Context: The Central government is considering a proposal to provide interest-free loans to tobacco farmers of Andhra Pradesh impacted by Cyclone Michaung.

News:

Interest-Free Loans for Andhra Tobacco Farmers:

• Loan Details: Andhra Tobacco farmers are set to receive interest-free loans ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, with a repayment period of six months. These loans aim to assist in the replanting of tobacco crops.
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 15,000 tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh, who have been affected by the impact of Cyclone Michaung (which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu on December 5th), will be eligible for these loans.
• The proposal for these interest-free loans is being put forth by the Tobacco Board.

About Tobacco Cultivation in India:

• Production: India holds the position of the world's second-largest tobacco producer, producing approximately 800 million kg annually, following China. Gujarat leads in production, contributing 45% to the total, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• Major Export Destinations: India's significant tobacco export destinations include Belgium, the UAE, Indonesia, Russia, Korea, the US, Yemen, Egypt, Singapore, Netherlands, Philippines, Turkey, and Nepal.
• Cultivation Area: India dedicates around 0.45 million hectares to tobacco cultivation, constituting only 0.31% of the nation's net cultivated area and 10% globally.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Temperature: Tobacco requires a temperature range of 20 to 30°C, along with a frost-free period lasting 90 to 120 days.
  • Rainfall: A dry period is essential for leaf ripening, and excessive rainfall results in thin and lightweight leaves.
  • Planting and Harvesting: Planting season spans from November-end to mid-January, with harvesting occurring from March to June.
  • Soil: The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and thrives in well-aerated, well-drained soils. The optimal pH range is 5 to 6.5. Flue-cured, light tobacco prefers light sandy soil, while air-cured, dark tobacco is cultivated in silty loam to clay loam.
  • Transplantation: Tobacco is initially sown on seed beds and transplanted 40 to 60 days after sowing when plants reach approximately 15 cm in height.

About the Tobacco Board:

Establishment: The Tobacco Board was formed by the Government of India through the enactment of the Tobacco Board Act in 1975.

Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the overseeing ministry for the Tobacco Board.

Headquarters: The Tobacco Board is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Functions:

1. Facilitation: The board serves as a facilitator for tobacco growers, traders, and exporters within the industry.
2. Promotion: It actively promotes all types of tobacco and related products, overseeing their production and distribution for both domestic consumption and exports.
3. Regulation: The board is responsible for regulating Flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, ensuring adherence to specified standards and guidelines.

Government Initiatives in the Tobacco Sector:

• Tobacco Growers Welfare Scheme:The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has sanctioned the establishment of a Tobacco Board's Growers' Welfare Fund, with a total corpus of Rs. 25 crore, aimed at enhancing the welfare of tobacco growers.
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sectors Rejuvenation): This initiative, which is part of a Crop Diversification Programme, encourages tobacco farmers across different states to shift towards cultivating alternative crops, promoting diversification in agriculture.

Context: Five of the six people arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with the Parliament security breach on December 13 last year gave their consent before a court here on Friday to undergo a polygraph test.

About:

• A polygraph test is carried out on the assumption that physiological responses triggered when one is lying are different from what they otherwise would be.
• Rather than injecting drugs into the body, polygraph tests attach instruments like cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes to the suspect and measure variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, change in sweat gland activity, blood flow, etc., while the suspect is being questioned.

Polygraph Test Mechanics:

• Physiological Monitoring: The polygraph test entails the use of instruments such as cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes to track physiological variables, including blood pressure and pulse.
• Response Analysis: As questions are posed, responses are analyzed numerically to ascertain whether the individual is being truthful, deceptive, or uncertain.
• Historical Origin: The origins of the polygraph test can be traced back to the 19th century when Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist, conducted the first tests to measure changes in blood pressure in suspects during interrogations.

Constitutional and Legal Framework:

• Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution: This provision safeguards against self-incrimination, asserting that no accused person can be compelled to act as a witness against themselves.
• Infringement Concerns: Making an accused undergo polygraph or narcoanalysis tests without consent is viewed as a violation of Article 20(3), underscoring the importance of obtaining consent.
• Article 21 and Human Rights: Criticism of polygraph tests includes concerns about mental torture, potentially infringing on the right to life and privacy as outlined in Article 21.

Limitations and Challenges:

• Scientific Reliability: Both polygraph and narco tests lack complete scientific validation, raising doubts about their accuracy and reliability.
• Impact on Vulnerable Individuals: These tests may adversely affect individuals who are unaware of their rights or lack access to legal advice, leading to potential abuse and media exploitation.

Legal and Constitutional Rulings:

• Selvi vs State of Karnataka & Anr (2010): The Supreme Court emphasized that lie detector tests should be voluntary, with the legal implications explained to the accused.
• D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal (1997): The Court deemed involuntary administration of these tests as potentially violating the Right to Life and Liberty and the Right to Privacy.
• Indian Evidence Act, 1871: Results from these tests are not admissible as evidence in court.
• National Human Rights Commission Guidelines (1999): Guidelines were established to ensure consent and proper procedures for administering polygraph tests.

Way Forward:

• Role as Investigative Tools: While not infallible for conclusive evidence, polygraph tests can assist in complex investigations.
• Balancing Scientific Techniques and Rights: The government should advocate for scientific methods in investigations while upholding ethical and legal standards.
• Consent and Decency: The administration of these tests must be consensual, respecting the dignity and rights of the individuals involved.

Context: In a positive end to a hijacking attempt in the North Arabian Sea, marine commandos (MARCOS) of the Indian Navy on Friday evening secured and safely evacuated all 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from merchant vessel Lila Norfolk.

News:

The vessel, Lila Norfolk, transmitted a message through the UK Maritime Trade Operations portal while being approximately 460 nautical miles off the Eyl coast in Somalia.

• The message conveyed a potential boarding incident involving five to six unidentified armed individuals.
• In response, the Indian Navy redirected the INS Chennai, a destroyer engaged in anti-piracy patrols in the vicinity.
• Furthermore, a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) conducted a flyover of the ship in the morning, establishing contact and ensuring the well-being and safety of the crew.

Arabian Sea

• Geography: It covers a total area of about 1,491,000 square miles (3,862,000 square kilometers) and is surrounded by the Indian Peninsula, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa
• Formation: The Arabian Sea is estimated to have formed around 45 to 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period as a result of tectonic plate movements
• Marine Life: It supports a diverse range of marine life, including pelagic fish, tuna, sardines, billfish, and sharks. However, periodic occurrences of fish mortality due to a lack of oxygen in the water have been reported
• Historical Significance: The Arabian Sea has been an important trade and cultural route for centuries, connecting India and Europe. It has been referred to by several names in historical texts, such as the Erythraean Sea, Sea of India, and others
• The Arabian Sea holds strategic significance as it intersects numerous key shipping routes and hosts major ports, serving as a crucial pathway for global trade and commerce. Abundant in oil and natural gas Resources, the sea plays a vital role in meeting the energy needs of the region.
• With its pivotal location, the Arabian Sea serves as a significant theater for naval operations, accommodating naval bases for countries like India, Iran, and the United States. It shares borders with crucial nations such as Iran, Pakistan, and India, making it strategically important for regional security and stability.

The hijacking attempt in the Arabian Sea is on the rise due to several factors:

• Houthi attacks: Since November, Houthi rebels have targeted commercial ships with drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, which has encouraged hijackers.The Iranian-backed Houthis claim to target Israeli-linked vessels in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
• Piracy: The hijacking of commercial ships by Somali pirates, which posed a significant challenge, has declined in recent years after the United States and other countries increased their efforts to combat piracy.However, the threat of piracy still exists, and pirates may be taking advantage of the situation due to the Houthi attacks
• Lack of naval presence: The growing attacks have prompted many shipping companies to reroute their vessels, which may leave some areas vulnerable to hijacking attempts

Threats Posed by Maritime Piracy:
1. Physical Harm, Kidnapping, and Humanitarian Concerns:

• Pirates can cause physical harm to crew members and passengers, often resorting to kidnapping for ransom.
• Incidents of piracy can lead to trauma and psychological distress among those affected.

