Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• An Act to cement digital authoritarianism
• Our criminal laws must Uphold gender justice
• Why is Bihar’s caste-based survey facing legal challenges?
• Unhealthy prescription – On National Medical Commission’s regulations
• New Bills and a principled course for criminal law reforms
• Housing for all – Addressing housing shortage in urban areas requires urgent, concerted efforts

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

An Act to cement digital authoritarianism

News: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, also known as the Data Act, was enacted recently.

Why are critics concerned about the law?

Critics are concerned that this law undermines transparency and accountability instead of protecting citizens’ data.

They say that the law seems to facilitate data collection by the government and private entities rather than safeguarding personal information.

They argue that the law was shaped by the government’s desire for more control, influenced by the belief that technology can solve all problems. But this ideology gives rise to increased surveillance and control.

The state views data protection as being a nuisance to its digital programmes which is inherent in their architectural design.

Examples like the Aarogya Setu app and the Smart Cities Mission show how data privacy is overlooked in favor of technological expansion.

There are also more direct measures for surveillance, such as the plan for a “social media communications hub” and a facial recognition system. These projects can be given legal sanctity through exceptions in the Data Act.

Rather than protecting the ordinary citizen, the Act imposes fines on marginalized groups that might provide incomplete or incorrect information for their personal safety.

Will the Act improve over time?

It has been argued that with experience, the Data Act will improve over time. But this argument ignores the decline in democratic qualities in a digital India.

Recent laws in India have led to the creation of databases that have authoritarian undertones, storing personal and family information of citizens.

The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, and the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023, both contribute to these databases.

All these legislative actions seem to align with a broader pattern that culminates in the Data Act, suggesting a move towards greater state control over citizens’ data and lives.

Is the Data Act a “light touch regulation”?

Labeling the Data Act as “light touch regulation” would be inaccurate because it provides for vast and vague ministerial discretion.

The Union Government holds the power to exempt specific companies or even entire classes of companies from adhering to regulations.

Additionally, the government can initiate complaints against these companies on its own to the Data Protection Board of India, a body it both forms and oversees.

What will be the impact of the Data Act on the private sector?

The inspiration for the Data Act seems to be the National Intelligence Law of China, where the government can now demand any “such information as it may call for”.

This could lead to a scenario where private companies consistently seek favor from government officials for ambiguous compliance requirements.

This system may allow the government to decide winners and losers in India’s digital market. This aligns with a trend of centralized state control.

These developments coincide with a decline in global rankings for economic freedom according to organizations like the Cato Institute’s Human Freedom Index, the Heritage Foundation, and the Hudson Institute.

What should be the way forward?

The concerns raised echo a warning from the Supreme Court about the need for a strong data protection framework to ensure citizens’ liberty and dignity.

India needs a more comprehensive solution to this digital authoritarianism, as the Data Act is just a symptom of a bigger problem.

Our criminal laws must Uphold gender justice

News– Recently, Parliament introduced three Bills transforming India’s criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to replace the Indian Penal Code; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill to replace the Indian Evidence Act.

What are some positive aspects of these laws?

The government’s intention to modernize our criminal justice system is understandable and commendable.

The proposed revisions aim to bring key aspects of the system into the digital age, streamline the process of filing complaints, expedite legal proceedings, and introduce community service as a penalty for minor offenses.

The foundational framework of our existing penal code is over a century old. There is a need for legal revisions.

What are some women-centric concerns related to these Bills?

The consideration of women’s safety is of utmost importance. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) introduces more stringent and comprehensive provisions for offenses against women and children. It dedicates an entire chapter to these matters.

In contrast, under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such crimes are part of a broader chapter on offenses “affecting the human body.”

The choice of words and the tone adopted in the proposed changes within the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) exhibit a clear dichotomy in their view of gender. It upholds the idea of preserving women’s honor rather than treating women as equals.

Marital rape would only be considered a criminal offense if the wife is below the age of 18.

This outdated assumption that a married woman is the possession of her husband limits women’s control over their sexual and reproductive rights.

This is the case despite India’s efforts to strengthen laws against violence towards women and the Supreme Court’s engagement with petitions seeking to criminalize marital rape.

