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Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Topics like Five Eyes Alliance, One Nation One Election for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Make in India, Cyber Slavery, Right to Privacy important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for February 05, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on February 05 20205
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India withdraws its Canada envoy, expels 6 Canadian diplomats as row over Nijjar murder escalates
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
A sharp escalation of the row between the two countries, India on Monday ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Read about:
What is Five Eyes Alliance?
India and Canada relationship
Key takeawyas:
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Canada is home to one of the largest Indian communities worldwide, with approximately 1.6 million people of Indian origin, which makes up over 3% of the country's total population, along with 700,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In 2022, India became the leading source of foreign students in Canada, with 230,000 Indian students. India’s total trade with Canada (both goods and services) amounted to $11.68 billion in 2021-22, falling short of potential. Notably, around 30% of India's total pulse imports come from Canada.
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Canadian pension funds have invested about $55 billion in India. Since 2000, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Canada into India stands at $4.07 billion. Despite challenges, such as the suspension of trade negotiations and the ongoing Khalistan issue, these economic ties have persisted.
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According to the 2021 Canadian census, Sikhs comprise 2.1% of Canada’s population and represent the fastest-growing religious group in the country. After India, Canada has the second-largest Sikh population globally. Sikh representation in Canadian politics is significant, with Sikh lawmakers and officials serving at all levels of government. Jagmeet Singh made history in 2017 by becoming the first Sikh leader of a major political party, heading the New Democratic Party (NDP).
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The principle of reciprocity in international law means granting foreigners equal treatment to citizens as regulated by specific intergovernmental agreements. It allows for the mutual application of legal measures when these are equally accepted by the involved nations, promoting equality and mutual respect in international relations.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently received a diplomatic note from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are "persons of interest" in an investigation. India rejected these claims, attributing them to the Trudeau government’s domestic political agenda.
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Although the MEA statement didn’t mention Nijjar by name, it alluded to allegations made by Trudeau in September 2023, accusing India of potential involvement in the death of the Khalistani separatist in June 2023. India dismissed these accusations as unfounded, and diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated since then.
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India further accused the Trudeau government of fostering an environment in which violent extremists and terrorists intimidate Indian diplomats and leaders in Canada. It also noted that some individuals who entered Canada illegally have been expedited for citizenship, and multiple Indian extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime leaders have been ignored.
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The MEA pointed to past instances of Trudeau’s "hostility" towards India, citing his 2018 visit that was criticized for pandering to a particular vote bank, and the inclusion of individuals with extremist views in his cabinet. Trudeau’s 2020 support for farmers protesting in India also strained relations.
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India claims that Trudeau’s latest actions against Indian diplomats are a deflection from criticism over foreign interference in Canadian politics, particularly as Trudeau was about to testify before a Commission on the issue. This situation, according to India, serves to further the separatist agenda that the Trudeau government has catered to for political gain
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Answer (D)
Now, let's evaluate the statements: Statement 1: "European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas the European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union."
Statement 2: "European Commission comprises of the Heads of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament."
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- The concept of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies was first introduced by the Prime Minister a few years ago, likely inspired by his experience with the continuous cycle of campaigning due to frequent Assembly and local elections across different parts of the country.
- This led to the establishment of a high-level committee on simultaneous elections, chaired by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind.
- The committee also included members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, ex-Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission N.K. Singh, former Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Subhash C. Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari. Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Law and Justice, was a special invitee.
- The committee submitted its report to the President of India in March, making its recommendations available before the 2024 general elections. The idea of 'simultaneous elections' also featured in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) election manifesto. However, since the ruling party did not secure a majority, it's challenging to claim that the idea has widespread voter approval.
- Despite this, it is remarkable that the committee managed to produce an extensive 18,626-page report in a relatively short period, focusing on an issue of national significance.
- With the Union Cabinet’s approval, the 'one nation, one election' initiative is now close to being implemented. The plan is to first conduct Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, followed by local body elections within 100 days of the general election.
Constitutional Amendments and Challenges
- To implement simultaneous elections, several amendments to the Constitution are required. A significant amendment involves altering the fixed tenure of State Assemblies, as they would need to align their term with that of the Lok Sabha. Currently, Article 172 provides Assemblies a fixed five-year term, which would change under this proposal.
- Once the amendment bill is introduced in the 18th Lok Sabha, it must undergo a general debate, after which it will require approval by a special majority (at least two-thirds of the members present and voting, as well as a majority of the total membership).
- If all 543 members are present, 362 votes are needed. Since the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) currently has around 292 members, achieving this majority will be difficult without support from the Opposition, which is largely against the 'one nation, one election' concept. Therefore, without bipartisan support, the bill's progress is uncertain.
