IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 05 August 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 05 August 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 05 August 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR)

Source: Indian Express
GS II:  Government Policies & Interventions, Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; GS III: Cyber Security

Overview

  1. Fingerprint spoofing
  2. Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR)
  3. Aadhaar Act, 2016
Why in News?
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has turned to artificial intelligence-based systems in an effort to reduce the cases of Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) fraud as more of them come to light.
  • This includes creating technologies for fingerprinting and facial recognition.
News in Brief
  • The UIDAI has implemented the Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR) modality, which is based on Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technology, to prevent AePS frauds by the use of spoofed fingerprints during Aadhaar authentication.
  • This modality can check the liveness of a fingerprint to detect the use of cloned fingerprints during the authentication process.
Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS)
  • Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) is a government-backed payment platform in India that enables Aadhaar cardholders to conduct financial transactions through biometric authentication.
  • It was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to promote digital financial inclusion and provide secure and convenient banking services to individuals in remote and rural areas who may not have access to traditional banking facilities.
  • Key features of the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS):
    • Biometric Authentication:
      • AePS leverages unique biometric information (fingerprint and iris) linked to an individual’s Aadhaar number to authenticate transactions.
      • This eliminates the need for traditional authentication methods like PINs or passwords, making it more user-friendly, especially for those who are not familiar with the technology.
    • Interoperable Platform:
      • AePS allows customers of any bank to perform transactions on the AePS platform, regardless of their account-holding bank.
      • It enables transactions across multiple banks, making it a highly interoperable system.
    • Services Offered:
    • Using AePS, individuals can perform various financial transactions, including cash deposits, cash withdrawals, fund transfers, balance inquiries, and Aadhaar to Aadhaar fund transfers.
    • Rural Financial Inclusion:
      • AePS has been particularly beneficial in rural areas where physical bank branches and ATMs may be scarce.
      • With AePS, customers can access banking services through authorized Aadhaar-based agents, often referred to as Business Correspondents (BCs), who act as intermediaries between the customers and banks.
    • Secure Transactions:
      • The biometric authentication used in AePS adds an extra layer of security to transactions, reducing the risk of fraudulent activities and enhancing customer trust.
    • No Additional Fees:
      • One of the advantages of AePS is that it allows customers to perform transactions without any additional charges.
      • This helps in promoting digital transactions and reducing the dependency on cash.
    • Government Subsidies and Benefits:
    • AePS is also used to disburse government subsidies and welfare benefits directly into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and efficiency in subsidy distribution.
Fingerprint spoofing
  • Fingerprint spoofing, also known as biometric spoofing or fingerprint forgery, is a technique used to deceive fingerprint recognition systems by presenting fake or altered fingerprint patterns.
  • Biometric systems, including fingerprint scanners, rely on unique physical traits to identify and authenticate individuals.
  • Fingerprint recognition is widely used for various purposes, such as unlocking smartphones, accessing secure facilities, or verifying identities in some legal processes.
  • Fingerprint spoofing can take several forms, including:
    • Artificial fingerprints:
      • Creating synthetic replicas of genuine fingerprints using materials like silicone, gelatin, or other substances.
      • These artificial prints can be used to fool fingerprint scanners.
    • Latent fingerprints:
      • Lifting latent fingerprints left on a surface and creating fake fingerprints from them.
      • Latent prints are unintentionally left behind by individuals on various surfaces they touch.
    • Gummy fingers:
      • Using gummy substances or molds to replicate the shape and texture of someone’s fingerprint.
    • High-resolution prints: 
      • Capturing high-quality images of someone’s fingerprints and using them to create fake fingerprints.
    • 3D-printed fingerprints:
      • Utilizing 3D printing technology to produce accurate copies of fingerprints.
  • It’s essential to note that fingerprint spoofing is a form of biometric attack and is considered a security concern for systems that rely solely on fingerprint recognition for authentication.
  • To counter fingerprint spoofing, developers of biometric systems implement advanced algorithms and techniques to detect anomalies and differentiate between genuine and fake fingerprints.
  • These countermeasures include liveness detection, behavior analysis, and multi-factor authentication (combining fingerprint recognition with other biometrics or authentication methods).
Finger Minutiae Record – Finger Image Record (FMR-FIR)
  • The Finger Minutiae Record (FMR) and Finger Image Record (FIR) are two distinct components used in biometric systems, specifically in the context of fingerprint recognition and storage.

Finger Minutiae Record (FMR):

  • FMR is a compact representation of a fingerprint that focuses on capturing and encoding the essential features of the fingerprint, known as minutiae points.
  • Minutiae points are specific points on a fingerprint where ridges end, bifurcate, or intersect.
  • These minutiae points are unique to each fingerprint and are used as reference points for matching and verifying fingerprints.
  • In an FMR, the minutiae points are extracted from a fingerprint image and encoded into a standardized format, which typically includes the coordinates of the minutiae (e.g., x, y positions) and their orientations.
  • The FMR is much smaller in size compared to the raw fingerprint image, making it suitable for efficient storage and matching in large-scale biometric databases.

