21 May 2025 Current Affairs

e-Passports: India’s Biometric Leap in Passport Security

Context & Latest Development

India has joined over 120 countries in issuing biometric e-passports, enhancing passport security, facilitating faster immigration, and aligning with global standards.

What is an e-Passport?

An e-passport is an upgraded version of a regular passport, incorporating digital technology.

It includes:

1. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip embedded in the back cover

2. Secure storage of:

• Personal details: Name, DOB, passport number, etc.
• Biometric data: Facial image and fingerprints
• Digital signature for authentication

Security Features (Very important for Prelims)

1. RFID Chip & Antenna

• Stores encrypted data
• Difficult to tamper

2. Basic Access Control (BAC)

• Prevents unauthorized reading of data by unauthenticated scanners

3. Passive Authentication (PA)

• Validates stored information
• Detects any data tampering

4. Extended Access Control (EAC)

• Adds extra security to sensitive biometric info (e.g., fingerprints)

Benefits of e-Passports (Useful for Mains answer)

• Enhanced Security: Strong encryption prevents identity theft, forgery, and duplication
• Faster Immigration Clearance: Use of automated e-gates and machine-readable data speeds up border checks
• Global Acceptance: Compliant with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) norms; smoother visa processing
• Improved Privacy: No residential address printed; stored digitally and accessible only to authorised personnel

Significance for India

• Modernizes the Indian passport system
• Aligns with Digital India goals
• Reduces delays and enhances citizen convenience
• Strengthens India’s global mobility infrastructure

Model Code for Fire Safety in India

Introduction

• Fire safety in India is governed through a combination of model codes, state-specific regulations, and institutional guidelines. Despite tragic fire incidents over decades, compliance and enforcement remain weak.
• According to the 2022 ADSI Report by NCRB, over 7,500 fire accidents killed 7,435 people, pointing to severe gaps in fire preparedness.

Key Regulatory Frameworks for Fire Safety

1. National Building Code (NBC), 2016

a. Overview

• Prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
• First introduced in 1970, revised in 2016
• It is a model code (not a law) that provides detailed norms for building construction and fire safety.

b. Legal Standing

• NBC becomes enforceable only when incorporated into State Building Bye-laws
• Fire Services fall under the State List (12th Schedule), making it the responsibility of state and municipal authorities

c. Part 4 of NBC – Fire and Life Safety

This is the most relevant part for fire protection. It outlines:

i. Fire Zoning of Buildings

• To separate safe areas from high-risk ones.
• Fire Zone 1: Residential, educational, and institutional structures.
• Higher fire zones are for industrial/hazardous activities.

ii. Construction Requirements

• Use of non-combustible materials in staircases, walls.
• Staircase enclosures must have minimum 2-hour fire resistance.
• Regulates height limits, floor area ratio (FAR), open spaces, and ventilation.

iii. Electrical Installations

• Must use flame-retardant cables
• Wiring (low, medium, high voltage) should run in separate fire-sealed shafts
• Earthing is mandatory for metallic components

iv. Fire Detection and Suppression

Mandates installation of:

• Automatic fire detection systems
• Sprinklers and water mist systems
• Dry riser and down-comer pipelines

v. Emergency Provisions

• Exit signage, emergency lighting, public address systems, and alarm systems
• Safe escape routes and staircases

2. Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL), 2016

• Issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• It guides States and Union Territories in adopting model regulations for urban construction
• Includes norms for fire protection, building safety, and emergency exits

3. NDMA Guidelines on Fire Safety

• Issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Indus River – Detailed Explanation

Origin and Course

• Origin: The Indus River originates near Lake Mansarovar in Tibet at an elevation of approximately 5182 meters.
• Length: Total length is 3180 km, with 800.75 km lying within India.
• Outfall: Empties into the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan.

Countries Traversed

• Tibet (China) – Origin point
• India – Flows through Union Territory of Ladakh
• Pakistan – Majority of its course, crucial for agriculture and water supply

Tributaries

Western Tributaries (all join in Pakistan):

• Jhelum
• Chenab
• Ravi
• Beas
• Sutlej

These five tributaries form the Punjab region (Punj = five, ab = water).

