TOPIC  Project PARI (Public Art of India

Syllabus- GS- 1 Indian Culture and Heritage 

Source- PIB

• Initiative: Project PARI (Public Art of India
• Launched By: Ministry of Culture, Government of India
• Executing Bodies: Lalit Kala Akademi, National Gallery of Modern Art
• Purpose: Stimulate dialogue, reflection, and inspiration through public art, contributing to India's dynamic cultural fabric.
• Event: 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting, New Delhi (21-31 July 2024)
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Key Points

• Aim: To beautify public spaces in Delhi for the upcoming World Heritage Committee Meeting.
• Participants: Over 150 visual artists from across India.
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• Art Forms Included:
  • Wall Paintings & Murals: Inspired by traditional Indian art styles such as Phad, Thangka, Miniature, Gond, Tanjore, Kalamkari, Alpona, Cheriyal, Pichhwai, Lanjia Saura, Pattachitra, Bani Thani, Warli, Pithora, Aipan, Kerala Murals, Alpana.
  • Sculptures & Installations: Themes include tributes to nature, Natyashastra, Gandhi, Indian toys, hospitality, ancient knowledge, Naad, Harmony of Life, Kalpataru (divine tree).
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Significance

• Cultural Representation: Reflects India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage through public art.
• Democratization of Art: Transforms urban spaces into accessible galleries, making art available to the public outside traditional venues.
• Social Impact: Enhances social cohesion and fosters a shared cultural identity by integrating art into daily life.
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Special Highlights

• Women Artists: Significant participation of women artists, highlighting Bharat’s NARI SHAKTI.
• World Heritage Sites: Some artworks draw inspiration from sites like Bimbetka and the seven natural World Heritage Sites in India.
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Call to Action

• Engagement: Public encouraged to take selfies with Project PARI creations and share on social media with #ProjectPARI.
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Conclusion

Project PARI is a significant cultural initiative aiming to blend traditional Indian art with modern themes, making art an integral part of public life and celebrating the country's artistic heritage on a global stage during the 46th World Heritage Committee Meeting.

TOPIC - 2 PROJECT ZORAWAR

SYLLABUS-  GS- 3 DEFENCE, PRELIMS SPECIFIC'

SOURCE- The Indian Express

About Zorawar

Zorawar is a lightweight tank jointly developed by the DRDO and Larsen and Toubro.

Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh.

General Zorawar Singh is renowned for his military expeditions to Ladakh and Western Tibet.

Features of Zorawar-

Lightweight Design: Enhanced mobility in rugged terrains.

High Altitude Capability: Specifically designed for high-altitude operations.

Water Body Navigation: Superior ability to cross rivers and water bodies compared to heavy-weight tanks.

Comparison with T-72 and T-90 Tanks

• Mobility: Zorawar's lightweight design allows for better navigation of steep mountains.
• Deployment: Easier deployment in high-altitude areas such as Pangong Tso Lake.
• Versatility: More adaptable to diverse terrain conditions.
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Strategic Importance- 

• Enhances the Indian Army's operational capabilities in eastern Ladakh.
• Strengthens defense preparedness in high-altitude regions.
• Provides a tactical advantage in mountainous warfare.
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Deployment Timeline

• 2027: Target year for the deployment of Zorawar tanks in eastern Ladakh.
• Ongoing development and testing phases.
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Conclusion

Project Zorawar signifies a strategic leap in high-altitude warfare capabilities.

The lightweight tanks will enhance operational efficiency and adaptability in challenging terrains.

The Indian Army's preparedness and defense capabilities in eastern Ladakh will be significantly bolstered by 2027

TOPIC -3 Thazhakara’s People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

Thazhakara, a gram panchayat in Alappuzha, Kerala, has created and published a People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), involving local communities.

What is the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)?

The PBR serves as a comprehensive record of biodiversity, including habitats, domesticated animals, micro-organisms, and local biological knowledge.

Mandated by the Biological Diversity Act (2002), overseen by Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and protect traditional knowledge.

