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August 5th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – August 5th

Table of Contents

Supreme Court Directs Centre to Frame SOPs to Curb 'Digital Arrest' Scams

Why is this in the news?

The Supreme Court has issued a series of directions to the Central Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), States, and other authorities to strengthen India’s response against the rising number of ‘Digital Arrest’ scams. The Court directed the RBI to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for dealing with mule bank accounts within four weeks and asked governments to improve cybercrime investigation, grievance redressal, and fund recovery mechanisms.

What is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A Digital Arrest is not a legal procedure. It is a cyber fraud where criminals pretend to be officials from agencies such as the police, CBI, ED, Customs, or RBI.

How the scam works:

    • Fraudsters call or video call the victim.
    • They claim the victim is involved in crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, or parcel fraud.
    • Fake identity cards, arrest warrants, or court orders are shown.
    • The victim is forced to stay on a continuous video call (“digital arrest”).
    • Victims are threatened with immediate arrest unless they transfer money to a “safe” government account.
    • Money is transferred into mule accounts and later moved through multiple accounts, making recovery difficult.

What is a Mule Account?

A Mule Account is a bank account used to receive, transfer, or launder money obtained through cyber fraud.

    • Sometimes the account holder knowingly assists criminals.
    • In other cases, people unknowingly allow their accounts to be misused after sharing banking credentials.
    • These accounts help fraudsters hide the trail of stolen money.

Supreme Court's Key Directions

  1. RBI to Frame a Uniform SOP
  • RBI must prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all banks.
  • The SOP will provide a uniform process to identify, freeze, investigate, and handle mule accounts involved in cyber fraud.

2. Faster Disposal of Frozen Bank Account Cases

  • Authorities have been directed to resolve disputes relating to frozen bank accounts quickly.
  • This will reduce hardship for genuine customers while ensuring effective investigation.

3. Strengthen Cyber Crime Coordination

  • States and Union Territories must operationalise State Cyber Crime Coordination Centres.
  • They should also adopt the e-Zero FIR mechanism for quicker registration of cybercrime complaints.

4.Improve Grievance Redressal

  • States must establish effective systems for:
    • Receiving cyber fraud complaints.
    • Tracking cases.
    • Restoring money to victims wherever possible.

5. Public Awareness

  • Authorities have been asked to conduct awareness campaigns so citizens understand that:
    • No law allows “digital arrest”.
    • Genuine government agencies never ask people to transfer money over phone or video calls.

6. Better Monitoring

The Court sought:

    • State-wise data on complaints.
    • Bank-wise data on grievance disposal.
    • Details of money restored to victims.
    • Progress reports on implementation of cybercrime measures.

Institutions Involved

  • Supreme Court of India – Issued nationwide directions.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) – To frame SOPs for banks.
  • Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) – Overall cybercrime coordination.
  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) – National cybercrime coordination body.
  • Banks and Financial Institutions – To detect and block suspicious transactions.
  • State Governments & Police – Investigation and grievance redressal.

Why is this Important?

  • Cyber-enabled financial fraud is increasing rapidly in India.
  • Thousands of people, especially senior citizens, are losing their life savings.
  • Fraudsters exploit fear and impersonate government authorities.
  • A uniform national framework will:
    • Improve coordination between agencies.
    • Help detect fraud earlier.
    • Speed up freezing of fraudulent accounts.
    • Increase the chances of recovering victims’ money.

Challenges

  • Low public awareness about cyber scams.
  • Rapid movement of money through multiple mule accounts.
  • Cross-border cybercrime networks.
  • Delays in freezing and tracing fraudulent transactions.
  • Need for stronger coordination among banks, telecom companies, and law enforcement agencies.

Way Forward

  • Implement RBI’s SOP uniformly across all banks.
  • Expand digital literacy and cyber awareness campaigns.
  • Strengthen AI-based fraud detection systems.
  • Improve coordination between I4C, banks, telecom operators, and state police.
  • Encourage immediate reporting through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and cybercrime portal.

Glaw Lake Declared India's 101st Ramsar Site

Why in News?

Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated as India’s 101st Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance) under the Ramsar Convention. It is also the first Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s wetland conservation efforts.

What is Glaw Lake?

  • Location: Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Situated within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Eastern Himalayas.
  • It is a pristine freshwater lake fed by perennial mountain streams.
  • The lake is surrounded by dense forests and rich vegetation, making it an important biodiversity hotspot.

Ecological Significance

  1. Rich Biodiversity

Glaw Lake supports diverse flora and fauna, including:

  • More than 150 tree species.
  • Around 49 orchid species.
  • Numerous mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

2. Important Bird Habitat

The lake is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).

It provides habitat to:

  • Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron.
  • Great Hornbill.
  • Several migratory and resident bird species.

3. Wildlife Habitat

The surrounding landscape supports:

      • Tiger
      • Leopard
      • Clouded Leopard
      • Snow Leopard
      • Hoolock Gibbon
      • Asian Golden Cat
      • Asiatic Black Bear
      • Barking Deer and many other species.

Cultural Importance

  • The lake is considered sacred by the Mishmi tribal community.
  • It plays an important role in local traditions and cultural practices.
  • Conservation of the lake also helps preserve indigenous heritage.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.

Objectives

  • Conservation of wetlands.
  • Wise and sustainable use of wetland resources.
  • International cooperation for wetland management.

Why are Ramsar Sites important?

    • Protect biodiversity.
    • Provide habitat for migratory birds.
    • Improve water security.
    • Reduce floods.
    • Recharge groundwater.
    • Store carbon and help mitigate climate change.

Significance of Glaw Lake's Ramsar Status

  1. First Ramsar Site in Arunachal Pradesh.
  2. India’s total Ramsar Sites have increased to 101.
  3. Enhances international recognition of the Eastern Himalayas’ ecological importance.
  4. Promotes scientific management and sustainable eco-tourism.
  5. Strengthens climate resilience and water security.
  6. Supports sustainable livelihoods of local communities.

India and Ramsar Sites

  • India is among the countries with the highest number of Ramsar Sites globally.

The number has increased significantly from 26 sites (2014) to 101 sites (2026), reflecting the country’s growing focus on wetland conservation

Challenges

  • Climate change affecting Himalayan freshwater ecosystems.
  • Habitat degradation.
  • Human-induced pressures such as encroachment and pollution.
  • Need for balancing conservation with sustainable tourism.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen scientific monitoring of wetland ecosystems.
  • Promote community participation, especially indigenous communities.
  • Improve eco-tourism with strict environmental safeguards.
  • Enhance protection of endangered species.
  • Integrate wetland conservation into climate adaptation strategies.

India-Flagged Cargo Ship Sinks After Attack in the Red Sea; 14 Crew Members Rescued

Why is it in News?

An India-flagged cargo ship sank in the Red Sea after coming under attack. Fourteen crew members were rescued, while search and rescue efforts continued for the remaining crew. The incident highlights the continuing security challenges in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, where attacks on commercial vessels have increased due to regional conflicts.

About the Incident

  • An India-flagged merchant vessel was attacked while sailing through the Red Sea.
  • The attack caused severe damage, leading to the ship sinking.
  • 14 crew members were rescued through coordinated international rescue operations.
  • Maritime authorities initiated search operations for the remaining crew members.
  • The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

Why is the Red Sea Important?

Strategic Importance

The Red Sea connects:

      • Mediterranean Sea (through the Suez Canal)
      • Indian Ocean (through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden)

It is one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.

Importance for Global Trade

      • Nearly 12–15% of global trade passes through this route.
      • Around 30% of global container traffic uses the Red Sea–Suez Canal route.
      • It is a major route for:
        • Crude oil
        • LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
        • Consumer goods
        • Food grains
        • Industrial products

Any disruption increases shipping costs, insurance premiums, and delivery times.

