17th FEBRUARY, 2025 A.) Munich Security Conference 2025: U.S.-Europe Rift Why in News? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly rebuked U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s criticism of Europe’s stance on hate speech and the far right at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2025. Scholz asserted that it was not for the U.S. to dictate policies to Germany and Europe. Background • Vice President J.D. Vance accused European leaders of restricting free speech and criticized Germany’s mainstream parties for maintaining a "firewall" against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). • His remarks highlighted growing ideological and policy differences between the U.S. and Europe. About Munich Security Conference (MSC) • MSC is an annual global security forum founded in 1963 during the Cold War. • Initially focused on military issues, it has since expanded to cover topics like climate change, migration, and global security. • Held in February each year, MSC promotes dialogue among world leaders to address security challenges. Key Takeaways from MSC 2025 1. Shift in Transatlantic Security Framework o NATO has been the backbone of European security, but European nations can no longer assume guaranteed U.S. military support. o Europe is now expected to take greater responsibility for its own defense. 2. U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine: Policy Shift o The U.S. initiated diplomatic talks with Russia to end the Ukraine war, despite European and Ukrainian opposition. o Ukraine’s exclusion from these talks has strained U.S.-Europe relations. 3. Increased Defense Expenditure for European NATO Members o Due to Russia’s growing military assertiveness, NATO countries are expected to increase defense spending from 2% to 3% of GDP. o European nations have now surpassed the U.S. in total financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. 4. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s Controversial Speech o His speech focused on migration, free speech, and governance issues rather than reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine. o The speech received backlash from European leaders but was welcomed by some U.S. political factions, including President Trump. 5. Economic Tensions and Trade Disputes o Former President Trump announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Europe, escalating trade tensions. o This move further complicates U.S.-Europe relations, adding to existing disputes over defense spending and strategic priorities. Conclusion The MSC 2025 highlighted a growing divide between the U.S. and Europe over security, economic policies, and geopolitical strategies. With NATO’s future dynamics evolving and transatlantic relations facing uncertainty, European nations are being pushed to redefine their defense and diplomatic policies.   B.) Rural Science and Village Connect (RSVC) Initiative Why in News? The RSVC model, developed under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), is gaining attention for integrating technology with rural development to enhance the quality of life and empower communities. Background • The PSA conceptualized RuTAGe (Rural Technology Action Group) in 2003-04 to address rural challenges through technology-driven solutions. • The RSVC model builds on this vision by establishing a long-term technology support system at the Panchayat level. Key Features of the RSVC Model 1. Physical Presence o Provides long-term technological support at the Panchayat level. o Assists 15-20 villages with 12 technology tracks, including agriculture, waste management, water management, and rural energy solutions. 2. Market Access o Collaborates with platforms like ONDC, Amazon, and Market Mirchi to link rural producers with larger markets. 3. Scalability o Plans to expand to 20 new centers across India. o Focuses on women entrepreneurs through the Techpreneurs program to ensure sustainability. Role of Technology in Rural Growth 1. Agricultural Innovation o Platforms like e-NAM enable farmers to sell produce directly at better prices through transparent digital trade. 2. Entrepreneurship o E-commerce and 3D printing support rural small businesses by reducing dependency on imports and expanding market access. 3. Education o Programs like PM e-VIDYA and SWAYAM offer online education, improving access to quality learning and bridging the digital divide. 4. Financial Inclusion o DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) and PM Jan Dhan Yojana enable cashless transactions, reducing fraud and increasing transparency. 5. Water Management o The National Program on Aquifer Mapping and Management ensures efficient groundwater usage, aiding sustainable agriculture. Conclusion The RSVC model is a crucial step toward leveraging technology for rural transformation. By integrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, it ensures sustainable development and enhances rural livelihoods. C.) DDoS Attack on Karnataka’s Kaveri 2.0 Portal Why in News? In January, the Kaveri 2.0 web-based property registration portal in Karnataka faced severe disruptions due to a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, leading to system outages and delays. Background • A DDoS attack aims to overwhelm a system with excessive internet traffic, causing service downtime and disrupting operations. • Unlike a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, which originates from a single source, a DDoS attack involves multiple compromised systems, collectively known as a botnet. • While DDoS attacks do not steal data directly, they can act as a distraction for other cyberattacks, such as data breaches. Key Takeaways from the Kaveri 2.0 Attack 1. Nature of the Attack o The Revenue and E-Governance Departments confirmed that Kaveri 2.0 was targeted by a DDoS attack, causing crippling server outages. o Attackers created fake accounts and flooded the database, overloading the system. 2. Scale of the Attack o The attack involved 62 email accounts originating from 14 different IP addresses, emphasizing its distributed nature. o The system became unresponsive, affecting property registrations across Karnataka. Ways to Mitigate DDoS Attacks 1. Traffic Filtering Mechanisms o Implement advanced filtering to differentiate between legitimate users and malicious traffic. 2. Rate Limiting o Restrict the number of requests per user within a specific timeframe to prevent overload. 3. Bot Detection Technologies o Use CAPTCHA challenges and behavioral analysis to detect and block automated bots. 4. Security Audits and Strong Authentication o Conduct regular security audits and enforce robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. Conclusion The DDoS attack on Kaveri 2.0 underscores the vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure and the growing need for cybersecurity measures. Strengthening network security and monitoring mechanisms is crucial to prevent future disruptions to critical government services.   