In specific instances, the language used in the text provides insightful viewpoints. For example, Section 73 of the BNS characterizes acts of assault as intending to “outrage her modesty.

These words reflect outdated ideas about women’s behavior, morality, and transgression. It lacks an emphasis on women’s rights.

The Bills also do not provide sufficient remedies for men or non-binary individuals encountering similar violations.

Ambiguities in certain other sections require careful reevaluation. For instance, the inclusion of “deceitful means” in relation to marriage could introduce new uncertainties when determining culpability.

Why is Bihar’s caste-based survey facing legal challenges?

News– The Supreme Court is set to hear on August 18, petitions challenging the Patna High Court’s verdict upholding the Bihar government’s ongoing caste survey.

What is the ‘caste-based survey’?

The State government has launched a two-phase caste survey in Bihar. It has stated that detailed information on socio-economic conditions would help create better government policies for disadvantaged groups.

The survey is estimated to collect socio-economic data for the population of Bihar. The first phase of the survey involves a house listing exercise.

In the second phase, data related to castes, sub-castes, and religions of all people is to be collected.

Why the need for a caste census?

The Census, conducted at the beginning of each decade, only captures caste data for those classified as Scheduled Castes.

Due to this limitation, there is no accurate population estimate available for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), various subgroups within the OBCs, and other castes.

Despite this lack of clarity, the central government has definitively rejected the idea of conducting a socio-economic caste census. It cites it as impractical, administratively complex, and burdensome.

In 2011, the Union government initiated a caste survey through the Socio-Economic and Caste Census of 2011. However, the raw data collected from around 1.3 billion Indians was never disclosed publicly due to data inaccuracies.

Political analysts view the recent step taken by the Bihar government as an effort by coalition parties to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Hindutva-oriented politics with a resurgence of Mandal politics.

On August 13, 1990, the V.P. Singh government declared its intention to implement the recommendations of the Mandal Commission report, which proposed a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes.

The Mandal Commission had estimated the OBC population at 52%. Nevertheless, there is ongoing debate regarding the accuracy of this estimate in the present day.

Why is it being challenged?

As per petitions in the Supreme Court, the State’s order announcing the survey is unconstitutional. It is due to the fact that the exclusive authority to conduct a census lies with the Centre as specified in the Constitution.

The State Government lacks the independent jurisdiction to appoint District Magistrates and local authorities for collecting data without a notification issued by the Centre under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.

The High Court’s decision is flawed on the grounds that it contravenes the Puttaswamy judgment. It permits the State to gather personal information through an executive order.

Unhealthy prescription – On National Medical Commission’s regulations

News– The National Medical Commission’s regulation has stipulated that doctors can prescribe only generic drugs, failing which they would be liable to be penalised.

What are the issues related to the National Medical Commission’s regulation on generic drugs?

The exclusive reliance on generic drugs will contribute to weakening the nexus between doctors and pharmaceutical companies. But, the new policy alters the dynamics by shifting power to chemists and pharmacies

Even with the new regulations in place, pharmacists could easily offer pricier branded versions of prescribed drugs. It can undermine the intended goal of the policy. This situation might strengthen the existing ties between pharmaceutical firms and pharmacy networks.

The subpar monitoring standards in the pharma sector have contributed to the proliferation of sub-standard or counterfeit medicines.

The Indian Medical Association asserts that only 0.1 percent of medicines undergo quality checks. The recent scandal involving contaminated children’s cough syrups supplied to Africa exemplifies the lax enforcement of good manufacturing practices.

Experts within the pharmaceutical sector acknowledge that there are generic drugs available on the market that have not undergone proper bioequivalence studies to assess their effectiveness.

Physicians are apprehensive that the variable quality of generic medications might compromise the effectiveness of their treatments. It could lead to reputational damage.

In medical institutions like hospitals and clinics, the risks could multiply if subpar generic drugs lead to suboptimal outcomes. In such situations, doctors may face physical assault from relatives of patients.

New Bills and a principled course for criminal law reforms

News– Recently, Parliament introduced three Bills transforming India’s criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to replace the Indian Penal Code; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill to replace the Indian Evidence Act.