Arguments for Simultaneous Elections
The high-level committee provided two primary reasons for recommending simultaneous elections. The first is the potential savings, as elections conducted every five years would reduce the costs associated with frequent polls. However, this argument requires scrutiny, as the Election Commission of India (ECI) is allocated funds by Parliament to conduct elections, and the actual expenditure is not as large as perceived. In addition, state governments bear logistical costs, but the overall spending by the Union and state governments is not excessively high.
The considerable expenses incurred by political parties during campaigns wouldn't necessarily be redirected towards infrastructure projects if elections were held less frequently. Additionally, simultaneous elections were conducted between 1951-52 and 1967, but there's no evidence that political parties used the savings to build infrastructure
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Answer (B)
When the President of India invokes Article 356 (President's Rule) in a state, the state's legislative powers are transferred to the Parliament. This means that the Parliament, or an authority designated by it, exercises the legislative functions of that state. The State Assembly is not automatically dissolved; it may either be suspended or dissolved depending on the decision taken. Additionally, Article 19 is not suspended, and the President does not make laws directly for the state
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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Disaster Management
Context:
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan addresses the 20th Formation Day function of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi
Read about:
What is National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?
Disaster Management in India
Key takeaways:
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an apex statutory body in India, established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to coordinate disaster response, preparedness, and mitigation efforts across the country. The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio chairperson of NDMA, while the organization works in collaboration with state and local governments, as well as various stakeholders, to develop policies, plans, and frameworks for disaster risk reduction.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Policy Formulation: NDMA formulates policies, plans, and guidelines for effective disaster management at all levels.
- Disaster Preparedness: It works on disaster preparedness plans, including training, capacity-building programs, and awareness campaigns.
- Coordination of Relief Efforts: NDMA coordinates the activities of government agencies and other stakeholders during disaster situations to ensure a quick response and efficient relief efforts.
- Guideline Development: It issues guidelines for various stakeholders to minimize disaster impacts on infrastructure and communities.
- Capacity Building: NDMA organizes regular training sessions and mock drills for responders and community members.
- Risk Reduction and Mitigation: It leads efforts in reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience in areas prone to natural and man-made hazards
NDMA’s Initiatives
Some significant initiatives and programs launched by NDMA include:
- National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP): To minimize risks associated with cyclones.
- Earthquake Safety Awareness Programs: NDMA raises awareness and prepares guidelines on earthquake preparedness.
- School Safety Program: Aims to ensure schools are equipped to manage disasters.
- Capacity Building: Training for response teams, first responders, and community members for specific disaster scenarios.
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
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Global average concentrations of greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—reached record levels in 2023, with COâ‚‚ hitting 420 ppm.
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According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Earth last experienced similar COâ‚‚ levels 3-5 million years ago when global temperatures were 2-3°C higher, and sea levels were elevated by 10-20 meters.
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The rise in COâ‚‚ from 2022 to 2023 was slightly greater than the increase between 2021 and 2022, yet somewhat below the decade-long average annual rate, partly due to natural fluctuations.
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The WMO's annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin highlighted that COâ‚‚ emissions from large vegetation fires and a reduced carbon uptake by forests, alongside persistent fossil fuel emissions from human activities, drove the COâ‚‚ rise in 2023.
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The El Niño phenomenon, which brings warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall, especially in South Asia, contributed to extreme temperatures, dry vegetation, and wildfires, releasing additional greenhouse gases.
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From 1990 to 2023, the warming impact of long-lasting greenhouse gases rose by 51.5%, with COâ‚‚ contributing approximately 81% of this increase, as noted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Annual Greenhouse Gas Index in the WMO report.
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The WMO warned that due to COâ‚‚’s extended lifespan in the atmosphere, even with swift reductions in emissions through net-zero targets, current temperature levels will persist for decades.
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Additionally, methane, which experienced the highest three-year increase from 2020 to 2022, saw emissions rise from natural wetlands, influenced by warmer temperatures and wetter conditions during La Niña from 2020 to 2022, according to observations and model projections
1.What is the ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (UPSC CSE, 2016)
a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies.
c) It is an intergovernmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022.
d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank.
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Answer (a)
It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a widely used framework that helps governments and businesses measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It provides standardized methods to measure emissions, allowing organizations to track and manage their environmental impact effectively |
Remembering "IRON MAN OF INDIA"- Sardar Vallabhai Patel
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS I - Modern Indian History
Context:
On National Unity Day (October 31) let's reflect on the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in shaping modern India. Also, don't miss to check some of his inspiring quotes.
Read about:
Sardar Vallabhai Patel and his Contributions towards Indian Constitution
Sardar Vallabhai Patel's famous Quotes
Key takeaways:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the "Iron Man of India," was a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence and its post-independence consolidation. Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel is celebrated for his leadership, administrative skills, and unwavering commitment to national unity. Here’s a closer look at his life and contributions:
Early Life and Legal Career
- Education: Patel pursued law and established a successful legal practice, first in Godhra and then in Ahmedabad.
- Leadership: Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, Patel joined the freedom struggle, giving up his legal career to work for India’s independence.
Role in the Indian Independence Movement
- Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Patel led farmers in the Kheda region against oppressive taxes during a famine. His success here marked his entry into nationalist politics.
- Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Known as the "Sardar" after this movement, Patel led a non-violent agitation against increased land revenue assessments, achieving a significant victory and solidifying his reputation as a strong, just leader.
Role in Integrating the Princely States
- Post-Independence Challenge: One of Patel's greatest legacies was his role in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947.
- Negotiation and Strategy: Patel used diplomacy and, where necessary, force to persuade the princely states to join India, ensuring territorial integrity and avoiding potential civil unrest.
Key Contributions
- First Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister: Patel was instrumental in framing India's administrative and security policies, contributing to its nascent political stability.
- Indian Civil Services (ICS) Reforms: He emphasized a professional and dedicated civil service to support India’s governance. His reforms laid the foundation for the modern Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
- National Unity: Patel was a staunch advocate of a united India and opposed policies that could fragment the country. He worked tirelessly for national integration.
Legacy
- Iron Man of India: Patel earned this title for his uncompromising determination and fortitude in unifying India.
- Statue of Unity: The 182-meter-high statue in Gujarat, unveiled in 2018, is a tribute to his contributions, symbolizing his role in making India one united country.
1.Which of the following statements about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is/are correct?
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led the Bardoli Satyagraha, which earned him the title "Sardar."
- He served as the first President of independent India.
- Patel was instrumental in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
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Answer (b)
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How cyber scams use social engineering and malicious APKs to swindle users?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
In mid-October, traveller Bhargavi Mani claimed that she lost close to ₹1 lakh while trying to book lounge access at the Bengaluru airport. The scam was allegedly executed after Ms. Mani was asked to download an APK (Android Package format) file that looked like a regular app, shared via a WhatsApp chat originating from an international number.
Read about:
Cyber Crime
Cyber Slavery
Key takeaways:
The harmful APK became operational after Ms. Mani clicked on a link that allowed screen mirroring access to a supposed customer service representative during a video call. Upon reviewing her credit card statement later, she discovered an unauthorized charge of ₹87,125 to a PhonePe account. Although further transactions were attempted, they were blocked as her card had reached its spending limit. Additionally, Ms. Mani reported that her contacts could not reach her, and a man was answering her calls, possibly due to malicious call forwarding.
How do cybercriminals exploit Big Tech platforms?
- Ms. Mani indicated that she was directed to download the harmful app from a fraudulent website that has since been taken down. The URL she received was “Loungepass.in,” shared via a WhatsApp business account, which was registered to a phone with an international number. She noted that this fake site was among the top search results on Google, highlighting deficiencies in the verification process for major businesses listed online.
- In contrast, Loungepass.com is a legitimate site that enables users to pre-book airport lounge access at major airports. In Ms. Mani's instance, social engineering tactics were utilized to draw her to the counterfeit site, a common strategy among threat actors.
- It is crucial to recognize that Apple's iOS is designed to prevent the installation of apps from links that bypass the official Apple App Store, which enforces stringent security measures. This is where the scam's sophistication becomes evident.
How did the harmful APK function?
- The only method for downloading an app on an iOS device is through the official Apple App Store, where apps are verified and routinely scanned for malicious code to ensure user security.
- However, users have the option to download and test unreleased apps by enabling a hidden setting in iOS, which permits testing of beta versions from developers. “Apple’s Swift SDK also facilitates screen sharing, both within apps and in the background,” noted cybersecurity researcher Vishesh Kochher.
- Scammers can employ social engineering techniques to activate this setting, enabling users to download malicious apps that seem legitimate. In Ms. Mani's situation, once the harmful APK accessed her device, the scammers likely enabled call forwarding.
- This can be done, for instance, on Airtel’s network by dialing a specific code followed by the number to which calls should be forwarded, as explained by Mr. Kochher. With call forwarding active, scammers can easily receive one-time passwords (OTPs) for banking transactions.
- Mr. Kochher further explained that an app could be utilized on iOS to initiate phone calls. With calls redirected to the scammers' number and the app controlling outgoing calls, the scammers could carry out transactions without the user’s awareness.
- “The technical sophistication of the app used in this scam resembles those employed by online loan sharks, which access messages, photos, and stored information,” he added.
