Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

Introduction:

• The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules aim to safeguard citizens’ rights for the protection of their personal data.
• These rules seek to operationalize the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), in line with India’s commitment to create a robust framework for protecting digital personal data.
• Framed with simplicity and clarity, the rules are designed to empower citizens in a rapidly growing digital economy.
• They seek to protect citizens’ rights in accordance with the DPDP Act, while achieving the right balance between regulation and innovation, so that the benefits of India’s growing innovation ecosystem are available to all citizens and India’s digital economy.
• They also address specific challenges like unauthorised commercial use of data, digital harms and personal data breaches.

Key features:

• The rules place citizens at the heart of the data protection framework.
• Data Fiduciaries must provide clear and accessible information about how personal data is processed, enabling informed consent.
• Citizens are empowered with rights to demand data erasure, appoint digital nominees, and access user-friendly mechanisms to manage their data.
• The rules empower citizens by giving them greater control over their data.
• Provisions for informed consent, the right to erasure and grievance redressal enhance trust in digital platforms.
• Parents and guardians are empowered to ensure online safety for their children.

Balance between innovation and regulation:

• India’s model strikes a unique balance between fostering innovation and regulation to protect personal data.
• Unlike restrictive global frameworks, these rules encourage economic growth while prioritizing citizen welfare.
• Stakeholders view this as a new global template for data governance.
• The framework envisages lesser compliance burden for smaller businesses and startups.
• An adequate period would be provided so that all stakeholders, from small enterprises to large corporates, may transition smoothly to achieve compliance with the new law.

Digital-first approach:

• The rules embrace a “digital by design” philosophy.
• Consent mechanisms, grievance redressal and the functioning of the Data Protection Board are all envisaged as “born digital”, to ensure Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business.
• The Board will function as a digital office, with a digital platform and app to enable citizens to approach it digitally and to have their complaints adjudicated without their physical presence being required.
• From processing complaints to interacting with Data Fiduciaries, workflows are optimised to ensure speed and transparency.
• This reflects India’s forward-looking approach to governance and builds trust between citizens and Data Fiduciaries.

Addressing stakeholder concerns:

• Businesses benefit from a pragmatic framework.
• Graded responsibilities cater to startups and MSMEs with lower compliance burden, while Significant Data Fiduciaries have higher obligations.
• Sector-specific data protection measures can complement the core personal data protection framework created by the Act and the rules.
• The Data Protection Board’s digital office approach would ensure quick and transparent resolution of complaints.
• The Board is required to take into consideration factors such as the nature and gravity of default, efforts made to mitigate impact, etc., while imposing penalties for defaults.
• Further, Data Fiduciaries may voluntarily give undertakings at any stage of proceedings, which if accepted by the Board would result in dropping of the same.
• This balances the need to protect the rights of citizens, while providing a fair adjudicatory framework for those processing personal data.
• Provisions for annual data protection impact assessments and audits for Significant Data Fiduciaries ensure effective arrangements to secure compliance.

Inclusive approach:

• The draft rules are based on wide ranging inputs gathered from various stakeholders and study of global best practices.
• They are grounded in the principles enshrined in the DPDP Act.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has invited feedback/comments from the public and stakeholders till 18.02.2025 through MyGov platform, in line with the Government’s commitment to adopt an inclusive approach to law-making.

Awareness initiatives:

• Recognizing the importance of citizen engagement, the government plans a comprehensive awareness campaign.
• These initiatives will educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities under the new framework, fostering a culture of data responsibility.
• Through these rules, India demonstrates leadership in shaping an equitable digital future.
• The draft rules are a testament to India’s commitment to ensuring protection of digital personal data of citizens while securing innovation-driven and inclusive growth.

UPSC Mains PYQ:

• Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (2017)

India’s Groundwater Revival

Introduction:

• In 2024, total annual groundwater recharge experienced a significant increase of 15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters), while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment.
• This progress underscores the importance of understanding groundwater’s availability, usage, and the challenges ahead.

Country’s Groundwater Resources:

• The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, releases annual reports on groundwater resources.
• The ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024’ offers a comprehensive state-wise overview, serving as a foundation for effective policies and management strategies.
• According to the latest report, the total annual groundwater recharge is assessed at 446.90 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM), with an extractable resource of 406.19 BCM and an annual extraction of 245.64 BCM.
• The report highlights increased recharge, mainly due to water bodies, tanks, and conservation structures and shows improvements in groundwater conditions compared to 2023.

The year 2024 has seen positive advancements in several key areas, with notable highlights including:

• Total Annual GW Recharge has increased (15 BCM) substantially and Extraction has declined (3 BCM) in 2024 from 2017 assessment.
• Recharge from Tanks, Ponds and WCS (Water Control System) has shown a consistent increase in the last five assessments.

