MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. The Great Nicobar Project has sparked significant debate concerning its environmental and strategic implications. Critically examine the potential environmental impact of the project and discuss the measures that can be taken to mitigate these impacts while balancing developmental needs.
GS III – Environmental Conservation
Introduction:
- The Great Nicobar Project, aimed at developing infrastructure like an international container transshipment terminal and a greenfield airport, has raised concerns over its environmental impact on the ecologically sensitive region of Great Nicobar Island. The project involves the diversion of large forest areas and may threaten endemic species, leading to a clash between development and conservation.
Potential Environmental Impact:
- Forest Diversion and Habitat Loss: Over 130 square kilometers of forest land, including Tribal Reserve areas, are set to be diverted, potentially leading to the loss of biodiversity and displacement of indigenous communities.
- Threat to Endemic and Endangered Species: The region is home to species like the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles, both of which are vulnerable to habitat destruction and human activity.
- Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: The development of port facilities and other infrastructure could disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting coral reefs, mangroves, and the overall coastal ecology.
- Impact on Water Resources: The large-scale development might strain local water resources, affecting both the ecosystem and the island’s inhabitants.
Mitigation Measures:
- Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Conduct a thorough EIA to assess the long-term impact on the environment and biodiversity, ensuring that all stakeholders are consulted.
- Conservation Zones: Establish protected areas within the project site to preserve critical habitats, especially for endangered species like the Nicobar megapode and leatherback turtles.
- Sustainable Development Practices: Implement green infrastructure techniques, such as eco-friendly construction materials and renewable energy sources, to minimize environmental degradation.
- Community Involvement: Engage local communities in the planning and execution of the project, ensuring that their rights and livelihoods are safeguarded.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Set up a robust monitoring framework to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and the continuous assessment of the project’s ecological impact.
Conclusion:
- Balancing development with environmental conservation is crucial for projects like the Great Nicobar Project. While strategic infrastructure is vital for national security and economic growth, it must not come at the cost of irreversible ecological damage. A careful and inclusive approach, with strong environmental safeguards, can ensure that development proceeds sustainably.
Q2. Examine the impact of the recent ransomware attack on C-Edge Technologies Ltd. on the operations of cooperative banks and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India. Additionally, discuss the measures that can be taken to enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of these financial institutions to prevent such attacks in the future.
GS III – Cybersecurity-related issues
Introduction:
- The recent ransomware attack on C-Edge Technologies Ltd., a service provider to cooperative banks and RRBs in India, has exposed significant vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity infrastructure of these financial institutions. This incident disrupted their operations, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Impact on Operations:
- Operational Disruptions: The attack led to the temporary suspension of banking services, causing inconvenience to customers and affecting the daily operations of cooperative banks and RRBs. Transactions were delayed, and access to banking services was restricted.
- Financial Losses: The attack may have resulted in financial losses due to the cost of resolving the attack, including ransom payments, and the subsequent investment in enhancing security measures.
- Data Security Risks: Sensitive customer data might have been compromised or stolen, raising concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of personal information.
- Reputation Damage: The attack has damaged the reputation of affected institutions, undermining customer trust and confidence in their ability to protect sensitive information.
Measures to Enhance Cybersecurity:
- Strengthening Cybersecurity Framework: Financial institutions should develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity policies and frameworks. This includes regular updates to security protocols, threat detection systems, and incident response plans.
- Investment in Technology: Investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)-based threat detection, encryption, and secure access controls can enhance the ability to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks.
- Regular Security Audits: Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments can help identify and address potential weaknesses in the cybersecurity infrastructure.
- Employee Training: Providing ongoing cybersecurity training for employees is essential to prevent human errors that can lead to security breaches. Training should include recognizing phishing attempts, secure password practices, and safe handling of sensitive information.
- Incident Response Plans: Developing and maintaining a robust incident response plan that outlines procedures for responding to ransomware attacks can minimize damage and facilitate a quicker recovery.
- Collaboration with Cybersecurity Experts: Engaging with cybersecurity experts and organizations for guidance and support in enhancing security measures and staying updated with the latest threats and best practices.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Establishing collaborations between public authorities and private sector organizations can improve the sharing of information and resources related to cybersecurity threats and solutions.
Conclusion:
- The ransomware attack on C-Edge Technologies Ltd. underscores the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures in cooperative banks and RRBs. By investing in advanced technologies, strengthening policies, and enhancing employee training, these financial institutions can better safeguard against future cyber threats and protect their operations and customer data.
