isnot susceptible to pest infestation and acts as a pest barrier due to its antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-bacterial properties.
The highly fragrant crop produces volatile organic compounds diffusing a strong scent that deters insects and pests by overpowering the insect’s olfactory receptors. This makes the pest unable to detect other scents (E.g., apple blossoms).
Rodents attack the roots and stems of fruit-bearing trees like apples and plums. Lavender has been proven to keep away rodents.
CSIR-Aroma Mission:
Launched in 2016, the mission focuses on cultivation of aromatic crops (lavender, rose, lemongrass, rosemary, vetiver, mint, etc.) and generating new avenues of self-livelihood and entrepreneurship.
Under the CSIR-Aroma Mission, lavender farmers are offered end-to-end support, including cultivation, processing, value addition, and marketing.
CSIR Floriculture Mission:
Launched in 2021, the mission focuses on promoting the floriculture sector in India. It includes commercial floral crops, seasonal/annual crops, wild ornaments and cultivation of flower crops for honey bee rearing.
Floriculture can give 5 times more return than the traditional crops to farmers besides having potential to provide employment to a large number of people.
Beekeeping/ Sweet Revolution
The scientific practice of Beekeeping (Apiculture) has the potential to promote eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture along with higher yields leading to increase in income levels of farmers. The Sweet Revolution can act as a major tool to promote socio-economic development.
Beekeeping has great potential for the small and marginal farmers, landless labourers etc. on account of following reasons:
Increases crop yields by 20-30% through cross pollination.
Additional source of income for paid pollination service.
Less capital Intensive and hence can be practiced by poor farmers.
Requires no land and can be practiced by landless labourers.
Other products such as bee pollen, bee-venom costlier than honey.
Nutritional Security: More than a third of the global food basket is comprised of bee pollinated crops.
Growing demand for honey in the overseas market and hence scope for more export earnings.
The Government has launched the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission in 2020 to harness the potential of the Sweet Revolution. Beekeeping should be considered as an input of agriculture, which could enhance the efficacy of other inputs and accordingly training should be provided to farmers.
