PRELIMS
OCI Rules
Why in News: The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced stricter rules for OCI holders, specifying new grounds for cancellation, including serious criminal convictions and threats to national security.
Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) updates rules under Section 7D(da) of Citizenship Act, 1955.
Scope: Applies to all OCI cardholders globally.
Background: OCI scheme (2005) allows foreign nationals of Indian origin lifelong visa-free travel; excludes Pakistani/Bangladeshi citizens and their descendants.
New Cancellation Grounds:
- Imprisonment ≥ 2 years.
- Charge-sheeted for offences punishable ≥ 7 years.
- Fraud or concealment in registration.
- Disaffection towards Indian Constitution.
- Illegal communication/trade with enemies during wartime.
- Imprisonment within 5 years of registration.
- National security, sovereignty, foreign relations, or public interest concerns.
Implication: Tightens monitoring of OCI holders; prevents misuse; aligns privileges with security and public order.
Enforcement: MHA implements; MEA supports cancellation decisions.
Sanchar Saathi App & Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)
Why in News: Sanchar Saathi App crosses 50 lakh downloads in six months.It Launched to enhance telecom security and citizen awareness.
Sanchar Saathi App:
- Launched: 2025
- Initiated by: Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
- Platforms: Android & iOS
- Languages: English, Hindi + 21 regional languages
- Aim: Empower mobile users, prevent misuse of telecom services
Key Features:
1. Chakshu – Report suspicious calls/SMS directly from mobile logs.
2. Know Mobile Connections – View/manage all numbers under your name.
3. Block Lost/Stolen Handsets – Trace and recover lost/stolen devices.
4. Verify Handset Genuineness – Check authenticity before purchase.
5. Report Incoming International Calls – With Indian number (+91).
6. Know Wireline ISP – Search for ISPs by PIN code, address, or name.
Significance:
- Promotes Jan Bhagidari (citizen participation in governance).
- Helps prevent telecom-related cybercrime & financial fraud.
- Provides public dashboards for transparency.
Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI):
- Implemented by: DoT
- Aim: Assess mobile numbers for financial fraud risk
- Beneficiaries: Banks, NBFCs, UPI providers to take proactive measures.
Ancient Human Presence in Wallacea
Why in News: Discovery in Sulawesi, Indonesia pushes back early human presence in Wallacea to ~1.5 million years ago.
Discovery:
Location: Soppeng, South Sulawesi
Findings: Small, chipped stone tools for cutting animals and carving rocks
Dating: Up to 1.48 million years using radioactive methods
Supporting Evidence: Nearby animal teeth
Significance:
- Extends timeline of early humans in Wallacea by ~0.5 million years
- Indicates Homo erectus could cross ocean gaps, implying early sea travel or island hopping skills
Implications for Human Migration:
- Challenges belief that early humans could not travel open seas
- Suggests migration from Asian mainland to Wallacea occurred much earlier
- Opens new discussions on prehistoric human dispersal towards Australia and Pacific
Wallacea Region:
- Includes Sulawesi, Lombok, Flores, Timor, Sumbawa
- Lies between Borneo & Java (west) and Australia & New Guinea (east)
- Named after Alfred Russel Wallace; mix of Asian and Australasian species
Homo Erectus:
- Extinct early human species, skilled in stone tool making and adaptation
- Sulawesi tools provide earliest evidence of presence in Wallacea, showing advanced survival skills
Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
Why in News: IOA formally approves India’s bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games
About Commonwealth Games:
- First held in 1930, Hamilton, Canada
- World’s 2nd largest multi-sport event
- Brings together athletes from 71 nations and territories
About IOA:
Established: 1927
Founders: Sir Dorabji Tata (President), Dr. A.G. Noehren (Secretary General)
Recognition: By International Olympic Committee in 1927
Status: Non-profit under Societies Registration Act, 1860
Objective: Develop, promote, and protect the Olympic Movement in India
Governance: Managed by 32-member Executive Council, headed by President
Border Security Force (BSF)
Why in News:Ministry of Home Affairs clears first-ever cadre review of BSF
About BSF:
Formed: 1965, after Pakistan’s attack in Gujarat
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (Central Armed Police Force)
Status: Largest border guarding force in the world
Deployment:
- Borders with Pakistan & Bangladesh
- Some Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states
Roles:
Peacetime:
- Stop cross-border crimes (smuggling)
- Ensure security in border areas
Wartime:
- Hold sectors till Army arrives
- Assist in attacks, guard POWs
- Protect supply lines and rear areas