Mains Exam

Digital Financial Frauds in India

Short Notes or Revision Notes

 GS-3 Mains: Economy

Question : Evaluate the challenges posed by digital financial frauds in India and analyze the effectiveness of the preventive measures and government initiatives in addressing this issue.

Surge in Frauds:

• ₹1.25 lakh crore lost in digital financial frauds over 3 years (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre).
• ₹66.66 crore lost in cybercrimes in 2023 (NCRB).
• ₹10,319 crore lost in digital financial frauds reported in 2023 (NCRP).

Common Tactics:

• Impersonation:Fake social media profiles or pretending to be bank officials.
• False Promises:Luring victims with high returns on investments.
• Credential Theft:Stealing UPI ID, PIN, OTP, or internet banking credentials.
• Card Details & OTP Scams:Tricking victims into sharing card details and OTPs.

Preventive Measures:

• MFA for Logins:Mandate multi-factor authentication (like Google) for financial apps.
• Disable Screen Sharing:Prevent screen-sharing apps from running over banking apps.
• Clear Transaction Data:Banks/NBFCs/SEs to provide clear transaction details in statements.
• Record IMEI:Mandate recording IMEI (unique device identifier) for banking apps.

Government Initiatives:

• Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP):Enables real-time intelligence sharing for cybercrime investigations.
• Chakshu Facility:Allows reporting suspected fraudulent phone calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages.
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:Centralized portal to report all cybercrimes.
• RBI Guidelines:Issues security and risk mitigation guidelines for digital transactions.

Conclusion:

• Collaboration between fintech, telecom industries, and the government is crucial.
• Improved data sharing and preventive measures are needed for faster investigations and convictions.

Reforming Bail Law in India

Short Notes or Revision Notes

GS-2 : Mains : Polity

Question : What are the key criticisms of the current bail laws in India, and how does the proposed Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) aim to address these criticisms?

Context:

• Supreme Court emphasizes need for reform due to:
  • Overcrowded jails
  • Hasty arrests

About Bail:

• Crucial aspect of criminal justice system.
• Allows accused release under specific conditions.
• Concept dates back to ancient India (Kautilya’s Arthashastra).

Types of Bail in India:

• Regular Bail:After arrest (CrPC Sections 437 & 439).
• Interim Bail:Short-term bail before regular/anticipatory bail hearing.
• Anticipatory Bail:Before arrest (CrPC Section 438).

Current Laws (CrPC, 1973):

• Defines bailable/non-bailable offenses (Section 2(a)).
• Sections 436-450 govern bail provisions.
• Criticized for:
  • Overcrowded jails
  • Hasty arrests

Proposed Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS):

• Aims to replace CrPC with significant bail changes.

Key Changes in BNSS:

• Police Custody:Up to 15 days (may limit bail opportunities).
• Multiple Charges:Limits bail for those facing multiple charges.
• First-time Undertrial:Bail after serving half the maximum punishment during trial.
• Simplified Bail:Streamlined bail process and procedures.
• Relaxed Punishment:Reduced sentences for first-time offenders who plead guilty.

Need for Reform:

• Supreme Court acknowledges flaws in current system (Satender Kumar Antil vs CBI case, 2022).
• Issues:
  • Overcrowded prisons (over 75% undertrial prisoners).
  • Disregard for presumption of innocence.
  • Socioeconomic bias against marginalized groups.
  • Lack of data on root causes of undertrial incarceration.

Proposed UK-style Reforms:

• Bail as a “general right” to reduce prison overcrowding.
• Legal aid for bail hearings and pre-trial detention.
• Presumption of bail unless specific reasons for denial exist (Schedule 1 of UK Bail Act 1976).
• Criminal offense to indemnify bail sureties.

Conclusion:

• Bail reform is crucial for justice and upholding accused rights.
• A separate Bail Act may streamline bail processes.
• Reforms should balance individual liberty with societal interests.

 

 

Rohingya Refugee Crisis

Short Notes or Revision Notes

GS-3 : Internal Security

Question : Critically analyze India’s approach towards the Rohingya refugee crisis, considering its stance on refugee policy, humanitarian efforts, and diplomatic engagements.

Context:

• Recent boat capsizing highlights perilous journeys undertaken by Rohingya refugees.

Who are Rohingya?

• Muslim ethnic minority from Rakhine State, Myanmar.
• Culturally and religiously distinct from the Buddhist majority.
• Denied citizenship in Myanmar, rendering them the world’s largest stateless population (over 1 million).

Exodus and Current Situation:

• 2017: Mass exodus to Bangladesh due to violence by Myanmar security forces.
• Over 750,000 Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh.

Challenges in Bangladesh Camps:

• Overcrowding (Cox’s Bazar – world’s largest refugee camps).
• Lack of basic necessities (food, water, sanitation, healthcare, education).
• Deteriorating security (gang violence, arson attacks).

Why Sea Journeys?

• Escape harsh conditions and limited future prospects in Bangladesh camps.
• Aim to reach Muslim-majority nations (Indonesia, Malaysia) for a better life.

Sea Journey Dangers:

• Human traffickers exploit desperation, charging exorbitant fees for rickety boats.
• Voyages take weeks/months with inadequate supplies and space.
• Horrific accounts of abuse and violence during journeys.
• High death rates (UN estimates 1 in 8 Rohingya die at sea).

India’s Refugee Policy:

• Not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention.
• The Foreigners Act governs undocumented foreign nationals.
• Rohingya considered illegal immigrants by India.

India’s Stand on Rohingya Crisis:

• Operation Insaniyat:Provided relief assistance to refugee camps in Bangladesh (2017).
• Three-pronged approach:
  • Repatriation:Supports return of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
  • Development:Encourages socio-economic development in Rakhine State.
  • Constructive Engagement:Maintains dialogue with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Concerns for India:

• Security risks associated with large refugee populations.
• Balancing relations with Myanmar (neighbor) and Bangladesh (refugee host).