Finger Image Record (FIR):

  • FIR, on the other hand, refers to the full fingerprint image itself.
  • Unlike the FMR, the FIR retains all the detailed information present in the fingerprint image, including ridges, valleys, and other patterns.
  • FIRs are used for various purposes, such as forensic analysis, visual inspection, and detailed examination of fingerprint features.
  • FIRs are larger in size compared to FMRs due to the inclusion of the entire fingerprint image.
  • While FIRs offer more comprehensive information, they also require more storage space and computational resources for processing and matching.
  • Therefore, FIRs are usually used in scenarios where detailed fingerprint examination is required, while FMRs are used for biometric authentication and identification tasks, where efficiency and speed are crucial.
  • Both FMRs and FIRs play vital roles in fingerprint recognition systems.
  • FMRs are typically used in fingerprint databases and matching algorithms, while FIRs are used for more in-depth analysis and investigations.
  • These records enable biometric systems to accurately identify individuals and maintain secure and efficient biometric authentication processes.

Aadhaar Act, 2016

  • The Act came into effect on September 12, 2016.
  • The primary objective of the Aadhaar Act is to provide a 12-digit unique identification number known as Aadhaar to every resident of India.
  • Aadhaar Act has been a subject of debate and legal challenges regarding privacy concerns and potential misuse of personal information.
  • The Indian Supreme Court has also issued rulings to strike a balance between the benefits of Aadhaar and individual privacy rights.
  • As a result, certain restrictions and requirements have been imposed on the use of Aadhaar in specific contexts.
  • Key features of the Aadhaar Act, 2016:
    • Unique Identification Number (Aadhaar): The Act aims to issue a unique identification number called Aadhaar to every resident of India, regardless of age, gender, or nationality.
      • The Aadhaar number is linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic information, making it a robust identification system.
    • Voluntary Enrollment: While the Aadhaar Act encourages residents to obtain an Aadhaar number, enrollment is not mandatory.
      • However, various government schemes and services may require Aadhaar for verification and authentication purposes.
    • Authentication and Verification: The Act allows various government and private entities to use Aadhaar for authentication and verification purposes.
      • Aadhaar authentication is used in a wide range of applications, including social welfare schemes, financial services, taxation, and more.
    • Privacy and Security: The Act includes provisions to protect the privacy and security of individuals’ biometric and demographic information collected during the enrollment process.
      • It mandates that the data should only be used for specific purposes and prohibits sharing of Aadhaar information with unauthorized parties.
    • Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI): The Aadhaar Act establishes the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as the regulatory body responsible for the collection, storage, and management of Aadhaar data.
    • Use of Aadhaar for Government Services: The Act facilitates the use of Aadhaar for efficient delivery of government services, subsidies, and benefits to eligible individuals.
      • It helps in reducing duplication, leakages, and fraudulent activities in welfare schemes.
    • Legal Framework: The Act provides a legal framework for the usage of Aadhaar, including the penalties for unauthorized disclosure of Aadhaar information or the misuse of Aadhaar numbers.
    • Opt-out and Correction Mechanism: The Act allows individuals to update or correct their Aadhaar information if there are any discrepancies.
      • It also provides a mechanism for individuals to opt out of the Aadhaar system if they wish to do so.

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Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Infrastructure

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
  3. Indian Railway Sector

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations spread across the country.

News in Brief

  • This is slated to be one of the biggest foundation stone-laying ceremonies in the country and the Indian Railways is working hard to pull off the mammoth task.
  • It will boost ‘Ease of Living’ and enhance comfort as well as convenience.
  • Special care has also been taken to ensure the stations are in line with local culture, heritage, and architecture.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

  • The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is a project that aims to renovate railway stations.
  • It attempts to continuously upgrade the infrastructure of certain railway stations.
  • 508 stations are spread across 27 states and union territories
    • Including 55 each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 49 in Bihar, 44 in Maharashtra, 37 in West Bengal, 34 in Madhya Pradesh, 32 in Assam, 25 in Odisha, 22 in Punjab, 21 each in Gujarat and Telangana, 20 in Jharkhand, 18 each in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, 15 in Haryana, and 13 in Karnataka, among others.
  • Improve connection, offer amenities for people with disabilities, and integrating stations with urban areas are all goals of the plan.
  • The project’s goal is to create a master plan for the stations, and work on it will be done in stages.
  • Executive lounges are part of the plan, which also aims to improve the passenger information system.
  • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which has a budget of Rs 24,470 crore as per the government.

Indian Railway Sector

  • The Indian Railway Sector is one of the largest and most extensive railway networks in the world.
  • It is operated by the state-owned Indian Railways, which comes under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
  • Indian Railways is responsible for the management, operation, and development of the railway infrastructure across the country.

