1) DDoS Attack on Kaveri 2.0: A Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call

GS 3: Cybersecurity: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack

Why is it in the news?

• In January 2025, Karnataka’s Kaveri 2.0 portal, which facilitates property registrations, experienced severe server outages. Investigations by the Revenue and E-Governance Departments revealed that the disruption was not due to technical glitches but a deliberate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.
• Launched in 2023, Kaveri 2.0 was designed to streamline land registration, making the attack a serious setback. Further, the Centre for Smart Governance (CSG) found that Kaveri 2.0 faced performance issues in December 2024 due to a malicious DDoS attack using automated bots.

Understanding a DDoS Attack

• A DDoS attack aims to disrupt a server, service, or network by overloading it with excessive traffic. Unlike a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, which originates from a single source, a DDoS attack involves multiple compromised systems infected with malware, forming a botnet.
• These attacks can saturate bandwidth, exploit network vulnerabilities, or target specific application weaknesses. While DDoS attacks do not steal data, they can serve as a distraction for other cybercrimes, such as data breaches.
• Victim organisations often suffer financial losses, reputational damage, and service downtime, undermining trust in their security capabilities.

Impact on Kaveri 2.0

• The attack on Kaveri 2.0 involved fake account creation and database manipulation, overwhelming the system. Investigators identified 62 email accounts from 14 IP addresses as part of the attack.
• In January 2025, a second wave of the attack targeted the portal’s Encumbrance Certificate (EC) search system, generating traffic eight times higher than normal. At one point, 6.2 lakh search requests flooded the system within two hours, crippling the portal and disrupting property registrations.

Mitigating DDoS Attacks

• To counter DDoS attacks, organisations use advanced traffic filtering to separate legitimate and malicious traffic. Monitoring tools help detect abnormal traffic patterns, allowing pre-emptive action. Rate limiting restricts the number of requests from a single user within a set time, reducing system overload.
• Bot detection technologies like CAPTCHA and behavioural analysis help identify and block automated bots. Regular security audits, multi-factor authentication, and collaboration with cybersecurity agencies are crucial in preventing such attacks.
• Public awareness about phishing and social engineering tactics can also help prevent account compromises.

Major DDoS Attacks Worldwide

• In August 2024, Elon Musk’s social media platform X suffered a massive DDoS attack, causing delays and disruptions. The attack occurred just before Musk’s scheduled conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring the vulnerability of even high-profile platforms.
• Another significant attack occurred in 2015, when China-based attackers targeted GitHub, Microsoft’s code repository. The attack focused on two GitHub projects providing tools to bypass Chinese internet censorship. Attackers injected malicious JavaScript into the browsers of visitors to Baidu, China’s largest search engine, amplifying the attack.

Conclusion

• The cyberattack on Kaveri 2.0 is a stark reminder that government services and private organisations must adopt proactive cybersecurity measures.
• As cyber threats evolve, stronger security infrastructure, early detection mechanisms, and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard critical digital platforms from future disruptions.

2) Aravali Safari Park Project

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Fragile Aravali ecosystem

Why is it in the news?

• The Haryana government has proposed the Aravali Safari Park, spanning 3,858 hectares across Gurugram and Nuh, with the vision of making it the world’s largest safari park.
• However, since its announcement, the project has faced strong opposition from environmentalists and retired forest officials, who argue that it poses a serious threat to the fragile Aravali ecosystem and prioritizes tourism over conservation.

Project Features and Scope

• According to the Haryana Tourism Department, the safari park will include animal enclosures, guest houses, hotels, restaurants, auditoriums, an animal hospital, children’s parks, botanical gardens, aquariums, cable cars, a tunnel walk with exhibits, an open-air theatre, and eateries.
• Initially managed by the tourism department, the project has now been transferred to the forest department, with an expert committee overseeing its implementation. Of the total 3,858 hectares, 2,574 hectares are spread across 11 villages in Gurugram, while 1,284 hectares cover seven villages in Nuh.

Why is the Project Facing Opposition?

• The Aravali hills, where the project is proposed, form the world’s oldest fold mountain range. Spanning from Champaner in Gujarat to Delhi, these hills are crucial for preventing desertification by restricting the spread of the Thar Desert and acting as a groundwater recharge zone. The region is also home to diverse wildlife and plant species, making it ecologically sensitive.
• A group of 37 retired Indian Forest Service officers have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to scrap the project. They argue that the safari park is designed to boost tourism rather than conserve the Aravalis.
• Increased tourist footfall, vehicular movement, and construction would disrupt underground aquifers, which are critical for the water-scarce districts of Gurugram and Nuh. The Central Ground Water Board has already classified the groundwater levels in both districts as “over-exploited”.
• Additionally, the proposed project falls within a legally protected forest area, covered under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Given that Haryana has a low forest cover of just 3.6%, the letter stresses the need for rewilding natural forests instead of creating destructive safari parks.

