The ‘free movement regime’ along the India-Myanmar border, and why it has complicated the volatile situation in Manipur

The border between India and Myanmar runs for 1,643 km in the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The FMR allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country, without a visa.

The illegal migration of tribal Kuki-Chin peoples into India from Myanmar is one of the key issues in the ongoing ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur.

Free Movement Regime on the IMB

• The border between India and Myanmar runs for 1,643 km in the four states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
• The FMR was implemented in 2018 as part of the Narendra Modi government’s Act East policy at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Myanmar were on the upswing. In fact, the FMR was to be put in place in 2017 itself, but was deferred due to the Rohingya refugee crisis that erupted that August.

Why was such a regime conceptualised?

• The border between India and Myanmar was demarcated by the British in 1826, without seeking the opinion of the people living in the region. The border effectively divided people of the same ethnicity and culture into two nations without their consent. The current IMB reflects the line the British drew.
• People in the region have strong ethnic and familial ties across the border. In Manipur’s Moreh region, there are villages where some homes are in Myanmar.
• In Nagaland’s Mon district, the border actually passes through the house of the chief of Longwa village, splitting his home into two.
• The region has a long history of trans-border commerce through customs and border haats. Given the low-income economy, such exchanges are vital for the sustenance of local livelihoods. For border people in Myanmar too, Indian towns are closer for business, education, and healthcare than those in their own country.

FMR being discussed critically

• FMR has been criticised for unintentionally aiding illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun running.
• Since the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, the ruling junta has launched a campaign of persecution against the Kuki-Chin peoples. This has pushed large numbers of Myanmarese tribals across the country’s western border into India, especially into Manipur and Mizoram, where they have sought shelter.
• Mizoram, where a large section of the population has close ethnic and cultural ties with people across the border, has set up camps for more than 40,000 refugees, despite protests from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

What is the Akira ransomware, and why has the government issued a warning against it?

The ransomware, found to target both Windows and Linux devices, steals and encrypts data, forcing victims to pay double ransom for decryption and recovery.

Akira ransomware

• The Akira ransomware is designed to encrypt data, create a ransomware note and delete Windows Shadow Volume copies on affected devices.
• The ransomware gets its name due to its ability to modify filenames of all encrypted files by appending them with the “.akira” extension.
• The ransomware is designed to close processes or shut down Windows services that may keep it from encrypting files on the affected system. It uses VPN services, especially when users have not enabled two-factor authentication, to trick users into downloading malicious files.
• Once the ransomware infects a device and steals/encrypts sensitive data, the group behind the attack extorts the victims into paying a ransom, threatening to release the data on their dark web blog if their demands are not met.

How Ransomware infect devices

• Ransomware is typically spread through spear phishing emails that contain malicious attachments in the form of archived content (zip/rar) files.
• Other methods used to infect devices include drive-by-download, a cyber-attack that unintentionally downloads malicious code onto a device, and specially crafted web links in emails, clicking on which downloads malicious code. The ransomware reportedly also spreads through insecure Remote Desktop connections.

Wettest May-June in decade hits Kashmir’s cherry growers hard

Farmers growing traditional varieties of cherries are facing more brunt of prolonged precipitation than those growing new varieties

• The prolonged cold weather and rains this year have devastated the cherry crop when the harvest period was at its peak in the Kashmir Valley.
• Cherry is considered a vital crop for the farmers in the Valley as it provides additional income to them in May-June since all other fruits in Kashmir are harvested in autumn.
• Eight cherry varieties grown in Kashmir include makhmali, siya, mishri, jaddi, Italy, dabal, vishkan and stela. Four among eight varieties, mainly mishri, jaddi, makhmali and dabal, have good demand in the market. Mishri is considered sweeter than all other varieties.
• The annual production of the stone fruit is around 12,000 metric tonnes, making Jammu and Kashmir the largest cherry producer in India.
• The distressed farmers told this reporter that the rains followed by hailstorms during the harvest season had led to cracks in the fruit and they could not sell their produce.
• Cherry is a delicate crop and extremely sensitive to extreme weather conditions, requiring a moderate temperature for optimal growth. Having a very low shelf life, cherries cannot sustain heavy rains or high temperatures

Cherry Farming:

• Cherries are delicious and nutritious fruits that belong to the genus Prunus.
• It is a delicate crop and extremely sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
• Having a very low shelf life, cherries cannot sustain heavy rains or high temperatures.
• The Kashmir Valley contributes to 95 per cent of the total cherry production in India.
• Eight cherry varieties grown in Kashmir include makhmali, siya, mishri, jaddi, Italy, dabal, vishkan and stela.
• Climate:
  • It requires cool weather conditions with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C during the growing season.
  • They also require a period of winter dormancy with temperatures below 7°C to induce flowering.
• Soil: The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH between 6.0 to 7.5.
• Planting: Cherry trees can be propagated by grafting onto rootstocks. The ideal time for planting is during the winter months from December to February.
• Intercropping: Some suitable intercropping crops for cherry cultivation in India include legumes, such as peas and beans, and leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce.
• Fertilization: Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied in adequate amounts to promote healthy growth and fruit development.
• Harvesting: Cherries can be harvested when they reach maturity, usually in late May to early June.
• Area of Cultivation: They are primarily grown in the northern regions of India, particularly in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Why multiple committees for reviewing pesticide ban, SC asks government

The apex court sought the reason for appointing several committees when the initial panel had already recommended the banning of 27 pesticides

The apex court sought the reason for appointing several committees when the initial expert panel had already recommended the banning of 27 pesticides.

The bench also raised questions over

• 2015 Anupam Varma Committee report, which recommended banning 13 pesticides out of the list of 66 sought to be reviewed by the petitioners. The report saw resistance from the pesticide industry association.
• SK Malhotra Committee in 2017, seeking a review on banning 27 pesticides. The committee reinstated the need to ban 27 pesticides in 2018.
• Another sub-committee headed by SK Khurana was later appointed by the Pesticide Registration Committee, an apex body that regulates pesticides in India, to review the banning of 27 pesticides. This committee, too, recommended banning certain pesticides in 2020.
• Anupam Varma Committee and Khurana Committee had proposed banning of same 27 pesticides. Despite this, another committee was formed (Rajendran Committee), which offered contrary recommendations

Indigenously-built Indian naval ship to visit Sri Lanka

• Indian naval ship ''Khanjar'', an indigenously-built Missile Corvette of the Khukri class, will make a three-day visit to Sri Lanka’s eastern harbour of Trincomalee from Saturday to further people-to-people connect and familiarise the people with the Indian Navy.
• The visit is significant in view of the potential for cooperation between India and Sri Lanka for augmenting the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Navy for efficiently addressing shared challenges for maritime security in the region

Melting of Ladakh glacier could form three glacial lakes: Study

• Accelerated melting of the Himalayan Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh could give rise to three glacial lakes with an average depth ranging between 34 and 84 metres, scientists have found.
• These lakes could be a potential source of glacial lake outburst floods in the Himalayas
• Parkachik Glacier is one of the largest glacier in the Suru River valley, which is a part of the Southern Zanskar Ranges, western Himalaya. The Zanskar Range, part of the Himalayas, lies in the union territory of Ladakh.
• The glacier''s yearly melting rate was 6 times faster between 1999 and 2021 (22 years) than that calculated from 1971 to 1999 (28 years), the scientists found using satellite data to determine its glacial retreat from 1971-2021. The findings are published in the journal Annals of Glaciology.
• Faster glacial retreat, along with surface morphological changes, have been known to result in the forming of new glacial lakes and expansion of existing ones, a potential source of glacial lake outburst floods.
• Glacial lakes are formed when a glacier erodes the land and then melts, filling the depression created by the glacier.
• The study''s surface ice velocity estimation suggested a slowing down, resulting in an increase of debris cover on the glacier surface, or the ablation zone, it said.

46,000-year-old worms brought back to life from Siberian permafrost

• Scientists discovered and reanimated two kinds of frozen microscopic nematodes or roundworms in Siberia five years ago. A new study on them published Thursday reveals their secrets, including the fact that they are 46,000 years old
• Many animals like nematodes, and more famously, tardigrades, can survive extreme conditions by entering a dormant state called “cryptobiosis.”
• They also tested the hardiness of the ancient worms by mildly drying them in the laboratory. When they did that, the worms produced a sugar called trehalose, which might be helping them survive harsh desiccation (drying) and freezing.

Permafrost

• Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen—32°F (0°C) or colder—for at least two years straight.
• Global Distribution:
  • These permanently frozen grounds are most common in regions with high mountains and in Earth’s higher latitudes—near the North and South Poles.
  • Permafrost covers large regions of the Earth. Almost a quarter of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere has permafrost underneath.
• Composition:
  • Permafrost is made of a combination of soil, rocks and sand that are held together by ice. The soil and ice in permafrost stay frozen all year long.
  • Near the surface, permafrost soils also contain large quantities of organic carbon—a material leftover from dead plants that couldn’t decompose, or rot away, due to the cold.
  • Lower permafrost layers contain soils made mostly of minerals.
  • A layer of soil on top of permafrost does not stay frozen all year. This layer, called the active layer, thaws during the warm summer months and freezes again in the fall.

Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam 2023

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme:

• It is a Centrally Sponsored scheme announced in 2022.
• Development of more than 14500 schools across the country by strengthening selected existing schools being managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27,after which it shall be the responsibility of the States/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.
• Features:
  • The selected schools will act as exemplar schools showcasing all components of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) and offering mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.
  • The PM SHRI Schools will be developed as Green Schools, incorporating environment-friendly aspects.
  • The pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly in the foundational years), inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centric, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
  • The focus will be on the learning outcomes of every child in every grade.
  • Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based.
  • Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
  • A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. Quality evaluation of these schools at regular intervals will be undertaken to ensure the desired standards.

Botanical Survey of India Scientists Discover New Species Of Flower From Sikkim

Pedicularis Revealiana

• It is unique among all Pedicularis species.
• It is stout and woody stems, bears minute flowers of pinkish-purple colour.
• It is a hemiparasitic plant species.
• Along with making its own food, it has the ability to gather nutrients from the roots of trees and plants located nearby.
• This new flora is found in remote forests, which are covered with snow for most of the year.
• This genus includes about 677 species worldwide, of which 82 species, 13 subspecies and nine varieties have been reported so far in India.
• Pendicularis revealiana is the 83rd species reported by the botanists and the plant is commonly known as a perennial herb.

Botanical Survey of India

• It is the apex taxonomic research organization of the country which is under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India.
• It was established on 13thFebruary 1890 under the direction of Sir George King.
• The mandate of the organization has been broadened to biosystematics research, floristic studies, documentation, databasing of National Botanical collection, digitization of herbarium specimens etc.
• Headquarter: Kolkata

Govt. allows Indian companies to list on foreign exchanges through IFSC

Corporate Debt Market Development Fund

• It is a backstop facility for specified debt funds during market dislocations.
• The fund is intended to provide liquidity support in the event of a financial crisis.
• It will be in the form of an alternative investment fund (AIF), meant to instil confidence among the participants in the Corporate Bond Market during times of stress
• The fund has Rs 33,000-crore backstop facility for Mutual Funds.
• Of the Rs 33,000 crore, Rs 30,000 crore will come from the government, while the balance Rs 3,000 crore will be contributed by the Asset Management Companies.
• Contributions to the fund can be done by the specified debt-oriented mutual fund schemes and asset management companies of mutual funds.
• This fund is guaranteed by the National Credit Guarantee Trust Company (NCGTC) and the backstop facility will be managed by SBI Mutual Fund.
• Who can invest?
  • Specified debt-oriented mutual fund schemes here are ‘open-ended debt oriented mutual fund schemes, excluding the overnight funds and gilt funds and including conservative hybrid fund’.
  • These specified debt-oriented schemes will invest 25 basis points (0.25 per cent) of their asset under management (AUM) in CDMDF units and will increase their contribution when their AUM increases and review it every six months.
  • However, there will be no redemption from CDMDF in case their AUM reduces.
  • The same applies to the specified schemes of new mutual funds or such new schemes from the existing mutual funds.
  • The AMCs are also required to make a contribution of 2 per cent of their specified debt-oriented schemes’ AUM as a one-time contribution.
  • The initial contribution for this purpose will be based on the AUM as of December 31, 2022, in the specified schemes of the mutual funds.

Backstop facility

• A backstop is an act of providing last-resort support or security in a securities offering for the unsubscribed portion of shares.
• When a company is trying to raise capital through an issuance, it may get a backstop from an underwriter or a major shareholder, such as an investment bank, to buy any of its unsubscribed shares.

Digital Payments Rise 13 Percent Yoy At March-end: RBI Data

Digital Payment Index

• It has been constructed by the RBI to measure the extent of digitisation of payments across the country.
• It is based on multiple parameters and reflects the expansion of various digital payment modes accurately.
• It is a first-of-its kind index to measure the spread of digital payments across the country.
• It contains five broad parameters that measure the deepening and penetration of digital payments in the country over different time periods.
  • Payment Enablers with a weight of 25% (Internet, mobile, Aadhaar, bank accounts, participants, merchants)
  • Payment Infrastructure – Demand-side factors weight 10% (Debit and credit cards, PPIs, Customers registered in mobile and internet banking, FASTags),
  • Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors weight 15% (Bank branches, BCs, ATMs, PoS Terminals, QR Codes, Intermediaries),
  • Payment Performance – weight 45% (Digital payment volumes, value, unique users, paper clearing, currency in circulation, cash withdrawals) and
  • Consumer Centricity weight – 5% (awareness and education, declines, complaints, frauds, system downtime).
• The base period of the index is March 2018.
• The index has been published on a semi-annual basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag of 4 months.

Bengaluru becomes first Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum

World Cities Culture Forum

• It was founded in 2012 by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture & the Creative Industries.
• It is a global network of cities that share research and intelligence, and explore the role of culture in future prosperity.
• The network currently has 40 cities spanning six continents.
• Bengaluru being the latest addition is set to join the league of cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai among others.
• World cities culture summit hosted on a rotating basis by city partners, an unprecedented gathering of city leaders sharing ideas and knowledge about culture’s role in public policy in a world city context.

Bengaluru

• Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) is a megacity, the capital of the Southern state of Karnataka and the fastest growing city in India.
• Its population has grown from one million in 1950 to over 16 million in 2023.
• It is commonly referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ because of its role as the nation’s leading information technology exporter,
• It is home to more than 30 government and private museums that showcase the city’s rich history, art and culture.
• Most recently, South India’s first major private art museum, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP), opened in February 2023.
• Bengaluru’s distinction lies in being a rare city where both North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic) classical music thrive.
• As the “Garden City of India”, Bangaluru has many green spaces including two nationally recognised botanical gardens**, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park** that act as green lungs for the city.