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The Rise of Card Tokenisation in India
In India, card tokenization has drastically changed the digital payment environment. More than 91 crore tokens had been distributed as of December 2024 enabling over 320 crore transactions with a combined value of around ₹11 lakh crore. With 98% of online transactions now being completed without actual card information this rise puts pressure on the move towards increased security in e-commerce.
What is Tokenisation?
Tokenisation substitutes sensitive card details with a unique identifier known as a token.
This token acts as a substitute for the customer’s credit card information enabling safe transactions.
Because each token is specific to the device or merchant retailers are never able to keep actual card information.
Evolution of Tokenisation in India
First implemented in January 2019 device tokenization was later followed by card-on-file tokenization in September 2021 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
These steps were taken in response to growing worries about data security especially following hacks like the ones that occurred at MobiKwik and Juspay.
Cyber Security and Regulatory Measures
The RBI ordered companies to stop keeping customer card information in October 2022. Enhancing consumer protection and preventing sensitive information from being made public on third-party platforms were the goals of this policy change. In order to secure digital payments and lower the possibility of data breaches tokenization has become crucial.
How Tokenisation Works
The tokenisation process involves several steps:

Customer Input: To complete a transaction, a customer inputs their card details.
Token Generation: The card number is substituted with a token that is generated by the system.
Secure Storage: In a token vault the original card information is safely kept.
Verification: The token is delivered to the vault during a transaction so that it may be compared to the original data.
Benefits of Tokenisation
Tokenisation offers numerous advantages, including:
Improved security by preventing the exposure of actual card information.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliance has been made easier.
Reduced costs associated with data breaches for merchants.
Compatibility with various payment technologies, including mobile wallets.
Tokenisation vs. Encryption
Tokenisation and encryption are both used for data security but they are fundamentally different. Encryption scrambles data and necessitates a decryption key whereas tokenization substitutes sensitive data with non-sensitive tokens that cannot be reversed. Tokenization is frequently regarded as a more cost-effective approach for protecting payment information.
Ghaggar River Pollution
The Ghaggar River which flows mostly through India and Pakistan has come under investigation due to significant pollution problems. A recent assessment from a joint committee established by the National Green Tribunal revealed alarming levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the river leaving water unsafe for bathing. The findings have prompted worries about the health of the river and its tributaries particularly the Sukhna Choe.
Pollution Levels and Sources
The joint committee carried out a survey and collected samples from several points along the Sukhna Choe and Ghaggar Rivers.
The research found that BOD levels were two to three times higher than the allowed limits.
Urban areas and surrounding slums’ untreated sewage were found to be the main sources of pollution.
Important sites for sample collection were Baltana Bridge and Raipur Khurd both of which had elevated BOD and total suspended solids (TSS) values.
Impact on Local Communities
Local communities are directly impacted by the pollution in Sukhna Choe and the Ghaggar River. Residents who depend on the river for bathing and other daily activities are at danger for health problems due to its unsuitable water quality. The situation is made worse by the existence of slums close to the river, as improper waste disposal methods lead to additional contamination. To solve these problems, the local government has been encouraged to act right now.
Recommendations for Improvement
The committee made several recommendations to mitigate pollution. The installation of iron netting at culvert locations to stop rubbish disposal and routine drain cleaning by the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation were two important recommendations. By taking these steps the river’s ecological equilibrium will be restored and the water quality will be improved.
Historical Context of the Ghaggar River
According to historical accounts the Ghaggar River is thought to have been connected to the ancient Saraswati River in Veda.
Settlements from the Indus Valley Civilization have been discovered during archeological excavations along its banks demonstrating its significance in prehistoric times.
Historians speculate that the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers once supplied water to the river, however the river’s path has evolved over millennia.
Characteristics of the Ghaggar River
The Ghaggar River only flows during the monsoon season because it is categorized as an intermittent river.
Before vanishing into the Thar Desert it travels through Haryana, Rajasthan and the Shivalik Hills.
The rivers Kaushalya, Markanda, Sarsuti, Tangri and Chautang are among its tributaries.