D.) TRUST Initiative: Strengthening India-US Partnership in Critical Technologies Why in News? The TRUST initiative was announced during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Washington to bolster cooperation between India and the United States in areas such as critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Significance of the TRUST Initiative 1. Encourages Public and Private Investments o Aims to boost manufacturing capacity and create jobs in both India and the USA. 2. Enhances High-Tech Trade & Exports o Reduces barriers to technology transfer. o Addresses export controls to facilitate smoother high-tech commerce. 3. Builds Trusted and Resilient Supply Chains o Focuses on critical minerals, semiconductors, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). o Strengthens supply chain security and reduces dependency on China. 4. Recovery & Processing of Strategic Minerals o Promotes lithium and Rare Earth Element (REE) processing to diversify global supply chains. o Supports India’s National Critical Mineral Mission to acquire mineral assets abroad. 5. Fosters Innovation in Emerging Technologies o Catalyzes government-to-government, academia, and private sector collaboration. o Focus areas include defense, AI, quantum technology, and semiconductors. About Critical Minerals • Critical minerals are key elements required for modern-day technologies, but their supply chains are at risk due to geopolitical tensions and limited global production. Importance of Critical Minerals 1. Defence o Neodymium, Samarium → Used in high-performance magnets for missiles, fighter jets, and radars. 2. Energy Sector o Lithium, Cobalt → Essential for advanced batteries, used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage. 3. Medical Applications o Europium, Terbium → Used in biotech imaging and medical diagnostics. Conclusion The TRUST initiative is a significant step towards strengthening India-US cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. By developing resilient supply chains and fostering innovation, it aims to reduce dependency on China, enhance economic growth, and support India’s ambitions in strategic sectors.   E.) President’s Rule Imposed in Manipur: Constitutional and Legal Framework Why in News? Four days after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, the Union Government imposed President’s Rule in the violence-hit state under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution. Background • Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has been ongoing since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacement of 60,000+ people. • The conflict originated from the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which the Kuki community opposed, fearing loss of affirmative action benefits. Key Takeaways Constitutional Emergency & President’s Rule (Article 356) • Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution, inspired by the German Constitution, empower the Central Government to assume control in extraordinary situations. • Three types of emergencies: 1. National Emergency (Article 352) 2. State Emergency (President’s Rule) (Article 356) 3. Financial Emergency (Article 360) • In Manipur, President’s Rule has been imposed under Article 356 due to the failure of constitutional machinery in the state. • This fulfills the Union’s Article 355 obligation to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure that governance aligns with the Constitution. Mechanism of Imposing President’s Rule • Article 356(1) allows the President to issue a proclamation if she is satisfied that the State government cannot function constitutionally. • This results in: o Executive functions of the State transferring to the Centre. o Legislative powers transferring to Parliament. o High Court powers remain unaffected. • Article 365 states that if a State fails to comply with Union directives, the President may declare a Constitutional Emergency. Parliamentary Approval & Duration • Clause (3) of Article 356: o The proclamation must be laid before both Houses of Parliament. o Approval by a simple majority is required within two months, failing which it ceases to exist. o Once approved, it is valid for six months, extendable for another six months with Parliament’s approval. o Beyond one year, renewal requires: 1. An Emergency (Article 352) must be in force in the country or part of the State. 2. The Election Commission certifies that elections cannot be conducted. o Maximum duration: Three years. Conclusion • The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur highlights the Centre’s constitutional duty to restore governance in a conflict-ridden state. • However, prolonged use of Article 356 has been controversial, with past misuse seen as an encroachment on State autonomy. • Given the sensitive ethnic conflict in Manipur, the Centre must ensure fair governance and restore democratic processes as early as possible.   F.) Intertidal Bioblitz and the Discovery of Pseudoceros bifascia Why in News? The Coastal Conservation Foundation and the East Coast Conservation Team jointly conducted the Intertidal Bioblitz, a citizen science initiative aimed at documenting the biodiversity of India’s intertidal zones. • A flatworm species – Pseudoceros bifascia was recorded for the first time from mainland India (Andhra Pradesh Coast). About Intertidal Zones The intertidal zone is a transitional area where the ocean meets the land. This zone alternates between submersion during high tide and exposure during low tide, making it an extreme ecosystem. Characteristics of the Intertidal Zone • Harsh environmental conditions: Species must adapt to fluctuations in moisture, temperature, and salinity. • Strong wave action: Organisms must withstand mechanical forces from tides. • Rich biodiversity: Home to mollusks, crustaceans, algae, fish, and unique species like Pseudoceros bifascia. Importance of Intertidal Zones 1. Breeding & Nursery Grounds o Serve as protected habitats for juvenile fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. o Essential for marine biodiversity and fisheries sustainability. 2. Coastal Protection o Acts as a natural buffer, absorbing wave energy and reducing coastal erosion. o Stabilizes shorelines and mitigates damage from storm surges. 3. Ecological Significance o Supports primary production, facilitating nutrient and energy transfer. o Plays a crucial role in marine and terrestrial ecosystem interactions. 4. Carbon Sequestration o Intertidal habitats store blue carbon, helping in climate change mitigation. Threats to Intertidal Zones 1. Climate Change • Rising sea levels threaten intertidal habitats. • Increased temperatures cause habitat shifts and species die-offs. • Extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems. 2. Human-Induced Disturbances • Pollution from oil spills, industrial waste, and plastic debris. • Coastal development leading to habitat destruction. • Unregulated tourism and over-harvesting of marine species. Conclusion • The Intertidal Bioblitz highlights the importance of citizen science in marine conservation. • The discovery of Pseudoceros bifascia emphasizes the need for detailed biodiversity studies. • Conservation of intertidal zones is critical for marine ecosystems, coastal resilience, and climate action.