What are the challenges in reformation of criminal laws?

Incorporating the collective aspirations of the public into criminal law reforms poses a significant challenge. Balancing the divergent views prevalent in society with the perspective of the state is necessary.

Criminal law functions as a mechanism for upholding societal stability. The deeply rooted perceptions of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, add complexity in reforming criminal laws.

The success or failure of criminal law reforms depends on their inception, formulation, resilience, and foresightedness.

The political leadership has consistently aimed to utilise criminal law as a preemptive instrument. Criminal law continues to be a crucial strategic resource for the state.

Which points must be considered while reforming the criminal laws?

The discourse surrounding the Bills should extend beyond evaluating favourable or unfavourable results. The core emphasis should be on emphasising that fundamental principles of criminal jurisprudence are maintained,

There is a need to assess the degree to which reforms cater to the requirements and apprehensions of those impacted by the criminal justice system.

The revised laws must achieve a careful equilibrium between state security and the individual freedoms

The effectiveness of reforms depends on their capacity to prevent potential misuse by those in positions of authority.

Adhering to principles of criminalization when introducing new offences is equally important. The underlying basis for the harm or legal offence caused by the criminalised behaviour requires thorough examination.

Criminal laws in India perpetuate class divisions. They favour the wealthy and privilege in accessing justice over marginalised and vulnerable individuals. Therefore, ensuring principles of equality and fairness is crucial in evaluating criminal law reform.

It is not appropriate to assume that the general population opposes stringent measures against terrorists or organised criminals. However, enhancing the severity of laws does not automatically restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The effectiveness of reforms depends on the criminal justice system’s capability to implement them efficiently.

The impact of the reforms on the vulnerable, victims, and the underprivileged will also determine their effectiveness.

Housing for all – Addressing housing shortage in urban areas requires urgent, concerted efforts

News: The PM recently introduced a scheme for urban poor housing while PMAY-U was extended until December 2024. This raises concerns about PMAY-U’s goal achievement.

What are the concerns with Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)?

In the last eight years since the launch of PMAY-U, only two–thirds of the sanctioned houses were either completed or handed over.

Central assistance has been limited to 24.4%, with 16% from States and urban local bodies; the remaining 60% is to be borne by beneficiaries.

Out of the initially projected ₹8.31 lakh crore investment for 1.23 crore houses, the burden of ₹4.95 lakh crore falls on the beneficiaries, who are primarily the urban poor.

Hence, in such a situation a new scheme should include provisions that benefit the beneficiaries and are better than PMAY-U.

Read More: PM announces new housing scheme for urban poor; low interest rate loans on offer and Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) – “Housing for All” Mission up to 31st December 2024

What provisions can be included in the proposed new housing scheme?

In the suggested plan, the beneficiaries’ portion would be reduced to around 40%, due to their limited income.

Moreover, the Parliamentary Committee’s recommendations for PMAY-U should guide the new housing scheme’s design.

The Committee proposed moving away from uniform and fixed assistance and adopting flexibility based on factors like topography. Investigating causes behind poor housing quality and unoccupancy is also advised.

What is the way ahead?

Expensive land, restricted floor space, and numerous certifications from various agencies impact urban housing success.

Hence, to address this, the central government should facilitate discussions involving State governments, local bodies, urban planners, professionals, financial institutions, and activists.

GS Paper 3

Express View on export data: Global headwinds

News: Recently released trade data by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry points towards a continuing weakness in India’s exports.

What does the data say?

In July, merchandise exports declined by almost 16 per cent to a nine-month low of $32.25 billion. Goods imports also fell by 17 per cent to $52.9 billion.

In the first four months of the financial year (April-July), exports and imports have now contracted by 14.5 per cent and 13.8 per cent respectively.

The disaggregated data shows that 19 of the 30 major export items have declined during April-July. These also include labor intensive sectors such as gems and jewelry, leather products, textiles etc.

However, electronic exports continue to grow at a robust pace, rising by 37.6 per cent during April-July.

What are the reasons for the decline?

Firstly, part of the decline can be traced towards lower commodity prices.

Secondly, weak global and domestic demand is indicated by the fall in both non-oil exports and imports.