The river is often referred to as a “dead river” due to its reliance on seasonal rainfall for flow.
Meghalaya’s Shift to Scientific Coal Mining
In order to start scientific coal mining in two districts (East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills districts), the central government has inked agreements with three local miners. This ruling follows the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) ten-year prohibition on “rat-hole mining,” or unscientific mining.
About Rat-Hole Mining
Rat-hole mining is an illicit coal extraction technique that mimics rodent burrows.
It is common in Meghalaya and entails digging little tunnels that are frequently no higher than two meters.
Miners use bamboo ladders and ropes to descend into these small areas.
The process is risky because of inadequate ventilation and the possibility of tunnel collapses.
In rat-hole mining, there are two main methods.
Side-Cutting Procedure: Miners reach shallow coal seams by excavating small tunnels into hill slopes.
Box-Cutting: This technique entails making a rectangular hole, then a vertical pit, which leads to horizontal coal extraction tunnels.
Causes of Rat-Hole Mining
Rat-hole mining persists due to a number of variables including:
Poverty: Due to a lack of alternative sources of income local tribal communities frequently use this approach to survive.
Land Ownership Issues: Ambiguous land titles make the creation of regulated mining difficult, allowing criminal enterprises to thrive.
Coal Demand: The constant demand for coal both legal and illegal fuels the rat-hole mining activity.
Escrow Agreements for Mining
Escrow Agreement: A legal arrangement in which a third party holds assets until certain requirements are met.
Escrow agreements were signed by the Controller of Coal (Government of India) and the mining project proponents.
Coal India Limited is the third party to these agreements.
Future Expansion of Scientific Mining
Aside from the three approved mining sites 12 further applications are in the advanced approval stages.
The Meghalaya administration is working closely with the Ministry of Coal to lawfully recommence coal mining.
Impact of Coal Mining Ban
Prior to the 2014 prohibition Meghalaya relied heavily on coal mining for revenue, generating ₹700 crore annually. The restriction was established due to safety concerns as rat-hole mining required building tight tunnels resulting in multiple worker deaths over the years.
Katakey Committee’s Role
The Meghalaya High Court created a one-man committee led by former judge Brojendra Prasad Katakey to ensure that the NGT and Supreme Court orders are followed. The committee has made various proposals for sustainable and legal coal mining.
PM-JANMAN Package for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
In order to improve the living conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India the PM-JANMAN package was introduced in November 2023. In all PVTG habitations the initiative seeks to achieve 100% saturation of basic utilities like housing, water, and roads. In 18 states and one Union Territory it tackles the socio economic issues that 75 PVTG villages face.
Background of PM-JANMAN Package
The introduction of the PM-JANMAN package coincided with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, 2023.
It is included in the Pradhan Mantri-PVTG Development Mission which is described in the Union Budget for 2022–2023.
A budgeted outlay of ₹24,104 crore of which ₹15,336 crore is the federal portion, supports the effort.
Objectives of the Scheme
The main goal is to use comprehensive development to improve PVTGs’ socioeconomic circumstances.
This entails improving access to livelihood possibilities, housing, healthcare, education and drinking water.
Key Components of the Scheme
The 11 crucial interventions that are the focus of the PM-JANMAN package are as follows:
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin provides housing.
Piped water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Through the National Health Mission mobile medical units
Hostels and Anganwadi Centers for childcare and education are being built.
Household electrification with solar energy options.
Implementation and Progress
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs coordinates the execution with nine line ministries and state governments. Initially the procedure was delayed due to data entry requirements on the PM-GatiShakti portal. However recent clarifications have accelerated the process with nearly 4 lakh dwellings sanctioned as of November 2024.
Future Directions
The scheme is scheduled to run from 2023-24 to 2025-26. It aspires to achieve holistic development across vital sectors, resulting in a better quality of life for PVTGs. The emphasis will be on timely execution and effective resource allocation.
Budgetary Allocation and Utilisation
The PM-JANMAN package has a total budget allocation of ₹24,104 crore across multiple ministries. This includes provisions for housing, healthcare, education and infrastructure development aimed exclusively toward PVTG populations.
