• A National Lok Adalat for pre-litigation and pending matters was organised under the patronage of Justice Amjad A Sayed, Chief Justice, High Court, and Justice Sabina, Judge, High Court, and executive chairperson, Himachal Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (HPSLA), in the state.
• The HPSLSA also organised a special online Lok Adalat with technical support of SAMA (an online dispute resolution organisation), for MV challans cases at the pre-litigation stage along with National Lok Adalat. The initiative was taken to facilitate the compounding of motor vehicle challans by the violators from their home to save their time and expenses.
• The National Lok Adalat was celebrated all over the state as large footfall of the litigants was registered in all 133 Lok Adalat Benches.
• The public was made aware of the National Lok Adalat through SMS messages, jingles and distribution of IEC material.
• In the special online Lok Adalat for MV challan cases, the response was not good as only 11,629 cases were settled online and the amount of compounding fee collected was Rs 1,16,89,200 till 4 pm.
• Besides, 1,06,376 cases were taken up in the National Lok Adalat before different benches for settlement of which about 47,472 cases were settled/disposed of, and approximately Rs 75,56,73,919 was recovered/awarded to the claimants. A record number of cases were settled in this National Lok Adalat.

• The seventh edition of the Global Technology Summit will begin on 29th November 2022, in New Delhi in hybrid format.
• The three day Summit is India’s annual flagship event on Geotechnology, and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.
• External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will speak on geo-digital and its effects during the inaugural session of the Summit.
• External Affairs Ministry said, over the course of three days, the world’s leading minds in technology, government, security, space, startups, data, law, public health, climate change, academics and economy will gather and debate the vital questions related to technology and its future.
• The theme for this year’s Summit is ‘Geopolitics of Technology’.
• The Summit will see participation from more than 100 speakers across over 50-panel discussions, keynote addresses, book launches, and other events.
• Ministers and senior government officials from the US, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bhutan, the European Union, and other countries will also participate in the Summit.
• More than 5000 participants from all over the world have registered to attend the Summit.
• A large number of participants would be joining the conversations through the GTS Summit website and Carnegie India’s YouTube and social media pages.

• The Central Government proposes to make birth certificates mandatory documents for jobs, education, voter list registration and others for appointment in Central and state government jobs.
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposes to amend the Registration of Birth and Death Act (RBD), 1969; bill in the upcoming winter session on December 7.
• “The birth certificates used to prove the date and place of birth of a person born on or after the date of Amendment for admission into educational institutions; issuance of driving licence; preparation of voter list; registration of marriage; appointment in central government, state government, local bodies and public sector undertakings, statutory bodies, autonomous bodies under Central and State government; Issuance of passport and other cases as prescribed by rules,” the MHA proposes.
• The government’s new amendment bill proposes hospitals and medical institutions make a copy of death certificates mandatory and also state the cause of death while submitting them to the local registrar.
• Moreover, the database will be linked to the electoral roll. Hence when a person turns 18 or dies, the database will add or delete respectively.
• “The draft Bill was placed in the public domain for suggestions last year. The comments have been received from state governments and the required changes have been incorporated.
• The legislative department is examining the Bill, and it will then be presented for the Union Cabinet’s approval.

• To counter India’s reliance on China for imports of critical rare earth minerals, industry has urged the government to encourage private sector mining in the sector and diversify sources of supply for these strategic raw materials.
• “Set up an ‘India Rare Earths Mission’, manned by professionals, like the India Semiconductor Mission and make their exploration a critical component of the Deep Ocean Mission plan of the government,” the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has submitted, suggesting steps to encourage private players to mine such minerals.
• Though India has 6% of the world’s rare earth reserves, it only produces 1% of global output, and meets most of its requirements of such minerals from China, the industry grouping pointed out in a memorandum of suggestions for the Union Budget recently submitted to the Finance Ministry.

‘Broad-base supply’

• In 2018-19, for instance, 92% of rare earth metal imports by value and 97% by quantity were sourced from China. “Clearly there is a need to build domestic capability and broad-base supply sources for such an important and strategic raw material,” the CII said, making a pitch for harnessing the potential of the country’s own rare earth reserves.
• Suggesting that such minerals should not be held captive to India’s civil nuclear programme, the industry body has recommended that the public sector firm Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), administered by the Department of Atomic Energy, should be split into two entities.
• While IREL primarily focuses on Thorium mining, CII has suggested that the second entity could pursue other minerals.
• The industry group has also mooted making rare earth minerals a part of the ‘Make In India’ campaign, citing China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative that focuses on new materials, including permanent magnets that are made using rare earth minerals. China offers state support for the industry.

• Cybersecurity experts recently noted that apps that let users connect smartphones or laptops to wireless earplugs can record conversations, and are vulnerable to hacks.

About:

• It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection.
• Once a device or phone is bluebugged, a hacker can listen to the calls, read and send messages and steal and modify contacts.
• It started out as a threat for laptops with Bluetooth capability.
• Later hackers used the technique to target mobile phones and other devices.

Process:

• Bluebugging attacks work by exploiting Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• The device’s Bluetooth must be in discoverable mode, which is the default setting on most devices.
• The hacker then tries to pair with the device via Bluetooth.
• Once a connection is established, hackers can use brute force attacks to bypass authentication.
• They can install malware in the compromised device to gain unauthorised access to it.
• Bluebugging can happen whenever a Bluetooth enabled device is within a 10-metre radius of the hacker.
• However, according to a blog by VPN service provider NordVPN, hackers can use booster antennas to widen the attack range.

Which devices are most susceptible to such attacks?

• Any Bluetooth-enabled device can be bluebugged.
• Wireless earbuds are susceptible to such hacks.
• Apps that enable users to connect to their TWS (True Wireless Stereo) devices or earbuds can record conversations.
• The apps of these TWS devices can record conversations.
• Once hacked, the attacker can make and listen to calls, read and send messages, and modify or steal your contacts.

• The chief monk of World Buddhist Pope Association of Korea, Shakya Gasan will lay the foundation stone of International Buddhist University in South Tripura’s Manu Bankul on November 29, a senior monk said on Sunday.
• Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, local MLA Sankar Roy and senior Buddhist monk from Thailand Dr Pornchai Pinyapoong will be present at the foundation stone laying programme.
• ”Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University (DDIBU) will be the first Buddhist University in India to be headed by Buddhist Monastics and run and monitored by Buddhists. This university will set an example in the history of Indian Buddhism for the promotion and revitalization of Buddhist culture”, said Dhammapiya, the founder chairman of Bahujan Hitaya Education Trust (BHET).
• ”His holiness Dalai Lama will not be joining the programme physically but has sent his message for his spiritual participation”, he said.
• Dhammapiya hopes DDIBU to offer insight and depth of Buddhist lens, a better understanding of the contemporary world and will also prepare students and youth with knowledge and skills so that they can lead a healthy, peaceful and satisfying life.
• Students from 31 countries will get a chance to study as well as research Buddhist literature, culture and tradition in the proposed varsity. Besides, there is also a plan to establish medical, technical and general degree colleges on the campus.
• On September 26, the Tripura Assembly passed a bill paving the way for establishing a Buddhist University at Manu Bankul, around 135 km from the state capital.

About:

• Indian snow leopard experts received the Madrid-based BBVA Foundation’s Worldwide Biodiversity Conservation Award on behalf of a 12-nation intergovernmental alliance –The Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

What is The Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)?

• The GSLEP is a first-of-its-kind intergovernmental alliance for the conservation of the snow leopard and its unique ecosystem.
• It is led by the environment ministers of 12 countries in Asia that form the home range of the snow leopard. These are Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The total range spans two million square kilometres.
• The GSLEP Program’s secretariat is based in Bishkek, and is hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic.
• GSLEP was created in 2013when officials, politicians and conservationists arrived at a common conservation strategy enshrined in the Bishkek Declaration (2013) to cooperate in the conservation of this species and its habitat.

• India-Malaysia joint military Exercise Harimau Shakti-2022 started at Pulai Klang in Malaysia.
• Defence Ministry said, HARIMAU SHAKTI will enhance the defence cooperation between Indian Army and the Malaysian Army.
• It said, combat troops of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army are participating in the exercise.
• The military exercise will enhance interoperability in planning and execution of various operations in jungle terrain.
• During the exercise, emphasis will be made on developing tactical skills and enhancing interoperability between the two forces.
• HARIMAU SHAKTI is an annual training event between Indian and Malaysian armies which has been conducted since 2012.

• Recognizing that the Indo-Pacific region will play a significant role in the Canada’s future, the country has launched an Indo-Pacific strategy with an initial investment of nearly $2.3 billion over the next five years.
• The Indo-Pacific strategy presents a comprehensive roadmap to deepen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next 10 years, increasing its contribution to regional peace and security, consolidating economic growth and resilience, strengthening close ties between its people and supporting sustainable development throughout the region, said the High Commission of Canada.
• The strategy was launched by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly.
• “The central tenet of the Indo-Pacific Strategy is acting in Canada’s national interests, while defending our values”.
• It positions Canada as a reliable partner to the region, now and into the future. It is an ambitious plan, beginning with an investment of almost $2.3 billion over the next five years,” it said.
• This whole-of-society strategy puts forward how Canada intends to actively work with allies and partners to shape the future of the region, in the midst of a generational global shift.
• To promote Canada’s regional peace and security interests, the government will invest more than $720 million. This investment includes, among other things: $492.9 million to strengthen Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific and increase Canadian Armed Forces‘ participation in regional military exercises; and $47.3 million to launch a new interdepartmental initiative to build the cybersecurity capacities of selected regional partners.
• To foster open, rules-based trade and support the country’s economic prosperity, Canada will invest $240.6 million. This investment includes, among other things: $24.1 million to create the Canadian Southeast Asia Trade Gateway to expand Canada’s business and investment networks in the region; $31.8 million to establish Canada’s first agricultural office in the region to increase and diversify agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific; and $13.5 million to expand natural resource linkages with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region in the areas of trade, investment, and science, technology and innovation.
• To strengthen the close ties between Canadians and the people of the Indo-Pacific, Canada will contribute $261.7 million.
• This investment includes, among other things: $100 million to fund development programmes related to the Feminist International Assistance Policy to support the Indo-Pacific; $74.6 million to strengthen Canada’s visa processing capacity within the centralised Canadian network as well as in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad and Manila, to strengthen the close ties between its people.
• As part of its commitment to building a clean future, Canada has pledged a total of $913.3 million. This investment includes, among other things, i.e, $750 million will strengthen FinDev Canada’s ability to expand into the Indo-Pacific and accelerate its work in priority markets to support the development of high-quality and sustainable infrastructure; and $84.3 million to contribute to a healthier marine environment in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes strengthened measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
• To strengthen its presence, visibility and influence in the region, Canada has pledged a total of $143.3 million. This investment includes, among other things, i.e, $92.5 million to significantly increase the capacity of Canada’s missions abroad and within Global Affairs Canada; $24.5 million for the opening of a new Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada office in the region to help build and strengthen relationships with local partners.
• “The future of the Indo-Pacific is ours; we have a role to play in shaping it. To this end, we must be a genuine and reliable partner. Today we are presenting a truly Canadian strategy — one that addresses every aspect of our society. This strategy sends a clear message: Canada is present in the region and it is here to stay,” said Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Responding to investment to strengthen visa processing capacity, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said, “The Indo-Pacific region is critical for immigration to Canada and will continue to be so in the future. Today’s announcement brings significant new funding to help boost Canada’s visa application processing capacity at home and abroad. As we look to record growth in admissions in the years ahead, this funding will help promote greater diversity among those looking to work and study in Canada.”
• The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing economic region and accounts for 65% of the global population. By 2030, it will be home to two thirds of the global middle class. The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second-largest regional export market, after the United States, with annual 2-way trade valued at $226 billion.

• Debutant director Siddharth Chauhan’s feature film “Amar Colony” has won the special jury prize at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
• The movie is the only Indian title which was showcased in the ‘First Feature Competition’ at the festival, held annually in Estonia’s capital Tallinn.
• Starring Nimisha Nair, Sangeeta Agrawal and Usha Chauhan, the Shimla-set “Amar Colony” revolves around three women going through their mundane lives, representing the human condition, in a chawl.
• Therese Malvar, the co-juror for the ‘First Feature Competition’, said the jury presented the honour to “Amar Colony” for originality of vision.
• “This film delighted us with a bold and innovative presentation of a small town community whose frank sensuality and unabashed pursuit of urges, both human and divine, are set against the resonant backdrop of a culturally rich and deeply personal setting.
• “The director daringly takes us by the hand and leads us on a journey to his world, introducing us to his characters and their lives with affection and often with humor,” Malvar said.
• “‘Amar Colony’ winning the Special Jury Award is a dream come true. Siddharth Chauhan is a filmmaker to watch in the years to come,” added producer Nisheeth Kumar of Indie Film Collective.
• The film is produced in association with ‘Goopy Bagha Productions’.
• “Amar Colony” will have its India premiere in the ‘Indian Cinema Now’ section at the 27th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), which will be held from December 9-16 in Thiruvananthapuram.