In which region has seen the most decline in India’s exports?

As per an analysis by CRISIL, the decline in India’s exports has been more pronounced in the Asia Pacific region.

In the first two months of the financial year, exports to the Asia Pacific region declined by 21.8 per cent, followed by the US (12.9 per cent), Africa (8.6 per cent) and Europe (6 per cent).

As per this analysis, the share of Asia Pacific region in India’s goods exports has been on a decline since the beginning of the pandemic.

What should be done?

In the near term, slowing global demand and trade will continue to weigh down exports.

The IMF’s July update of World Economic Outlook has predicted slower growth for the world economy and world trade volume growth (goods and services).

Considering its broader economic implications such as on job creation and the current account, policy must focus on creating a conducive ecosystem to boost exports.

How To Bottle Inflation Genie

News: Consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation, which appeared to have peaked at the beginning this fiscal, spiked to 7. 4% in July, decisively above the Reserve Bank of India’s upper tolerance limit of 6%. The reason was food inflation, over which RBI’s monetary policy has limited influence.

How is the food inflation driving CPI?

CPI has three components: ‘food and beverages’, ‘fuel’ and ‘core’.

Food has 45.9% weightage in the index, fuel 6. 8% and core 47. 3%. Core inflation is arrived at by removing data of the other two.

Of the three, food inflation is the most volatile, and has a disproportionate impact on the overall CPI movement.

In July, food inflation increased to 11. 5% from 4. 5% in June, whereas fuel and core fell 3. 6% and 4. 9%, respectively. If we took food out, inflation in July was only 4. 8%.

If sustained, food inflation can spill over to other components and steer the CPI inflation above RBI’s target.

Is this surge in food inflation transient, or can it create sustained pressure?

Inflation in vegetables, the key driver of food inflation, flared up to 37% in July compared with 0. 9% in June. This is not a cause of concern because vegetables have a short crop cycle and prices increase and correct quickly.

Vegetable prices are cyclical in nature and experience what is called “Cobweb Phenomenon”.

Cobweb Phenomenon: This refers to a phenomenon where the prices of certain goods witness fluctuations that are cyclical in nature. It happens due to faulty producer expectations. The producers of tomatoes, for instance, might decide to increase their output in one year because their product commanded a very high price the previous year. This, however, might lead to overproduction and cause prices to slump that year, thus leading to losses.

The worrying constituents of food inflation are ‘cereals’, ‘spices’, and ‘pulses’, where inflation continues to rise.

Spices inflation has averaged 18% over the past year because supply has been hit due to pest attacks and lower production. Cereals inflation has averaged 13% since August 2022.

El Nino’s potential to disrupt palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia may drive prices upward, affecting India, a significant palm oil importer. Despite current lower edible oil prices compared to last year, the risk of a global shock could reverse this trend.

Prices of pulses have also been increasing. In June and July, pulses inflation averaged 11%, and sowing continues to lag.

What are the steps taken by the government?

Food prices are tamed by increasing supply and the government has taken steps to boost supplies.

The government has imposed stocking limit on wheat, removed the 40% procurement ceiling on pulses, and raised their minimum support prices to incentivize farmers.

To check the rise in domestic prices due to exports, government has banned some varieties of non-basmati rice for export and is intervening in the market by selling rice from its stock at lower prices.

Why will core inflation remain low?

Firstly, the goods part of core CPI inflation is falling and will benefit from a sharp decline in input costs as reflected in the negative Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for non-food prices.

Secondly, slow GDP growth in the second half will alleviate inflationary pressures. This will coincide with the peak impact of a global growth slowdown and the delayed effects of interest rate increases.

Understanding the MoEFCC’s U-turn

News: In June, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reversed its decision to establish integrated regional offices by merging offices of the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

Why did the Ministry take back its decision?

Objection from NTCA: The idea of merging was first introduced amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

While the MoEFCC claimed that the merger would promote ease of doing business, the NTCA objected, citing concerns about potential administrative disorder, chaos, and loss of its autonomy.

