- GOVERNMENT TO RECORD PARENTS RELIGION TO REGISTER BIRTHS
- New Rules for Birth Registration in India Recording Religion
- Previously, only the family’s religion was recorded
- New rules require recording the religion of both the father and mother separately
- This applies to biological and adoptive parents
- National Database
- The Registration of Births and Deaths Act (Amendment) 2023 mandates a national database
- This database will hold information from birth and death registrations across India
- According to the parent Act — the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
- The RGI has been empowered to take steps to coordinate and unify the activities of Chief Registrars, who are appointed by State governments
- Civil Registration System (CRS) functionaries are appointed up to the panchayat level
- Digital Birth Certificates – Birth certificates are now issued electronically through the central portal
- These certificates serve as a single document for various purposes like school admissions
- Other Changes – Birth registration forms now include:
- Space for parents’ Aadhaar numbers (if available).
- Mobile and email addresses (if available) for both parents.
- More detailed address information. Informants providing birth registration details must also submit their Aadhaar number (if available) along with mobile number and email address (if available)
- Death certificates will include the “history of illness” besides the cause of death
- Implementation – These are Model Rules drafted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
- Individual state governments need to adopt and notify these rules before implementation
- The new rules aim to create a more comprehensive birth registration system with a national database and facilitate digital birth certificates
2. NO SANCTIONS AGAINST INDIA FOR BUYING REFINING RUSSIAN OIL, SAY U.S OFFICALS
- U.S. Clarifies Stance on India’s Russian Oil Imports US Goal: Limit Russia’s revenue from oil sales, not necessarily stop all purchases
- Price Cap: G7 countries (including the US) imposed a price cap on Russian oil (Ural) in December 2022
- This restricts access to services needed for shipping and insurance if purchased above $60 per barrel •
- US Clarifications: – US sanctions don’t prevent buying Russian oil, but aim to reduce profits for Russia
- Once refined, oil is no longer considered “Russian” from a sanctions perspective. (India argues this justifies their purchases)
- No Indian company has been sanctioned for buying Russian oil (as of April 5, 2024) India’s Position – Maintains its right to buy oil based on its energy security needs and seeks the cheapest options
- Denies “oil laundering” accusations for Europe (reported by a European think tank)
- Impact of Sanctions (US Perspective)- Price cap has forced Russia to offer discounts (between $12-$19 per barrel)
- Export volumes have remained stable (according to US officials)
- Impact of Sanctions (Other Reports) – Indian buyers may face issues with payments in nonsanctioned currencies
- Some Indian refiners might be avoiding tankers from sanctioned Russian shipping companies
- Russia’s Response: – Denies claims of declining oil exports to India.
- Maintains supplies are at a “steadily high level.” Overall, the US seeks to limit Russia’s financial gains from oil sales without completely stopping trade. India prioritizes its energy needs and seeks the most affordable options, while navigating the sanctions regime
3. KATCHATHEEVU ISSUE
- First official reaction to the recent remarks of PM Modi and EAM S. Jaishankar on the Katchatheevu Island
- Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has said – Sri Lanka sees no reason for re-opening talks on Katchatheevu that India gave up 50 years ago
- Fishermen’s groups in northern Sri Lanka accused the Indian leaders of turning the spotlight away from the long-enduring conflict among fishermen of both countries
- For several years now fishermen have voiced concern over the marine resources in the Palk Strait seen to be depleting
- This depletion is owing to overfishing by bottom trawlers used by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters
4. JUICE JACKING SCAM
- The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has warned about the potential misuse of public charging ports in cafes, hotels, and airports, highlighting the risk of “juice jacking attacks.
- ” These attacks involve cybercriminals exploiting compromised USB ports to steal data or install malware. Users unknowingly allow hackers to access their devices’ data or install malicious software without their knowledge.
- Preventative tips include avoiding public USB ports, carrying a power bank, using a charging-only cable, charging in trusted locations, being wary of unfamiliar ports, and monitoring devices.
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also warned travelers about the dangers of using public USB charging stations in 2020.
- Security researchers have demonstrated the ease with which juice jacking attacks can be carried out using inexpensive hardware and readily available software tools
5. INDIA EMPLOYMENT REPORT 2024
- The report by the Institute for Human Development in partnership with the International Labour Organization, highlights India’s evolving economic, labour market, educational, and skills scenarios over the past two decades.
- Highlights:
- The paradoxical improvements in labour market indicators, including a slow transition to non-farm employment, increased self-employment and unpaid family work, lower quality youth employment, and stagnant wages and earnings.
- India’s female labor force participation rate (LFPR), which remains among the world’s lowest at 32.8% in 2022.
- The shift in sectoral employment, with agriculture’s share falling from 60% in 2000 to 42% in 2019.
- The report recommends policy recommendations to promote job creation, improve employment quality, strengthen skills development, support MSMEs, boost productive employment in emerging care and digital economies, and bridge knowledge gaps on labour market patterns and youth employment.
ONE LINER
- Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a Myth Vs Reality Register as part of the ongoing General Elections 2024.
- An International Team of Scientists has discovered strong evidence indicating the presence of Ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto
