Cybercrimes are illegal activities that are carried out using computers, computer networks, and the internet. These crimes often target individuals, organizations, or governments and can have serious consequences. Here are some common cybercrimes:

1. Phishing: Phishing involves sending deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source but are designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification.

2. Identity Theft: Identity theft occurs when someone steals another person's personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account details, with the intent to commit fraud, financial theft, or other criminal activities.

3. Malware: Malicious software, or malware, includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. These programs are designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems and data.

4. Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves using digital communication tools like social media, email, or text messages to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals. It can have serious psychological and emotional effects on victims.

5. Online Scams: Various online scams exist, including advance-fee fraud, lottery scams, and romance scams. These scams aim to deceive individuals into providing money or personal information to fraudsters.

6. Hacking: Hacking involves unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. Hackers may steal data, disrupt services, or gain control of systems for various purposes, including financial gain, activism, or espionage.

7. Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is a pattern of online harassment or persistent unwanted attention directed at an individual. It can involve threats, monitoring, or intimidation and may escalate to physical harm

8. Data Breaches: Data breaches involve the unauthorized access, acquisition, or release of sensitive data, such as personal information or financial records. These breaches can have severe consequences for individuals and organizations.

9. Online Piracy: Online piracy involves the unauthorized distribution or downloading of copyrighted materials, such as movies, music, software, or books, without permission from the copyright holders.

10. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: In a DDoS attack, multiple compromised computers are used to flood a target system with excessive traffic, rendering it inaccessible to legitimate users. These attacks can disrupt online services and websites

• Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, software, and data from various forms of digital threats, attacks, and unauthorized access. In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, cybersecurity is of paramount importance to individuals, organizations, and governments to safeguard sensitive information, maintain privacy, and ensure the integrity and availability of digital resources
• Confidentiality in cybersecurity ensures that sensitive data remains private and accessible only to authorized individuals or systems. Measures to achieve confidentiality include encryption, access controls, and user authentication.
•  Integrity ensures that data remains accurate and unaltered during storage, transmission, and processing. Data integrity is maintained through mechanisms like checksums and digital signatures
• Authentication verifies the identity of users and systems trying to access a network or data. Common authentication methods include passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) is a centralized online portal for reporting cybercrime in India. It was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide a single platform for citizens to report cybercrime incidents. The NCRP is accessible to all citizens of India, regardless of their location or the type of cybercrime they have experienced.
• To report a cybercrime incident on the NCRP, citizens need to create an account and fill out a complaint form. The form requires basic information about the victim, the accused, and the nature of the cybercrime incident. Citizens can also attach relevant evidence, such as screenshots, emails, or chat logs, to their complaint.
• Once a complaint is submitted, it is assigned to a law enforcement agency for investigation. The NCRP also provides a tracking system so that citizens can check the status of their complaint at any time.
• The NCRP is a valuable resource for citizens who have been victims of cybercrime. It provides a convenient and user-friendly platform for reporting cybercrime incidents. The NCRP also helps law enforcement agencies to track and investigate cybercrime more effectively.

5. Way forward

Cybercrimes pose significant threats to individuals, businesses, and governments. They can result in financial losses, privacy breaches, and even compromise national security. Law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts, and legislation have been developed to combat and prevent cybercrimes, but they remain a persistent challenge in the digital age

 

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1.In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one's computer 2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so 3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion 4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below: A.1, 2 and 4 only B.1, 3 and 4 only C.2 and 3 only D.1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer (D)

 

Source: indianexpress

RANI DURGAVATI

 

1. Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Laid the foundation stone of the Veerangana Rani Duragavati Memorial and Garden

The Project is dedicated to the 16th-century Gondwana Kingdom queen 

 

2. Who was Rani Durgavati?

• Rani Durgavati (5 October 1524 – 24 June 1564) was the ruling Queen of Gondwana from 1550 until 1564. Rani Durgavati was a prominent Indian queen who ruled over the Gondwana Kingdom in central India during the 16th century. She is remembered for her valor, bravery, and her determined resistance against foreign invaders
• Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the family of Chandela Rajputs. She married Raja Dalpat Shah, the ruler of the Gondwana Kingdom, which was located in present-day Madhya Pradesh, India.
• After her husband's death in 1548, Rani Durgavati became the queen and ruled in the name of her young son, Raja Vir Narayan
• One of the most significant events in her life was her confrontation with the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Image Source: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

 

3.Mughal attack on Garha-Katanga

 