Technical and Administrative Challenges: In response to the Karnataka High Court petition, the MoEFCC clarified that the notification wasn’t a merger attempt. Instead, it aimed to have various authorities operate together in 19 regional offices.

However, the MoEFCC dropped the merger due to complex technical and administrative challenges.

Criticism: Environmental activists criticized the decision, fearing that it would weaken crucial environmental organizations.

For example, NTCA can halt projects impacting Tiger Reserves, but the merger would have reduced its power by placing it under the control of the Deputy Director General of Forests.

What are other notifications that faced criticism?

Reorganizing Regional Offices: The notification also suggested a reorganization of current regional offices, which was also met with criticism due to its apparent lack of objective criteria.

For example, the notification proposed placing the Bengaluru regional office in charge of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Lakshadweep, despite their diverse geographic and ecological traits.

Combining Project Tiger and Project Elephant: In the last month, the Indian government proposed combining Project Tiger and Project Elephant, raising concerns about NTCA’s autonomy.

Unlike Tiger Reserves, Elephant Reserves lack legal recognition under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Hence, merging them could diminish Project Elephant’s significance, as it currently lacks proper legal recognition.

How has the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) changed in recent years?

Recently, regional ministry offices have expanded their roles in environmental approvals and project compliance, requiring increased funding and infrastructure. However, it’s unclear if this necessary support has been provided.

What is the way ahead?

Decentralized infrastructure is vital for accessibility and legal enforcement. An internal review system is also needed to ensure unbiased regulatory outcomes, upholding both environmental protection and social justice.

Note: The NTCA oversees India’s Tiger Reserves and manages Project Tiger. The FSI, a scientific body, focuses on forest data, while the WCCB is an enforcement authority. The CZA’s responsibilities are centered around zoo operations.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

To remove gender stereotypes from the law, a new SC handbook

Source: The post is based on the article “To remove gender stereotypes from the law, a new SC handbook”  published in The Hindu 17th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has launched a handbook titled “Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes”.

What is the purpose of the “Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes”?

Aim: To free the judiciary and the legal community from the mechanical application of gender stereotypical language in judgments, orders, and court pleadings.

– To assist judges and the legal community in identifying, understanding and combating stereotypes about women.

Key details of the handbook: 

Importance of Language used by judges: The language a judge uses reflects not only their interpretation of the law, but their perception of society as well.

– Even when the use of stereotypes does not alter the outcome of a case, stereotypical language may reinforce ideas contrary to our constitutional ethos.

– Language is critical to the life of the law. Words are the vehicle through which the values of the law are communicated. Words transmit the ultimate intention of the lawmaker or the judge to the nation.

Stereotypical words used in judgements: The handbook identifies common stereotypical words and phrases used about women, many of them routinely found in judgements.

– For example: In the 2017 SC ruling awarding the death penalty for the convicts in the Delhi gang-rape case, the verdict repeatedly uses the word “ravished” to say raped.

–  The 2017 judgment of the Kerala High Court had said “A girl aged 24 years is weak and vulnerable, capable of being exploited in many ways”.

Alternative words to be used: The handbook also contains a glossary of gender unjust terms and suggests alternative words and phrases which may be used. For example:

– Instead of using words like “seductress”, “whore” or “woman of loose morals”, the word “woman” has to be used.

– The handbook also prohibits use of words like “hooker” and “prostitute” and said the term “sex worker” be used instead.

– The word “eve-teasing” will now be termed as “street sexual harassment” and “housewife” will now become “homemaker” for judicial discourses.

False assumptions: The handbook also deals with the “so-called inherent characteristics” of women.

– One of the identified stereotypes is the idea that women are overly emotional, illogical, and cannot take decisions. The reality is that a person’s gender does not determine or influence their capacity for rational thought.

– It also refers to assumptions made about a woman’s character based on her expressive choices, such as the clothes she wears, and her sexual history.

– Such assumptions may impact the judicial assessment of her actions and statements in a case involving sexual violence. For instance, they diminish the importance of consent in sexual relationships.

‘Vishwakarma scheme will aid 30 lakh artisan families

Source: The post is based on the article “‘Vishwakarma scheme will aid 30 lakh artisan families”  published in The Hindu on 17th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a new Scheme  named “PM Vishwakarma”. 