Map Significance for UPSC

The Red Sea lies between:

  • Africa
    • Egypt
    • Sudan
    • Eritrea
    • Djibouti
  • Asia
    • Saudi Arabia
    • Yemen

Important Water Bodies

  • North: Suez Canal
  • South: Bab el-Mandeb Strait
  • Connects to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.

Why Have Attacks Increased?

The Red Sea has witnessed repeated attacks due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

These attacks generally involve:

  • Missiles
  • Drones
  • Fast attack boats
  • Armed assaults on commercial vessels

Such incidents have disrupted international shipping and forced many companies to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing travel time and costs.

Impact on India

  1. Trade
  • India depends heavily on the Suez Canal route for trade with:
    • Europe
    • Mediterranean countries
    • North Africa

Disruptions increase:

  • Freight charges
  • Import costs
  • Export delays
  1. Energy Security

A significant share of India’s crude oil imports passes through this region.

Any instability may:

  • Raise global oil prices.
  • Increase India’s import bill.
  • Contribute to inflation.
  1. Indian Seafarers

Thousands of Indian sailors work on international merchant ships.

Maritime attacks threaten:

  • Safety of Indian crew members.
  • Employment conditions.
  • Maritime insurance.

India's Response

India has strengthened maritime security by:

  • Deploying Indian Navy warships in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.
  • Conducting anti-piracy and escort missions.
  • Coordinating with international maritime security agencies.
  • Assisting merchant vessels in distress.
  • Enhancing surveillance using naval aircraft and drones.

International Response

Several countries have increased:

  • Naval patrols.
  • Maritime surveillance.
  • Intelligence sharing.
  • Protection of commercial shipping lanes.

The objective is to ensure freedom of navigation, a key principle of international maritime law.

FSSAI Bars Dabur from Selling Products with '100%' Claims; Shares Fall

Why in News?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed Dabur India Ltd. to stop selling certain food products carrying claims such as “100% Pure,” “100% Natural,” “100% Organic,” and “100% Purity Guaranteed.” According to FSSAI, such claims are ambiguous, unverifiable, and likely to mislead consumers, violating India’s food advertising and labelling regulations. Following the regulatory action, Dabur’s share price declined in the stock market.

What Triggered FSSAI's Action?

FSSAI found that several Dabur food products were marketed using absolute “100%” claims, including products such as:

  • Honey
  • Cow Ghee
  • Virgin Coconut Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Coconut Water
  • Coconut Milk
  • Apple Cider Vinegar

The regulator stated that such claims create the impression of absolute purity or superiority, which cannot always be scientifically verified.

Why Did FSSAI Object?

According to FSSAI:

  • The term “100%” is not defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 or the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
  • Claims made on food labels must be:
    • Truthful
    • Scientifically substantiated
    • Unambiguous
    • Not misleading

Absolute claims like “100% Pure” may wrongly imply that competing products are inferior or impure.

What is FSSAI?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is India’s apex food regulator.

Established under

  • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Ministry

  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Functions

  • Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food.
  • Sets food safety standards.
  • Ensures truthful labelling and advertising.
  • Protects consumer health and interests.

What are the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018?

These regulations ensure that food labels and advertisements:

  • Are truthful and evidence-based.
  • Do not mislead consumers.
  • Do not make exaggerated or unverifiable claims.
  • Help consumers make informed choices.

Examples of potentially misleading claims include:

    • “100% Pure”
    • “100% Natural”
    • “100% Organic” (without valid certification)
    • “Guaranteed Cure”

Dabur's Response

Dabur stated that:

  • Its products comply with applicable food safety standards.
  • The company has already begun phasing out the “100%” labels as part of a packaging update.

It is cooperating with FSSAI and reviewing the regulator’s observations, while also examining legal options.

Why is this Important?

  1. Consumer Protection
  • Prevents misleading marketing practices.
  • Ensures consumers receive accurate product information.
  1. Strengthens Food Regulation
  • Reinforces FSSAI’s role in enforcing food labelling standards.
  • Encourages evidence-based advertising.
  1. Impact on FMCG Sector
  • Other food companies may also need to revise packaging and advertisements.
  • Greater regulatory scrutiny is expected for marketing claims.
  1. Corporate Governance
  • Highlights the importance of regulatory compliance.
  • Regulatory actions can affect investor confidence and share prices.

Challenges

  • Widespread use of vague marketing terms such as “natural” and “pure.”
  • Difficulty in scientifically verifying absolute claims.
  • Balancing consumer-friendly branding with legal compliance.
  • Ensuring uniform enforcement across the food industry.

Jammu & Kashmir: The Elusive Quest for Statehood

Why in News?

The issue of restoring full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has once again become a major political and constitutional debate. After the 2019 reorganisation of the former State of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories, political parties and civil society groups have continued to demand the restoration of statehood. The editorial discusses the constitutional, political, and governance aspects of this issue.

Background

Before 2019

  • Jammu & Kashmir was a full-fledged State of India.
  • It enjoyed special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.
  • It also had its own Constitution under Article 35A (before its removal).

Changes in 2019

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India:

  • Abrogated Article 370.
  • Repealed provisions related to Article 35A.
  • Passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

As a result:

  • The former State was divided into:
    • Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly).
    • Union Territory of Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly).

Difference Between a State and a Union Territory

State

Union Territory (with Legislature)

Greater autonomy

Greater control by the Union Government

Governor is the constitutional head

Lieutenant Governor (LG) has wider executive powers

State Government controls most State List subjects

Several powers remain with the Union Government

Greater financial and administrative independence

Limited autonomy

Why is Statehood Being Demanded?

  1. Democratic Governance

Statehood would:

  • Restore a fully empowered elected government.
  • Strengthen democratic accountability.
  • Improve public participation in governance.
  1. Federalism

India follows a quasi-federal system.

Supporters argue that:

  • Statehood strengthens cooperative federalism.
  • It ensures greater decentralisation.
  • It enhances the constitutional balance between the Centre and States.
  1. Administrative Efficiency

A State government has greater authority over:

  • Development planning.
  • Welfare schemes.
  • Education.
  • Agriculture.
  • Local governance.
  • Public service delivery.
  1. Political Representation

Restoration of statehood is viewed as:

  • Respecting the aspirations of the people.
  • Improving political stability.
  • Encouraging greater public trust in democratic institutions.

Government's Stand

The Union Government has repeatedly stated that:

  • Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time.
  • Peace, security, and normalcy remain priorities.
  • Successful conduct of elections and improved law and order are important before restoring full statehood.

Supreme Court’s View

In its December 2023 judgment on the constitutional validity of the abrogation of Article 370, the Supreme Court:

  • Upheld the constitutional validity of the changes made in 2019.
  • Directed the Election Commission to conduct Assembly elections by September 2024 (which have since been held).
  • Observed that statehood should be restored at the earliest, while leaving the timing to the Union Government.

Constitutional Provisions

Article 1

  • India is a Union of States.

Article 3

  • Parliament has the power to:
    • Form new States.
    • Alter State boundaries.
    • Change names of States.
    • Reorganise States.

Article 239

  • Deals with the administration of Union Territories.

Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019

  • Created the Union Territories of:
    • Jammu & Kashmir
    • Ladakh

Significance of Restoring Statehood

  • Political

    • Strengthens representative democracy.
    • Increases accountability of elected governments.

    Administrative

    • Faster decision-making.
    • Better implementation of development programmes.

    Economic

    • Greater flexibility in planning and attracting investment.
    • Improved focus on tourism, infrastructure, and employment.

    National Integration

    • Balancing national security with democratic governance can help build public confidence.

Challenges

  • Continuing security concerns and cross-border terrorism.
  • Maintaining law and order.
  • Balancing regional aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Ensuring smooth Centre–State coordination.

Addressing political differences among stakeholders

Way Forward

  • Restore statehood in line with constitutional processes and the Government’s commitment.
  • Strengthen democratic institutions through regular elections and local governance.
  • Continue measures for peace, security, and socio-economic development.
  • Promote dialogue among all stakeholders.
  • Ensure transparent and accountable governance while safeguarding national security.

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