EU Resumes Monitoring at Rafah Border Crossing
After being closed since May 2024 the Rafah border gate between Gaza and Egypt is now available for medical evacuations. This reopening is a step forward for humanitarian assistance and coincides with the current hostilities in Gaza. To keep an eye on this vital transit hub, the European Union (EU) has reactivated its civilian mission. The mission’s objectives are to assist in the transfer of people in need of medical attention and to make it easier for wounded civilians and Hamas combatants to travel.
Background of Rafah Crossing
The southernmost point of departure from the Gaza Strip is the Rafah border.
It is the sole crossing that does not lead into Israeli territory and shares a border with the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.
For the flow of people and products particularly in emergency situations the crossing is essential.
Israel controls Erez and Kerem Shalom, the other two crossings which are currently blocked leaving Rafah as the only way out for humanitarian purposes.
Recent Developments
The border will first let the entry of 50 wounded fighters and 50 wounded civilians accompanied by their escorts on the day of reopening. On humanitarian grounds another 100 people—likely students—will also be allowed to cross. It will be a one-way trip from Gaza to Egypt. The EU’s participation represents a team effort to resolve Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
Humanitarian Needs in Gaza
The Health Ministry in Gaza estimates that between 12,000 and 14,000 patients are waiting to be evacuated. These patients are being transported from Gazan hospitals by the World Health Organization. In order to meet the immediate medical requirements of the people impacted by the current fighting Rafah’s reopening is a crucial step.
Public Response and Political Context
Reactions to the reopening of Rafah have been conflicting. In response to US President Donald Trump’s proposal to move Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan hundreds of Egyptians demonstrated. Egyptians are worried about the plan’s potential effects on their nation. Public opinion which reflects larger regional dynamics is nevertheless sensitive to the Palestinian problem.
Geopolitical Significance of the Sinai Peninsula
The Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea share a boundary with the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt. One of the most important waterways for international trade is the strategically important Suez Canal. The Rafah border is more significant in regional politics and humanitarian endeavors because of Sinai’s geographic prominence.
India’s Defence Strategy on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems
A recent pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) was carried out by the Indian Defense Ministry. This study highlights these technologies’ transformational potential. It brings up important issues with accountability, control and moral application. The Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses collaborated with the study’s execution.
Importance of Artificial Intelligence in Defence
A key component of contemporary military tactics is artificial intelligence (AI).
It makes it possible to create systems that function without the need for human involvement.
According to the Defense Ministry AI is essential to preserving strategic autonomy.
This is crucial in a world where military advantage is determined by technological dominance.
Current Challenges in AI Integration
When it comes to integrating AI into military platforms Indian defense industries are just getting started. The difficulties arise from autonomous systems’ intricacy.
International export restrictions on AI components further impede progress.
India needs to create sovereign capabilities in crucial technologies immediately.
Global Context and Competitive Landscape
More than 50 nations are creating their own AI defense plans.
This includes powerful nations and allies like South Korea, Japan and Germany.
The integration of AI into military operations is a worldwide race. This competition takes place in the midst of a race for resources necessary for the development of AI and geopolitical shifts.
India’s Strategic Initiatives
In 2018, India formed an AI task force which was later followed by the Defense AI Project Agency and the Defence AI Council.
These projects seek to determine the defense industry’s top priorities for AI.
There are currently 75 priority areas listed. To improve AI integration the military services are working with the Innovations for Defence Excellence initiative.
Responsible Use of AI in Military
India supports the prudent employment of AI in military settings.
India has requested that a Group of Governmental Experts have talks on LAWS at the UN.
Despite not voting in favor of a 2024 UNGA resolution on LAWS, India has taken part in talks for responsible AI in the military.
India is looking for a fair strategy that complies with international humanitarian standards.
Framework for Trustworthy AI
A framework has been adopted by the Defense Ministry to assess reliable AI. Five fundamental values form the basis of this framework: safety, privacy, fairness, transparency and dependability. These guidelines guarantee that the application of AI in defense respects humanitarian considerations.