What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.

– To improve the quality, as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that the Vishwakarmas are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.

Coverage: The scheme will provide support to artisans and craftspeople of rural and urban areas across India. 

– Eighteen traditional trades will be covered under the scheme. These include carpenter, boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, stone breaker, cobbler, mason, basket/mat/broom maker/coir weaver, traditional doll and toy maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor and fishing net maker.

Duration of the scheme: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28). 

Key Features of the scheme: Artisans and craftspeople will be provided a recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.

– The scheme has a provision of credit support of up to ₹1 lakh (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche) with a concessional interest rate of 5%.

– It also has a provision to provide skill upgradation, incentive for toolkit as well as digital transactions and marketing support.

– Skilling programmes will take place at both basic and advanced types. Participants will get a stipend of ₹500 per day while undergoing training.

– Beneficiaries will also receive up to ₹15,000 to buy modern tools.

Cabinet approves “PM-eBus Sewa” for augmenting city bus operations; priority to cities having no organized bus service

Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves “PM-eBus Sewa” for augmenting city bus operations; priority to cities having no organized bus service”  published in PIB on 16th August 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved PM-eBus Sewa to improve urban mobility and decarbonise public transport in cities. 

What is an e-Bus?

An e-bus is any bus whose propulsion and accessory systems are powered exclusively by a zero-emissions electricity source.

What is the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme?

Aim: To enhance green mobility in the cities.

Coverage: The scheme will cover cities of Three lakh and above population as per census 2011 including all the Capital cities of Union Territories, North Eastern Region and Hill States. 

– Under this scheme priority will be given to cities having no organized bus service.

Segments: The scheme has two segments:

Segment 1: In 169 cities, 10,000 e-buses will be deployed using a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

– Infrastructure will also be developed or upgraded to support the new e-buses, including the creation of behind-the-meter power infrastructure like substations.

Segment 2: In 181 other cities, infrastructure will be upgraded under the green urban mobility initiatives

– Initiatives will focus on bus priority, infrastructure, multimodal interchange facilities, automated fare collection systems and charging infrastructure.

Support for operation: States or cities will be responsible for running the bus services and making payments to the bus operators. 

– The Central government will support these bus operations by providing subsidies to the extent specified in the scheme.

Benefits of the Scheme: Around 45,000 to 55,000 direct jobs are expected to be generated via the scheme.

– The adoption of electric mobility services will help reduce noise and air pollution in Indian cities and also curb carbon emissions. 

– The scheme is also expected to bring in economies of scale for the procurement of electric buses through aggregation.

Meet ‘Pibot,’ the humanoid robot that can safely pilot an airplane better than a human

Source: The post is based on the article “Meet ‘Pibot,’ the humanoid robot that can safely pilot an airplane better than a human”  published on Euronews.com on 15th August.

What is the News?

A team of engineers and researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) is currently developing a humanoid robot named ‘Pibot’ that can fly an aircraft without needing to modify the cockpit.

What is Pibot?

Pibot is the world’s first humanoid pilot.

It can fly an aero plane just like a human pilot by manipulating all the single controls in the cockpit, which is designed for humans.

Key Features: It uses artificial intelligence and robotics to understand flight manuals and control the plane in real-time. 

– Pibot’s arms and fingers can control flight instruments even during turbulence.It has cameras to monitor the aircraft and manage controls. 

– It remembers global flight charts for accurate navigation and can handle emergencies. 

– Pibot communicates with air traffic controllers and humans using voice synthesis, acting as a pilot or first officer.

Scientists solve Manipur salamander ‘puzzle’

Source: The post is based on the article “Scientists solve Manipur salamander ‘puzzle’”  published in The Hindu on 16th August 2023.

What is the News?

In 2022, scientists explored the Khongtheng mountain range in Manipur to study Tylototriton verrucosus, also known as the crocodile newt.

While exploring, they discovered a new salamander species named Tylototriton zaimeng in Zaimeng Lake.

What is Tylototriton zaimeng?

Tylototriton zaimeng is a salamander species in the Zaimeng Lake of Manipur.