Key features of the Indian Railway Sector

  1. Network Size: Indian Railways operates on a vast network covering almost the entire Indian subcontinent. It connects major cities, towns, and remote areas, making it a crucial mode of transportation for millions of people.
  2. Divisions and Zones: The railway network is divided into various divisions and zones to ensure efficient management and operations. Each zone is responsible for a specific geographical area.
  3. Passenger Services: Indian Railways provides passenger services catering to various travel needs, including long-distance trains, suburban trains in metropolitan areas, and luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express.
  4. Freight Transport: The railways play a significant role in freight transport, carrying goods like coal, minerals, grains, industrial products, and more across the country. Dedicated freight corridors are being developed to enhance the efficiency of freight transportation.
  5. Technological Advancements: Indian Railways has been incorporating modern technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. This includes the introduction of high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express (also known as Train 18) and initiatives to digitize ticketing and reservation systems.
  6. Modernization and Expansion: The Indian government has been investing in modernizing the railway infrastructure, upgrading tracks, signaling systems, and introducing better rolling stock to enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the network.
  7. Railway Budget: Until 2016, the Indian Railways had a separate Railway Budget presented by the Ministry of Railways in the Indian Parliament. However, starting in 2017, the Railway Budget was merged with the General Budget of India.

Summary as Infographics

City Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain 2.0

Source: PIB
GS II: Developmental Studies; GS III: Infrastructure

Overview

  1. News in Brief
  2. About City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)

Why in News?

The government has approved the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0) on 31 May 2023.

News in Brief

  • The National Project Management Unit based at NIUA conducts regular visits to project sites and provides necessary support through capacity building and peer-to-peer learning to ensure effective implementation of the program.
  • Each project under CITIIS 1.0 was assigned a domestic expert and an international mentor to provide detailed on-site guidance in the implementation of the project.
  • Additionally, periodic reviews are conducted by the Government at the level of the program Apex Committee headed by the Joint Secretary & Mission Director (SCM), MoHUA.

About City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain 2.0 (CITIIS 2.0)

  • CITIIS 2.0 has been conceived by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), KreditanstaltfürWiederaufbau (KfW), the European Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA).
  • 12 cities were selected under CITIIS 1.0 program through a challenge process.
  • It is a part of the Smart Cities Mission
  • It aims to promote integrated waste management and climate-oriented reform actions.
  • The funding for CITIIS 2.0 would include a loan from AFD and KfW and a technical assistance grant from the EU.

The period of the program would be for 4 years. CITIIS 2.0 has 3 major components

  • Component-1: Financial and technical support for up to 18 Smart Cities for projects promoting circular economy with focus on Integrated Waste Management.
  • Component-2: Support to all States/Union Territories (UTs) for Climate action.
  • Component-3: Interventions at the National level to support scale-up across all cities and towns.

What is the importance of the Scheme?

  • The CITIIS 2.0 initiative serves as a valuable extension to the Government of India’s current national programs, including the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, AMRUT 2.0, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, and Smart Cities Mission.
  • By doing so, it contributes to the fulfillment of India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and commitments to the Conference of the Parties (COP26) on climate change.
  • With its implementation CITIIS 2.0 brings forth a powerful solution to the challenges of sustainable urbanization and development in India.

Summary as Infographics

Vivad se Vishwas – II

Source: PIB
GS II: Governance

Overview

  1. About Vivad se Vishwas – II

Why in News?

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has launched the scheme Vivad se Vishwas II – (Contractual Disputes), to effectively settle the pending contractual disputes of government and government undertakings.

  • The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 by the Union Finance Minister.

About Vivad se Vishwas – II

The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, had issued an order on 29.05.2023 indicating detailed guidelines of the scheme.

To settle contractual disputes of government and government undertakings, wherein arbitral award is under challenge in a court, a voluntary settlement scheme with standardized terms will be introduced. This will be done offering graded settlement terms depending on pendency level of the disputes

  • It is a voluntary settlement plan to address ongoing legal issues between government organisations.
  • It is intended especially for cases in which the arbitral award is being contested in court.
  • An arbitration award is a decision that gives the arbitration process closure.
  • The plan calls for the introduction of standard terms and the provision of graded resolution choices based on the amount of dispute pendingness.
  • The Scheme intends to create a platform for quickly and effectively resolving contractual disputes
  • This simplicity of doing business with the government and attracting new investments to the nation.
  • The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal’s online capabilities will be used to implement it.
  • The scheme will apply to all domestic contractual disputes where one of the parties is either the Government of India or an organisation working under its control.
  • Companies like metro companies, in which the Centre has 50% ownership, are free to decide whether or not to participate in the programme.
  • Court Awards passed on or before 30.04.2023 the settlement amount offered to the Contractor will be up to 85% of the net amount awarded/ upheld by the court.
  • Arbitral Awards passed on or before 31.01.2023 settlement amount offered is up to 65% of the net amount awarded.

Summary as Infographics

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