Legal Protections for the Aravalis

• Of the approximately 80,000 hectares of the Aravali hill range in Haryana, most areas are protected under various laws and Supreme Court/NGT orders. The Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, provides widespread protection, with Sections 4 and 5 restricting deforestation and land conversion for non-agricultural use.
• Additionally, 24,000 hectares have been notified as Protected Forest under the Indian Forest Act to offset forest land diversion in the Nicobar Islands.
• The 1996 T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad judgment further extends legal protection to forests based on their dictionary definition, ensuring that non-notified forests in the Aravalis remain safeguarded.
• The Regional Plan-2021 for the National Capital Region (NCR) also designates the Aravalis as a Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ), limiting construction to a mere 0.5%.
• Forest analysts propose that instead of building a safari park, the Haryana government should declare the Aravalis as a National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary. Such a move would enhance conservation efforts while ensuring the ecological integrity of the region remains intact.

Conclusion

• The Aravali Safari Park Project has sparked a major debate between tourism-driven development and environmental conservation. While the Haryana government sees it as an economic opportunity, environmental experts and retired forest officers warn of its long-term ecological damage.
• With strong legal protections already in place, the focus should shift towards preserving and restoring the Aravalis, rather than introducing large-scale tourism infrastructure that could harm its fragile ecosystem.

3) Constitutional Morality: Origins and Nuances

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Understanding Constitutional Morality    

Why is it in the news?

• Constitutional morality refers to a civic culture of respecting constitutional forms and offices while applying public reason, self-restraint, and critique. It demands that citizens regard the Constitution’s rules as sacred.
• In recent years, constitutional courts have increasingly relied on this concept to interpret laws and assess the constitutional validity of statutes. While some view it as a safeguard against fluctuating public morality, others consider it a “dangerous weapon.”
• The Supreme Court, in cases like Navtej Singh Johar vs Union of India (2018) and Joseph Shine vs UOI (2018), reinforced this ancient idea as a guiding principle for justice and legal interpretation.

Relevance in Contemporary Debates

• Constitutional morality has become central to discussions on various issues, including the rights of sexual minorities, women’s entry into temples, limits on free speech, and balancing national security with civil liberties. However, amid these debates, it is essential to trace the origins of this concept.
• British classicist George Grote’s interpretation provides a constructive perspective on political engagement and democratic governance.

Grote’s Interpretation of Constitutional Morality

• Grote, in his History of Greece, praised Athenian democracy, calling it one of the most significant events in Greek history. He described constitutional morality as a “rare and difficult sentiment” that involves paramount respect for constitutional forms.
• This meant adhering to constitutional procedures in resolving disputes and ensuring that citizens’ actions were governed solely by the rule of law, without arbitrary authority restricting them.
• According to Grote, eloquent constitutional rules alone were insufficient; for a constitution to endure, a civic culture of respect, self-restraint, and critical engagement was necessary. He emphasized that citizens must have confidence that constitutional rules are upheld even amid political disagreements.

Dr. Ambedkar’s Perspective

• B.R. Ambedkar, in his speech The Draft Constitution (November 4, 1948), stressed that constitutional morality was not an inherent sentiment but had to be cultivated to sustain a democratic system.
• He warned that it was possible to subvert the Constitution without altering its structure by manipulating administrative practices in ways contrary to its spirit. To him, self-restraint was essential for preserving freedom under a properly constituted government.

Commitment with Critique

• Constitutional morality requires citizens to uphold the Constitution regardless of personal or group interests. It calls for respecting constitutional processes while allowing their critique and reform. This ensures a balance between adherence to constitutional norms and their evolution over time.
• Unlike Jürgen Habermas’ idea of constitutional patriotism, which fosters political allegiance through shared constitutional values, constitutional morality focuses on procedural adherence rather than cultural nationalism. It manages differences by providing a structured framework for governance rather than enforcing ideological conformity.

Balancing Stability and Change

• In the current political climate, constitutional morality offers a way to maintain constitutional commitment without extremism. It promotes a mature constitutionalism that balances reverence and reform, ensuring stability while allowing change.
• The framers of the Indian Constitution saw its promulgation as an act of allegiance to constitutional form, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement rather than blind devotion.

4) New CEC: Understanding the New Appointment Process and Its Legal Implications

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Concern over CEC appointment process

Why is it in the news?

• Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) following a meeting of a three-member committee led by the Prime Minister with Home Minister and Leader of Opposition (LoP) as its members.
• Kumar, who was appointed Election Commissioner on March 14, 2024, will assume office on 18^th Feb 2025, coinciding with the Supreme Court hearing a challenge to the new law under which the selection was made.
• Further, the Law Ministry notified the appointment of Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi as an Election Commissioner.

Previous Appointment Process

• Before the recent changes, the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners was handled by the President, following the advice of the Prime Minister. Seniority among Election Commissioners often determined the successor to the retiring CEC.
• Typically, the next senior-most Election Commissioner would be promoted to CEC. For instance, upon Rajiv Kumar’s retirement, the next most senior member, Gyanesh Kumar, was expected to succeed him, as he was appointed earlier than his peers. However, the appointment process has evolved with new legal changes.

The New Appointment Process

• The new appointment procedure follows the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• Under this law, a search committee headed by the Law Minister, along with two senior bureaucrats, prepares a shortlist of five candidates for the position of CEC. This list is then reviewed by a selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and a nominated Cabinet Minister.
• This committee, which met on February 17, 2025, has the authority to consider additional candidates beyond the shortlist. The committee’s recommendations are then sent to the President for final appointment.

Gandhi’s Dissent and the Selection Committee’s Role

• During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi voiced his opposition to the new process by submitting a dissent note, urging the government to delay the appointment until the Supreme Court decides on challenges to the new law.
• While Gandhi’s dissent was recorded, the committee proceeded with making its selections. Despite Gyanesh Kumar’s name being among the five shortlisted candidates, the new law allows the government to consider other names, potentially appointing a new CEC.

Eligibility and Terms Under the New Act

• The new law provides clear eligibility criteria for the CEC and Election Commissioners. They must either hold or have held a post equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India and should possess integrity and experience in election management.
• The law also stipulates fixed terms of office for the CEC and Election Commissioners, with a limit of six years in total if an Election Commissioner is promoted to CEC.

Why the Appointment Process Was Changed

• The revision of the appointment process stems from Supreme Court intervention following a series of petitions from 2015 to 2022. The Court had noted concerns about the exclusive powers of the Executive in selecting Election Commissioners and highlighted the potential risks of such an arrangement.
• In March 2023, the Court directed that the CEC and Election Commissioners be appointed by a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India. The Court’s ruling underscored the importance of non-executive involvement in the selection process.
• However, the new law enacted in December 2023 altered the composition of the selection committee, replacing the Chief Justice with a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

Constitutional Questions and Pending Litigation

• Despite the meeting’s outcome, the validity of the new appointment process remains uncertain. The Supreme Court will hear petitions challenging the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the selection committee.
• The petitioners have raised constitutional concerns about whether Parliament has the authority to override or modify a Supreme Court judgment through legislation.
• While the Supreme Court had scheduled hearings, the outcomes of the case may still affect appointments made under the new law. The Court has assured that any decision regarding the validity of the new Act will apply to any interim appointments.

Conclusion

• The appointment process for the new Chief Election Commissioner has undergone significant changes, driven by the need for a more balanced and transparent selection procedure.
• While the government has moved forward with the new process, the final decision on its legitimacy rests with the Supreme Court, which is set to examine the constitutional validity of the 2023 law.

5) China’s EAST Reactor and Its Role in Magnetic Fusion Advancements

GS 3: Science and Technology: Fusion Technology

Why is it in the news?

• In January 2025, Chinese scientists achieved a breakthrough by maintaining a plasma at 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,066 seconds in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST).
• This reactor plays a crucial role in the development of nuclear fusion technology, which holds promise for cleaner energy compared to traditional nuclear fission.

The Fusion Energy Challenge

• Nuclear fusion, the process of combining atomic nuclei to release energy, has long been pursued as a clean energy alternative to fission, which produces harmful radioactive waste.
• For fusion to occur, nuclei must be heated to extremely high temperatures—at least 100 million degrees Celsius—so that the repulsive forces between the protons in the nuclei can be overcome.
• Deuterium and tritium, isotopes of hydrogen, are key to fusion, as they fuse to form helium and release substantial energy. While deuterium is abundant, tritium is not found naturally and must be produced, often as a by-product of fission reactors.

The Plasma and Temperature Challenge

• To achieve nuclear fusion, plasma must be heated to extreme temperatures. The nuclei need sufficient energy to overcome the repulsive forces of their positive charges and come close enough for the strong nuclear force to bond them. This requires temperatures reaching millions of degrees.
• In fusion reactors like the tokamak, a magnetic field is used to confine the plasma, which consists of charged particles moving freely after being stripped of their electrons. These magnetic fields are created by superconducting electromagnets that carry currents with zero resistance, ensuring stable plasma confinement.