2. Disruption of Trade:

• Maritime piracy can disrupt trade routes, causing delays in the transportation of goods and impacting global trade.

3. Economic Losses:

• Businesses may suffer financial losses due to stolen cargo, ransom payments, increased insurance premiums, and the expenses associated with implementing anti-piracy measures.

4. Impact on Fishing Industry:

• Fishing vessels are sometimes targeted by pirates, impacting the livelihoods of fishermen and affecting the availability of seafood.

5. Environmental Risks:

•    Pirates engaging in illegal activities like oil theft or pollutant dumping pose environmental threats to marine ecosystems.

6. Security Concerns:

•    The presence of piracy raises security concerns for coastal regions and international waters, necessitating heightened naval and maritime security efforts.

7. Global Security:

•  Piracy can be linked to broader security issues, such as terrorism and organized crime, creating challenges for international security.

Steps Taken by India:
1. Operational Steps:

• Deployment of naval ships with armed helicopters for patrolling piracy-prone areas.
•    Commencement of anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since October 2008.
•    Deployment of task groups comprising destroyers and frigates for maritime security operations.
•    Enhanced aerial surveillance using long-range maritime patrol aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

2. Multilateral Cooperation:

•    Participation in multilateral fora, including the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Regional Maritime Security Initiative (RMSI).

3. Institutions Created

•     Establishment of Navy’s Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) to maintain maritime security.
•    Coordination with the Coast Guard to enhance surveillance within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

4. Legislative Steps:

•    Enactment of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, aimed at arresting and prosecuting pirates to strengthen the fight against piracy.
•    Implementation of the SAGAR (Security and Growth For All in the Region) Doctrine, providing a framework for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Context: Recently, air travellers took to social media to express their shock and anger because their privacy was being violated at airports.This was mainly happening due to the forceful promotion of the Digi Yatra initiative by the Union government.

About:

• It was  introduced in December 2022 as a completely voluntary program, commenced its rollout at three airports, including Delhi, and has since been extended to 11 additional airports.
• The initiative, aligned with the Digital India vision to digitally empower the nation, is an industry-led effort coordinated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. DigiYatra offers a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel experience (BEST) by utilizing Facial Recognition Technology.
• This technology facilitates the automatic processing of passengers at various checkpoints, encompassing airport entry, security checks, aircraft boarding, and more.

How to avail this facility:

• To utilize this service, individuals must initially download the DigiYatra app. Registration on the app involves using Aadhaar credentials.
• Subsequently, users are required to scan their boarding pass, containing a QR code or Bar code, and share the obtained credentials with the respective airport.
• At airport entry points, passengers must scan their boarding passes at the e-gate and undergo facial recognition through the installed camera. This process is similarly applicable at other checkpoints within the airport.

DigiYatra Foundation

• The DigiYatra project is executed through the DigiYatra Foundation, which is a joint-venture entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
• This foundation assumes the role of the custodian for the passenger ID validation process and is responsible for establishing the criteria for compliance and providing guidelines for local airport systems.

Benefits:

Eliminates the need for passengers to present boarding passes or IDs at multiple checkpoints.

- Reduces human intervention, leading to shorter queue times.

- Enhances airport security by validating passenger data with the Airlines Departure Control System, permitting only designated passengers to enter the terminal.

- Provides real-time information to airport operators for improved passenger load management and Resource planning.

- Enables airlines to track the position of passengers within the airport, offering operational benefits.

- Enhances airport throughput.

Concerns Raised:

- Privacy Concerns: DigiYatra, considered the 'future of air travel,' raises privacy concerns as it allows the government access to extensive information about individuals' travel patterns.

- Data Security: The collection of facial biometric data by DigiYatra raises security concerns.

- Lack of Clarity: Questions remain unanswered, such as the role of DigiYatra Foundation, a private entity, and the government's promotion of its use.

- Cost Savings and Security Deployment: It is unclear whether DigiYatra results in cost savings on security deployment, as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) continues to manage these gates.

- Pending Legislation: India has yet to notify its Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, passed in Parliament in August of the previous year.