Thazhakara’s PBR and Its Impact

Thazhakara’s PBR will aid in conservation efforts and guide local projects in sectors like agriculture and waste management.

Emphasizing biodiversity conservation and fair benefit-sharing.

Ethical Values Demonstrated

Community involvement, transparency, conservation ethics, and equitable benefit-sharing.

The example of Thazhakara’s PBR highlights ethical values in biodiversity management.

TOPIC - 4 CYBER-TERRORISM

Syllabus- GS- 2 Governance, Polity, GS- 3 Internal Security, Technology, Economic Development, GS-4 Ethics in Governance, Integrity in Public Service

Cyberterrorism poses a significant threat to national security and economic stability by exploiting vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Effective governance, robust cybersecurity policies, and international cooperation are essential to counter this evolving menace.

An Overview

• Definition: Cyberterrorism is a form of terrorism where the nature of weapons is electronic, aimed at creating terror.
• Origin: The term 'terrorist' originated from the French word "terrorisme," derived from the Latin verb "terroeo" meaning 'I frighten.'
• Development: The term ‘cyberterrorism’ was first proposed by Banny C. Collin in the late 1980s and gained prominence after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

Cyberterrorism in India

Internet Users: India has the maximum internet users after the USA and China.

Cybercrime Growth: Cyber crimes are increasing, but Indian citizens remain largely indifferent to these threats.

Vulnerability: The growth of the cyber world makes India vulnerable to cyberterrorism.

Impact of Cyber Attacks

• Types of Attacks: Cyber attacks can be fatal, non-lethal, and psychological, targeting public confidence and political attitudes.
• Sectors Affected: Financial institutions, health, corporate, and government institutions are major targets.
• Potential Damage: Cyber attacks can cause mass destruction, damage nuclear facilities, and disrupt critical command and control systems.
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Recent Incidents

• Data Breach (2023): Resecurity reported the availability of personal data of 55% of the Indian population on the dark web.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Attack (2019): Attempted cyber attack on the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
• City Union Bank Attack (2020): Malware attack led to unauthorized transactions worth USD 2 million.
• CAT Data Breach (2021): PII and test results of 1,90,000 candidates for the 2020 CAT leaked.
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Government Response and Legislation

• The Central government has formed various cybersecurity organizations to develop and implement a national cybersecurity strategy.
• Despite these efforts, future complications in cybersecurity remain a concern.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and cyber experts have continuously warned about the grave threat of cyber attacks.
• In 2010, the CBI website was hacked by the ‘Pakistani Cyber Army.’
• The investigation of the 26/11 Mumbai attack revealed that terrorists used cyber telecommunications to acquire necessary information.
• India lacks sufficient expertise in cybersecurity.
• Government, companies, and private institutions in India, including those in the financial and insurance sectors, have spent less on enhancing their cybersecurity.
• India does not have specific legislation to deal with cyberterrorism.

• Legal Framework:
  • Section 66F of the IT Act, 2000: Added in 2008 to address cyberterrorism.
  • Provisions: Deals with acts intending to threaten the unity, integrity, security, or sovereignty of India through DoS attacks, introduction of computer contaminants, unauthorized access to computer resources, and stealing sensitive information.
  • Punishment: Life imprisonment for those found guilty.
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Challenges and Recommendations

• Inadequate Infrastructure: India's cybersecurity infrastructure, policies, and awareness are inadequate.
• Expertise Deficit: Lack of sufficient expertise in cybersecurity.
• Financial Investment: Need for increased investment by the Government, companies, and private institutions in cybersecurity.
• Legislative Gap: Requirement for specific legislation to deal comprehensively with cyberterrorism.
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Conclusion

• Ongoing Threat: Cyberterrorism remains a significant threat as India advances in digitalization.
• Continuous Vigilance: Need for continuous vigilance and improvement in cybersecurity measures to safeguard against future cyber threats.

Q. Discuss various threats and challenges to cyber-security in India. What initiatives are being taken by the government to enhance cyber-security in India? (250 words)