Drainage Basin

• Total Basin Area: \~11,65,500 sq. km
• Drainage Area in India: 321,289 sq. km (\~9.8% of India’s total geographical area)

Boundaries

• North: Karakoram and Haramosh Ranges
• East: Himalayas
• West: Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges
• South: Arabian Sea
   

Importance

• Agricultural Lifeline: Especially vital for Pakistan, where it supports the **Indus Basin Irrigation System**—the world's largest contiguous irrigation system.
• Hydropower Potential: Several hydroelectric projects exist in the Indian part under the Indus Waters Treaty (1960).
• Strategic Significance: Flow through Ladakh gives India leverage in water diplomacy with Pakistan.

Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)

1. Overview

• Also Known As: Harappan Civilization
• Period: Flourished between 3300 BCE – 1300 BCE
• Geographical Spread: Primarily along the Indus River and its tributaries, extending into present-day Pakistan and northwest India.

2. Major Sites

• Harappa (in present-day Punjab, Pakistan) – First site excavated
• Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh, Pakistan) – Planned city with drainage system
• Other notable sites: Dholavira, Lothal, Kalibangan, Rakhigarhi

3. Key Features

• Urban Planning: Grid pattern streets, advanced drainage, public baths
• Economy: Based on agriculture, trade (including maritime trade via Lothal), crafts
• Script: Undeciphered script with pictographic symbols
• Technology: Use of standardized weights, bronze tools, bead-making
• Social Organization: Evidently complex but no clear signs of kingship or temples
• Decline Theories: Environmental degradation, shifting river courses, possible invasions

MULLAPERIYAR DAM

About the Dam

• Location: Idukki district, Kerala; at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar Rivers
• Constructed: 126 years ago (completed in **1895**)

Dimensions

• Height: 53.66 metres
• Length: 365.85 metres

Ownership

• Owned, operated, and maintained by Tamil Nadu, although it is located in Kerala

Purpose

• Irrigation
• Drinking water supply
• Hydro-power generation (mainly for Tamil Nadu)

Periyar River – Key Facts

• Length: 244 km (longest river in Kerala)
• Nickname: ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ – due to its perennial nature and vital role in water supply
• Origin: Sivagiri Hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu
• Flows through: Periyar National Park

Main Tributaries

• Mullayar
• Muthirapuzha
• Cheruthoni
• Perinjankutti

Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute – Tamil Nadu vs Kerala

1. Historical Context

• In 1979, concerns arose over the structural safety of the dam due to its age and possible seismic vulnerability.
• A tripartite agreement (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Central Water Commission) lowered the water level from 152 ft to 136 ft for safety strengthening.

2. Supreme Court Judgments

• 2006 & 2014: SC allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 ft after strengthening efforts.
• 2014 SC Order:

- Directed the formation of a Supervisory Committee.

- Permitted further strengthening.

- Allowed water storage up to 142 feet.

3. Current Issues

Kerala demands the decommissioning of the dam and construction of a new dam, citing:

• Frequent landslides in the region (though not directly at dam site)
• Aging structure and seismic vulnerability

4. Tamil Nadu opposes this:

• Asserts the dam is safe with strengthening measures
• Demands restoration of the original full reservoir level of 152 feet

5. Core Issue

• Safety concerns (Kerala) vs. Water rights and control (Tamil Nadu)

Dam Safety Act, 2021 – Key Provisions

1. Objective

• To ensure safety, surveillance, inspection, and maintenance of dams across India
• Focus on preventing dam-related disasters

2. Dams Applicability

• Over 15 meters in height
• Between 10–15 meters with special structural/operational features

Institutional Mechanism Created

1. At the National Level

• National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): Formulates dam safety policies and guidelines
• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Implements policies and resolves inter-State disputes and Acts as regulatory authority

2. At the State Level

• State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSO): Conduct regular inspections and reviews
• State Committee on Dam Safety: Provides recommendations and oversight

Dam Owner’s Responsibilities

• Accountable for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and emergency preparedness
• Required to maintain comprehensive safety documentation