Who orchestrated the scam?
The website used to deceive Ms. Mani into downloading the harmful app has been removed. A simple search of the registered domain name reveals that the site was hosted by Hostinger and registered in Gujarat, India. However, further information about the individuals behind the website, such as their phone number, address, and organization, has been redacted from the registry, though investigators can request access to this data.
What is the extent of cybercrime in India?
- In 2023, Indian citizens reported losses of ₹66.66 crore across 4,850 cases of online scams. A report from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) indicated that digital financial fraud totaled an alarming ₹1.25 lakh crore over the past three years.
- According to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), victims of digital financial fraud reported losses of at least ₹10,319 crore in 2023, alongside 5,252 suspicious URLs.
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance's report regarding ‘Cybersecurity and Rising Incidents of Cyber/White Collar Crimes’ highlighted that domestic fraud reported by Supervising Entities (SE) in FY23 amounted to ₹2,537.35 crore.
- The combination of advanced technical knowledge, social engineering tactics, and increasing data breaches exacerbates the issue. In 2023, India ranked fifth globally for breached accounts, with 5.3 million accounts compromised.
- Scams facilitated by social engineering and technical skill are unlikely to diminish soon. Users are advised to exercise caution when clicking on unverified links, downloading unfamiliar apps, and scanning QR codes.
- They should also regularly check for compromised passwords across their online accounts and frequently review their card statements for unauthorized transactions
Follow Up Question
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Answer (B)
In general, cyber insurance policies for individuals in India typically cover:
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Justice KS Puttaswamy, former Karnataka High Court judge and the lead petitioner in the seminal ‘right to privacy case’, passed away on October 28th, at the age of 98.
Justice Puttaswamy famously challenged the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme, which led to the Supreme Court recognising the right to privacy under the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
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In August 2017, a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India, in the landmark case of K. Puttaswamy v. Union of India, unanimously ruled that the right to privacy is a fundamental part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 and the freedoms granted in Part III of the Constitution.
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The case was initiated by 22 petitioners, led by Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, challenging Aadhaar on privacy grounds. Although the Supreme Court had previously touched upon privacy in about 30 cases, the Government of India argued that privacy was not a fundamental right, referencing earlier judgments by eight- and six-judge benches. This led to the matter being escalated first to a five-judge bench and then to a nine-judge bench.
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Former Attorney General K.K. Venugopal argued that privacy should be recognized at best as a common law right, not a constitutional one. The Court, however, emphasized that when a right is constitutionally enshrined, it gains immunity from public opinion and legislative repeal, a protection that common law rights do not inherently possess.
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The Supreme Court’s decision rejected the Union government’s stance, overturning previous judgments in M.P. Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh while affirming smaller bench rulings that recognized privacy as implicit in the right to life and personal liberty.
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The right to privacy remains central to several recent controversies, though its boundaries and exact legal scope are still being debated.
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Aishwarya Giridhar and Nidhi Singh have noted that the Supreme Court has examined autonomy, dignity, and identity to expand constitutional rights under privacy. This has led to landmark decisions like decriminalizing consensual adult relationships, including same-sex relations, as part of privacy and related rights like expression and equality. The Court has also upheld the right to die with dignity, reinforcing the privacy framework since the Puttaswamy verdict.
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United States: Although privacy is not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court has interpreted several amendments as implying this right. The Privacy Act of 1974 was introduced to prevent arbitrary government access to citizens' records, requiring agencies to maintain disclosure records. Additionally, U.S. federal law restricts the government from accessing Social Security numbers unless needed for specific matters like tax or child support.
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Germany: Given the country's oppressive history under Nazi rule, where surveillance was pervasive, Germany has developed strict privacy protections to prevent state intrusion into private life. Germany’s privacy laws are considered among the most stringent worldwide, reflecting the nation’s commitment to personal freedom and evolving privacy standards.
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Sweden: Sweden, despite assigning personal identification numbers to citizens for state interactions, was an early adopter of detailed online privacy laws. Its 1973 Data Act aimed to secure personal data privacy on computers, and the Swedish Constitution enshrines the right to personal data protection.
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Canada: Canada’s privacy laws began with the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977, initially focused on data protection. In 1983, the law was expanded to regulate how the government can access and share personal information.
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European Union: Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protects private and family life with certain limitations. The 1995 EU Data Protection Directive regulates data processing, reflecting the EU’s commitment to personal data protection across its member states
1.‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
(a) Article 15
(b) Article 19
(c) Article 21
(d) Article 29
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Answer (c)
The 'Right to Privacy' is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
The Right to Privacy in India is derived from the interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which states: "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law."
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Fundamental Duties | Fundamental Duties |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity in India | Biodiversity |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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