• The Mughal attack on Garha-Katanga was a military campaign launched by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century against the Gondwana Kingdom of Garha-Katanga, which was ruled by Queen Durgavati. This event is a significant chapter in Indian history and is closely associated with the valor and resistance of Queen Durgavati.
• Garha-Katanga was a prosperous and powerful Gond kingdom located in the central part of India, in what is now Madhya Pradesh. Rani Durgavati, a brave and capable ruler, governed this kingdom after the death of her husband, Raja Dalpat Shah
• The Mughal Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Akbar, was expanding its territories in India during the 16th century. Akbar sought to bring various regional kingdoms under his control, and Garha-Katanga was one of his targets.
• In 1564, Emperor Akbar ordered an expedition against Garha-Katanga, led by his trusted general Asaf Khan. The Mughal forces marched towards Garha-Katanga, initiating a conflict with Queen Durgavati's kingdom
• Rani Durgavati displayed remarkable courage and leadership during the battle. She led her army in a determined defense of her kingdom against the Mughal forces. The queen's valor and military skills were well-documented.
• As the Mughal forces closed in on victory, rather than surrendering or falling into the hands of the Mughals, Rani Durgavati chose to commit jauhar, a practice in which women self-immolated to protect their honor and avoid capture. Her self-sacrifice is celebrated as an act of courage and dignity.

4. Legacy of Rani Durgavati

• Rani Durgavati’s was a personality with varied facets. She was valiant, beautiful and brave and also a great leader with administrative skills. Her self-respect forced her to fight till death rather than surrender herself to her enemy.
• She, like her ancestral dynasty, built so many lakes in her state and did a lot for the welfare of her people. She respected the scholars and extended her patronage to them.
• She welcomed the Vitthalnath of Vallabh community and took Diksha from him. She was secular and appointed many eminent Muslims on important posts.
• The place where she sacrificed herself has always been a source of inspiration for freedom fighters.
• In the year 1983, the Government of Madhya Pradesh renamed the University of Jabalpur as Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya in her memory.
• Government of India paid its tribute to the valiant Rani by issuing a postal-stamp commemorating her martyrdom, on 24th June 1988

 

Source: The Hindu, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

1. Context

Recently, At least five persons died and 42 people, including 22 Army personnel, went missing after heavy rainfall triggered a lake outburst in parts of the highly vulnerable Lhonak Lake in north Sikkim and resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta river basin, officials said. They said a search operation was on to trace those missing.

 

2. About glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)

• A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a type of outburst flood caused by the failure of a dam containing a glacial lake.
• An event similar to a GLOF, where a body of water contained by a glacier melts or overflows the glacier, is called a jokulhlaup.
• The dam can consist of glacier ice or a terminal moraine. Failure can happen due to erosion, a buildup of water pressure, an avalanche of rock or heavy snow, an earthquake or cryoseism, volcanic eruptions under the ice, or massive displacement of water in a glacial lake when a large portion of an adjacent glacier collapses into it.

3. About flash flooding

• Flash flooding is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas: washes, rivers, dry lakes and depressions.
• It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, or tropical storm, or by meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields.
• Flash floods may also occur after the collapse of a natural ice or debris dam, or a human structure such as a man-made dam, as occurred before the Johnstown Flood of 1889.
• Flash floods are distinguished from regular floods by having a timescale of fewer than six hours between rainfall and the onset of flooding.

3.1. The reason for flash floods

There are several reasons why flash floods can occur, but the most common cause is heavy rainfall. When rain falls too quickly for the ground to absorb it, the water can run off and cause flooding. Flash floods can also be caused by:

• Thunderstorms can produce heavy rainfall, especially slow-moving or stationary thunderstorms.
• Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce heavy rainfall and storm surge, which can lead to flash flooding.
•  If a dam or levee fails, it can release a large amount of water that can cause flash flooding downstream.
• Ice jams can form when large chunks of ice break off from a glacier or river and jam together. This can block the flow of water and cause flooding upstream.
• Landslides can block rivers and streams, causing flash flooding downstream.
• Vegetation helps slow the water flow and allows it to infiltrate the ground more easily. Areas with little or no vegetation are more likely to experience flash flooding.
• Urban areas are more likely to experience flash flooding than rural areas. This is because pavement and other impervious surfaces prevent water from infiltrating the ground.