Clean Groundwater: Essential for Future Generations

• Maintaining groundwater quality is just as crucial as its recharge for sustainable water management.
• Key pollutants such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Chloride, Uranium, and Nitrate pose serious health risks, either through direct toxicity or long-term exposure.
• Additionally, Elevated Electrical Conductivity (EC) can indicate contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, or saline intrusion, while Iron contamination may lead to gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the importance of careful water quality monitoring.
• To assess the critical areas impacted by contamination, the Annual Groundwater Quality Report for 2024 offers a comprehensive analysis of groundwater quality across India, drawing insights from data collected at over 15,200 monitoring locations and 4,982 trend stations.
• The report emphasizes the importance of not only preserving groundwater but also ensuring its quality for effective, long-term water management.
• The report further reveals that 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, with 100% of groundwater samples from the North-Eastern states being rated “excellent” for irrigation, underscoring the favorable conditions for agriculture in the region.

Ground Water Assessment and Management Initiatives:

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Includes water conservation and water harvesting structures, enhancing rural water security.
• 15th Finance Commission Grants: Provides financial assistance to states for rainwater harvesting and other water conservation activities.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation across rural and urban districts through convergence of various schemes.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0: Supports rainwater harvesting via stormwater drains and promotes groundwater recharge through ‘Aquifer Management Plans’.
• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has formulated guidelines for the States to adopt measures suitable to local conditions, such as Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) of Delhi, 2016, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL), 2016 and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014 with adequate focus on requirement of rainwater harvesting and water conservation measures.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020): Targets water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across 7 states, focusing on groundwater management.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to expand irrigation coverage and improve water use efficiency through components like Har Khet Ko Pani, Repair & Renovation of water bodies, and Surface Minor Irrigation schemes.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti has set up the Bureau of Water Use Efficiency (BWUE) under the National Water Mission, to act as a facilitator for promotion of improving water use efficiency across various sectors namely irrigation, drinking water supply, power generation, industries, etc. in the country.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022): Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district for water harvesting and conservation.
• National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM): Completed by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) for over 25 lakh sq. km, supporting groundwater recharge and conservation plans.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020): Developed by CGWB, plans for 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting and recharge structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall.
• CGWB, under Ground Water Management and Regulation Scheme, has also implemented several successful artificial recharge projects in the country for demonstrative purpose which enables the State Governments to replicate the same in suitable hydro-geological conditions.
• National Water Policy (2012) has been formulated by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which inter-alia advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and also highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall.
• Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Focuses on rainfed and degraded lands, incorporating activities like soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, and livelihoods development.
• National Water Awards: Launched in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources to recognize and encourage exceptional contributions towards water conservation and management across India.
• The awards aim to raise public awareness about the importance of water and motivate the adoption of best practices in water usage.

Reviving Groundwater for a Sustainable Future:

• India’s collaborative efforts and key initiatives have led to significant improvements in groundwater recharge, quality, and management.
• With a focus on sustainability and innovation, these measures ensure a secure water future for generations to come.
• Continued dedication will help maintain clean, accessible water for all.

UPSC Mains PYQ:

• Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)

Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’

• Raksha Mantri chaired a meeting with all the Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the eve of the New Year to review the progress on various schemes, projects, reforms and the way ahead.
• In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the MoD.
• This would aim at transforming the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.
• The following broad areas were identified for focussed intervention in 2025:
• Reforms should aim to further bolster Jointness & Integration initiatives and facilitate establishment of the Integrated Theatre Commands.
• Reforms should focus on new domains such as Cyber and Space, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics and Robotics.
• Associated Tactics, Techniques and Procedures required to win future wars should also be developed.
• Develop a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation & training.
• Acquisition procedures need to be made simpler and time-sensitive to facilitate swifter and robust capability development.
• Facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries, promoting public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business.
• Focus on collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem.
• Breaking silos.
• Effective civil-military coordination should aim to eliminate inefficiencies and optimise resources.
• Position India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers for knowledge sharing & resource integration.
• Ensure the welfare of veterans while leveraging their expertise.
• Efforts will be made towards optimisation of welfare measures for veterans.
• Instil a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas, fostering confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while imbibing best practices from modern militaries that suit the nation’s conditions.
• The ‘Year of Reforms’ will be a momentous step in the modernisation journey of the Armed Forces.
• It will lay the foundation for unprecedented advancements in the country’s defence preparedness, thus preparing to ensure the security and sovereignty of the nation amidst the challenges of the 21st century.

UPSC Mains PYQ:

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? (2014)