EAST’s Magnetic Confinement Technology

• EAST is a tokamak reactor that uses both toroidal and poloidal magnetic fields, created by superconducting electromagnets, to confine plasma. The toroidal field flows around the reactor in a donut shape, while the poloidal field moves through the centre.
• This combination prevents the plasma from touching the walls of the reactor and allows it to maintain a stable spiral motion, facilitating the fusion process. In addition, the poloidal field induces an electric current within the plasma, generating heat that contributes to the required energy for fusion.

EAST’s Record-Breaking Achievements

• EAST has set multiple records in fusion research, including achieving a steady-state high-confinement plasma for 403 seconds in 2023, and later breaking that record by sustaining plasma for 1,066 seconds in January 2025.
• While these milestones demonstrate significant progress, EAST has yet to reach “ignition,” the point at which the reactor produces more energy than is required to sustain the plasma, making it self-sustaining.
• EAST’s successes, though not yet at the electricity-producing stage, are important for ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, a global project aiming to demonstrate nuclear fusion on a commercial scale.

ITER and the Global Fusion Race

• EAST’s advancements are critical for ITER’s development. ITER, a multi-country collaboration, faces criticism for delays and cost overruns, with a projected budget surpassing 18 billion euros.
• While ITER aims to demonstrate fusion that produces more energy than it consumes, EAST’s progress provides hope for the future of fusion energy. The technology developed by EAST is key to overcoming ITER’s challenges and achieving reliable, clean energy.

Alternative Approaches to Fusion

• Beyond magnetic confinement, other techniques are also being explored for achieving nuclear fusion. One such alternative is the stellarator, which has a more complex, twisting design that eliminates the need for poloidal fields. Though harder to build and operate, stellarators offer a potential pathway to fusion.
• Additionally, inertial fusion involves using powerful lasers to compress deuterium and tritium pellets, achieving fusion through extreme heat and pressure. This method has seen progress, with the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieving “ignition” in 2022.

The Future of Fusion Energy

• While EAST and ITER focus on magnetic confinement, other technologies like inertial fusion are advancing, showing that nuclear fusion could soon be a reality. Despite ITER’s slow progress, the need for clean energy ensures that governments and private enterprises will continue to invest in fusion research.
• Whether magnetic or inertial fusion will emerge as the dominant solution remains to be seen, but the global race for fusion energy continues.

Conclusion

• China’s EAST reactor remains a key player in the pursuit of nuclear fusion energy, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with tokamak reactors. Its successes are vital for the progress of ITER and other fusion projects worldwide.
• As these technologies advance, nuclear fusion could become a game-changer in the search for sustainable and clean energy sources.
• The journey towards fusion energy is long, but EAST’s milestones show that it may be a matter of time before this technology is realized on a commercial scale.

6) Delhi’s Dawn Quake: Understanding Its Origin and Seismic Risks

GS 1: Geography: Earthquakes

Why is it in the news?

• Delhi frequently experiences tremors, but they usually originate elsewhere, sometimes as far as Afghanistan. However, the magnitude 4 earthquake that occurred before dawn on Monday (17^th Feb) was different—it originated within Delhi, near the Dhaula Kuan area.
• According to data from the National Centre of Seismology, this was the strongest earthquake to have originated in Delhi in at least five years. A similar magnitude 4 earthquake was also recorded a few hours later near Siwan in Bihar. These tremors, though noticeable, did not cause any damage.

Seismic Activity and Risk in Delhi

• Delhi lies in a seismically active region, so earthquakes originating here are not uncommon. Over the past five years, multiple small earthquakes with magnitudes between 2 and 3 have been recorded in and around the city. These tremors are usually too weak to be noticed by people and are only detected by seismometers.
• India’s official earthquake hazard map categorizes Delhi under Zone 4, the second-highest classification for seismic risk. This means that the city is susceptible to MSK-8 intensity earthquakes, which can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
• The MSK (Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik) scale measures the intensity of an earthquake rather than its magnitude. It accounts for local geology, meaning that two locations equidistant from an earthquake’s epicentre can experience different levels of shaking. Areas in Zone 5, the most vulnerable category, correspond to MSK-9 levels of intensity or higher.

The Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt

• Delhi is part of the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a seismically active geological belt stretching from southern and eastern Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi.
• This region contains deformed layers of rock that were folded due to geological processes hundreds of millions of years ago. These rock deformities create stress, which is sometimes released in the form of earthquakes.
• This mechanism differs from the one that causes earthquakes in the Himalayan region, one of the most seismically active areas in the world. In the Himalayas, earthquakes occur due to the Indian tectonic plate pushing against and subducting under the Eurasian plate, leading to significant stress buildup.
• The Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt was more seismically active in the past, but tectonic activity in the region has significantly slowed over time, making it more geologically stable. However, some fault lines remain active, resulting in occasional mild earthquakes.
• A 2022 research paper revealed that about 25 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher occur in and around Delhi each year, with approximately five of them reaching magnitude 3.5.

Unusual Sounds During the Earthquake

• Several residents reported hearing a peculiar sound during Monday’s earthquake, something not commonly associated with past tremors in the capital. This led to speculation about whether the nature of the earthquake was different in some way.
• While earthquakes do generate energy waves that cause vibrations, they rarely produce sounds that are audible to humans. Larger earthquakes can sometimes produce low-frequency sounds within the human hearing range, but this is uncommon.
• According to experts, most noises attributed to earthquakes are actually caused by vibrating buildings and other structures. These sounds, often mistaken for earthquake-generated noise, do not indicate anything unusual about the earthquake itself.

Low Probability of a Major Earthquake in Delhi

• Historical records suggest that Delhi may have experienced significant earthquakes in the past. Some sources mention a strong earthquake in 1720 and another in 1803, which reportedly caused severe damage to the Qutub Minar.
• However, modern reassessments indicate that the 1803 earthquake likely originated in the Srinagar-Devprayag region of Uttarakhand and was only felt in Delhi. Its characteristics were typical of a Himalayan quake rather than one originating in Delhi itself.
• While there is always speculation about the possibility of a major earthquake striking Delhi, the region’s tectonic setup does not support such an event. The geological structures beneath the city, along with the energy stored and stress distribution, suggest that a large earthquake originating within Delhi is highly unlikely.
• However, given Delhi’s dense population and infrastructure, even moderate earthquakes could lead to significant destruction if proper preparedness measures are not in place.

7) Strengthening Local Governance: Status of Devolution to Panchayat in 2024

GS 2: Polity and Governance: PRIs

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released the 2024 report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence-Based Ranking.”
• The report evaluates how effectively power, resources, and responsibilities are being transferred to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across different States and Union Territories.

Understanding the Devolution Index

• Developed by the Indian Institute of Public Administration, the devolution index assesses the progress in implementing the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
• It ranks States/UTs based on six major factors: legal framework, functions assigned, financial devolution, human resource availability, capacity building, and accountability mechanisms.

Why This Assessment Matters

• While constitutional provisions such as regular Panchayat elections, reservations for SCs/STs and women, and the establishment of State Finance Commissions are in place, the actual transfer of powers, finances, and functionaries remains inconsistent across states.
• For effective grassroots governance, merely transferring authority is not enough—it requires strong institutional capacity, financial stability, and mechanisms for accountability to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Key Insights from the Report

• Top Performers: Karnataka leads the Devolution Index (DI), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Overall Improvement: The devolution percentage increased from 39.9% in 2013-14 to 43.9% in 2021-22.
• Boost in Capacity Building: With the implementation of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), capacity development improved from 44% to 54.6%.
• Better Deployment of Functionaries: The functionaries component of the index saw a significant rise from 39.6% to 50.9%.

Performance in Key Categories

• Legal & Institutional Strength: Kerala ranks highest, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Haryana.
• Administrative Functions: Tamil Nadu leads, with Karnataka, Odisha, and Rajasthan close behind.
• Financial Empowerment: Karnataka secures the top spot, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.
• Availability of Human Resources: Gujarat ranks first, followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Capacity Enhancement Measures: Telangana leads in this category, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

Challenges Hindering Devolution

• Weak Legal & Institutional Support: Some states have not been conducting Panchayat elections regularly.
• Limited Role in Policy Implementation: Panchayats have minimal influence in centrally sponsored schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, and NHM.
• State-Wise Disparities: While some states have well-structured governance systems, others struggle due to poor implementation and political reluctance.
• Lack of Public Participation: Gram Sabha meetings, essential for community-driven governance, often see low attendance and engagement.

Proposed Reforms for Strengthening Panchayats

• Legal & Institutional Strengthening: Ensure timely elections for Panchayats and provide more independence to State Election Commissions (SECs).
• Financial Stability: Establish a Consolidated Fund for Local Governments for direct funding to Panchayats. Implement the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations for allocating GST revenues to PRIs.
• Enhancing Panchayat Responsibilities: Decentralize essential services to Panchayats, ensuring they play a significant role in rural development.
• Accountability & Transparency: Improve Gram Sabha functioning by increasing accessibility and public engagement to ensure effective governance at the grassroots level.