4. How did South Lhonak Lake become susceptible to GLOF?

In 2021, a study published in the journal Geomorphology warned that the lake was at risk of a catastrophic GLOF. The study also found that the lake's water volume had increased by 74% since 1962. South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, India, has become susceptible to GLOF due to several factors, including:

• Climate change is causing glaciers in the Himalayas to melt at an accelerated rate. This is leading to the formation of new glacial lakes and the expansion of existing ones, such as South Lhonak Lake.
• South Lhonak Lake is located in a steep-sided valley with a narrow outlet. This makes it difficult for water to drain from the lake, increasing the risk of a GLOF.
• South Lhonak Lake is dammed by a moraine, which is a pile of loose rocks and debris.
• Moraines are naturally unstable and can be easily breached by heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or other triggers.
• South Lhonak Lake is a relatively deep lake, with a maximum depth of over 100 meters.
• This means that a large volume of water could be released quickly if the lake dam were to breach.
• South Lhonak Lake is also located in a seismically active region. Earthquakes can destabilize the moraine dam and trigger a GLOF.

 

Image Source: Research Gate

 

For Prelims: South Lhonak Lake, Flash Flooding, Glaciers, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, Sikkam, Climate Change, Teesta River,  For Mains:  1. Describe the environmental and socio-economic impacts of flash floods. How can early warning systems and disaster preparedness help mitigate the risks associated with flash floods? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion (UPSC 2013) (a) is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds (b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers (c) exists as groundwater (d) exists as soil moisture Answer: C   2. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC CSE 2019) Glacier                          River 1. Bandarpunch           Yamuna 2. Bara                         Shigri Chenab 3. Milam                     Mandakini 4. Siachen                   Nubra 5. Zemu                      Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A. 1, 2 and 4            B. 1, 3 and 4           C. 2 and 5           D. 3 and 5   Answer: A   3. Consider the following features related to a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF): (UGC NET  Geography 2019) a. Involves sudden release of meltwater b. Failure of moraine and ice dam c. Large downstream discharge causing floods d. Rapid event casting for few seconds Select the correct answer from the options given below: A. (a) and (b) are correct B. (c) and (d) are correct C. (a), (b) and (c) are correct D. (b), (c) and (d) are correct   Answer: C   4. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016) 1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017 2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 3 only     B.  2 only        C. 2 and 3 only        D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: B   5. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)  1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific ocean. 2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only       B. 2 only        C. Both 1 and 2             D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: B     6. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC 2011)  1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only        B. 2 only         C. Both 1 and 2           D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: D   7. Consider the following statements:  (MPSC 2017) a. La Nina is a little girl. b. During the time of La Nina cold water in the ocean rises to the surface. c. La Nina strengthens the Indian monsoon. d. During the time of El Nino, trade winds weaken, and warm water moves east in the ocean. Which of the above statements is/are correct?  A. Only a and b          B. a, b and c         C. Only b and c           D. All of the above   Answer: D   8. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2020) 1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March. 2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean. Select the correct answer using the code given below:  A. 1 only        B. 2 only              C. Both 1 and 2            D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: B   9. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below:   A. 1 only    B. 2 only          C. Both 1 and 2           D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: B   10. "EL Nino" refers to a temperature anomaly in the ________ ocean. (NTPC 2017) A. Indian            B. Pacific        C. Southern             D. Atlantic   Answer: B   11. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020) 1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment. 2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account. 3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits. 4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. Only 1 and 2 B. Only 2, 3 and 4 C. Only 1, 2 and 3 D. Only 1, 2 and 4   Answer: D   12. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021) 1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program. 2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural (CGIAR) headquartered in France. 3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers. Which of the statements given above is correct? (a) 1 and 2 only                (b) 2 and 3 only              (c) 1 and 3 only                      (d) 1, 2 and 3   Answer: D     13. Consider the following statements:  (UPSC 2017)  1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. 2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only        B. 3 only            C. 2 and 3 only          D. 1 and 3 only   Answer: B   14. Which of the following statements in respect of landslides are correct? (NDA 2022) 1. These occur only on gentle slopes during rain. 2. They generally occur in clay-rich soil. 3. Earthquakes trigger landslides. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 and 2         B. 2 and 3            C. 1 and 3              D. 1, 2 and 3  Answer: B 15. With reference to River Teesta, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)  1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3. River Teesta flows into the Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only         B. 2 only          C. 2 and 3 only        D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 16. Teesta River is the tributary of _______. (Kerala PSC Secretariat Assistant 2018)  A. Ganga   B.  Yamuna         C. Brahmaputra           D. Narmada Answer: C Mains 1.Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (2021, GS3) 2.Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (2020, GS3) 3.Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (2019, GS3) 4.Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (2019, GS3) 5.How important is vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System? (2013, GS3)

Source: indianexpress