– Note: Salamanders are a group of amphibians typically characterized by their lizard-like appearance, with slender bodies, blunt snouts, short limbs projecting at right angles to the body, and the presence of a tail in both larvae and adults. 

Named after: Tylototriton zaimeng has been named after Zaimeng, a mountain lake located atop the Khongtheng mountain range in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

– Zaimeng is the dialect spoken by the Liangmai people, a Naga tribe residing both in Nagaland and Manipur. Zaimeng in the Liangmai dialect means “puzzle” or “mystery”.

Habitat: The habitat of Tylototriton zaimeng is confined to the Khongtheng mountain range in Manipur.

Features: Tylototriton zaimeng — was mistaken for its close relatives T. himalayanus and T. verrucosus until now.

– However, researchers found that it had distinct characteristics that set it apart from its close relatives.

– It was found to be a medium-sized salamander unlike any other. Its head is massive and wide, with a rounded snout and protruding supratemporal bony ridges, while a well-developed sagittal ridge adorns its crown.

Recommended conservation status: Due to its isolation and limited distribution, the scientists have advocated inclusion of the new species in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List as a Vulnerable (VU) species. 

INCOIS launches ‘SAMUDRA’ mobile app for seafarers and fishing community

Source: The post is based on the article “INCOIS launches ‘SAMUDRA’ mobile app for seafarers and fishing community”  published in The Hindu on 14th August 2023.

What is the News?

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services(INCOIS) has launched  a new mobile application named ‘SAMUDRA’.

What is the SAMUDRA app?

Full Form: SAMUDRA stands for Smart Access to Marine Users for Ocean Data Resources and Advisories.

Purpose: To offer comprehensive information on all ocean related services, useful for both seafarers and the fishing community.

Features: The app empowers users with real-time updates and critical alerts on oceanic disasters such as tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, and swell surge alerts, for the individuals and communities to stay informed and take necessary precautions towards the protection of lives and property. 

Significance: The app will be especially beneficial to the fishing community as it disseminates Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories which will guide them to the probable fish aggregation locations. 

The importance of the Sulina Channel to Ukraine grain trade

Source: The post is based on the article “The importance of the Sulina Channel to Ukraine grain trade”  published in Indian Express on 17th August 2023.

What is the News?

Sulina Channel has provided Ukraine with an alternative passage for its grain after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal.

What is the Danube River?

Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, after the Volga in Russia. 

It flows through much of Central and Southeastern Europe, from the Black Forest into the Black Sea.

Near Romania, the river begins to spread out into its delta which has three major channels – Chilia, Sulina and St George.

What is Sulina Channel?

Sulina Channel is a 63 km long distributary of the Danube. It lies completely within the borders of Romania.

Of the three major channels of the Danube river, the Sulina Channel is the only one deep and wide enough for freight transport. 

It is a sort of a riverine ‘expressway’ – crucial for transport of goods from inland to the Black Sea.

How can the Sulina Channel be used for transporting Ukraine grain?

Sulina Channel connects major Ukrainian ports on the river to the Black Sea.

Hence, ships carrying grain from Ukraine leave from Ukrainian ports such as Izmail and Reni on the mainstream (or the Chilia Channel) and head to the port of Sulina, at the mouth of the Sulina Channel.

From there, they head to Constanta, Romania’s biggest seaport. Here the cargo is transferred to bigger ships that carry it out of the Black Sea into the Mediterranean through the Bosphorus straits. This route is under constant surveillance and protection of NATO.

Centre and WHO to launch Global Initiative on Digital Health

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre and WHO to launch Global Initiative on Digital Health”  published in The Hindu on 17th August 2023.

What is the News?

India in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) will launch the Global Initiative on Digital Health.

What is the Global Initiative on Digital Health?

Launched by: India in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)

Aim: The initiative is aimed at data convergence, interface of health platforms and investments in the digital health space around the globe. 

Features: The initiative will include a digital platform which will consist of an investment tracker, an ask tracker (to understand who needs what kind of products and services) and a library of existing digital health platforms.

Significance: The initiative would aid universal health convergence and improve healthcare service delivery.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: Poverty Measurement in India: Approaches and Challenges – Explained, pointwise