CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09/04/2024
Contents
- CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09/04/2024
- Total Solar Eclipse in North America: Why is this so rare?
- How PMLA got its sharp teeth?
- Households’ debt surged to new high by Dec. 2023
- A new methodology with some issues
- Different approaches to AI regulation
- Right against climate change a fundamental right, says SC
- Strong link between high glycaemic index diet and diabetes, says study
CURRENT AFFAIRS – 09/04/2024
Total Solar Eclipse in North America: Why is this so rare?
(General Studies- Paper III)
Source : The Indian Express
A solar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the sunlight either partially or entirely, thus casting a shadow on certain parts of the Earth.
Key Highlights
- Types of Solar Eclipses
- There are four main types of solar eclipses, each distinguished by the extent to which the Sun is obscured and the appearance of the eclipse:
- Total Solar Eclipse:
- During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, plunging the area within the Moon’s shadow into darkness.
- Observers within the path of totality can witness the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is typically obscured by the Sun’s brightness.
- Annular Solar Eclipse:
- An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun but is positioned near its farthest point from Earth.
- As a result, the Sun appears as a bright ring, or “ring of fire,” around the silhouette of the Moon.
- Partial Solar Eclipse:
- In a partial solar eclipse, the Moon only partially covers the Sun, resulting in a crescent-shaped Sun.
- Areas outside the path of the Moon’s shadow will experience a partial eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun is obscured.
- Hybrid Solar Eclipse:
- The rarest type of solar eclipse, a hybrid eclipse, involves a transition between total and annular eclipses as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Earth’s surface.
- Some regions may experience a total eclipse, while others observe an annular eclipse.
- Significance and Rarity
- Solar eclipses are significant astronomical events that captivate the attention of observers worldwide.
- However, they are also relatively rare occurrences for any given location on Earth.
- According to Royal Museums Greenwich, after experiencing a total solar eclipse, it may take approximately 400 years before the same location witnesses another one.
- Frequency of Solar Eclipses
- Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun during the new moon phase, which happens approximately every 29.5 days due to the Moon’s orbit around the Earth.
- However, solar eclipses do not occur every month.
- Instead, they typically occur between two to five times annually.
- Factors Influencing Occurrence
- The frequency of solar eclipses is influenced by the alignment of the Moon’s orbit relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
- The Moon’s orbit is tilted by about five degrees with respect to Earth’s orbit, causing its shadow to usually fall either above or below the Earth.
- This tilt results in specific points, called nodes, where the Moon’s orbit intersects with Earth’s orbit, providing opportunities for solar eclipses to occur.
- Rare Occurrence of Total Solar Eclipses
- While solar eclipses may happen multiple times per year, total solar eclipses are much rarer events.
- Total eclipses occur approximately once every 18 months, and a specific location on Earth may experience a total eclipse only once every 400 years.
- This rarity is attributed to several factors:
- Umbra and Penumbra Shadows: A total solar eclipse is only visible from locations within the narrow path of the Moon’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow.
- The penumbra, a lighter shadow surrounding the umbra, covers a larger area but does not result in a total eclipse.
- Limited Visibility:
- The path of the umbra during a total eclipse covers less than one percent of the Earth’s surface.
- Additionally, much of the Earth’s surface is uninhabited or covered by water, reducing the number of observers who can witness a total eclipse.
How PMLA got its sharp teeth?
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Indian Express
In its manifesto titled “Nyay Patra” released ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party outlined its stance on law enforcement and criminal justice.
- The manifesto pledges to address issues related to the weaponization of laws, arbitrary searches, seizures, arrests, and attachments.
- Additionally, it promises to enact a law emphasizing the principle that “bail is the rule, jail is the exception” across all criminal laws.
- The Congress’s manifesto’s also emphasizes on the misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
- The PMLA empowers the ED to take coercive actions against politicians accused of corruption.
Key Highlights
- Changes in PMLA under BJP-led Government
- While the Congress has criticized the BJP-led government’s incremental changes to the PMLA since 2014, it’s essential to acknowledge that some of the most stringent provisions were initially introduced during the Congress-led UPA regime.
- These provisions have raised concerns among opposition leaders, especially regarding prolonged incarceration without trial.
- Supreme Court’s View on PMLA
- It’s important to note that despite criticisms, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the PMLA, including its provisions on bail, retrospective application of the law, and the wide police powers granted to the ED, in a ruling issued in 2021.
- This underscores the legal framework within which the PMLA operates, despite political debates and criticisms surrounding its implementation.
- This decision came in response to a batch of over 200 individual petitions challenging various aspects of the law.
- Creation of Alternate Criminal Law System
- One of the primary challenges against the PMLA was its establishment of an alternate criminal law system.
- The law places the Enforcement Directorate (ED) outside the scope of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- As a result, the ED, not being classified as ‘police,’ does not adhere to CrPC provisions for searches, seizures, arrests, and property attachments.
- Notably, statements made by an accused to the ED hold admissibility in court.
- The judgment in the case of Vijay MadanlalChoudhary&Ors vs Union of India affirmed the sweeping powers of the ED under the PMLA.
- Stringent Bail Provisions
- The PMLA, akin to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), sets stringent standards for bail.
- Section 45 of the PMLA imposes a ‘negative’ provision, restricting courts from granting bail unless the accused can demonstrate the absence of a “prima facie” case against them and ensure they won’t commit future offenses.
- Judicial Review and Legislative Response
- In November 2017, the Supreme Court, in the case of Nikesh Tarachand Shah v Union of India, declared these stringent bail provisions unconstitutional.
- However, Parliament reintroduced them through amendments to the PMLA under the Finance Act, 2018.
- The 2021 ruling upheld these amendments, reinstating the provisions.
- Certain aspects of the 2021 ruling, such as the ED’s non-obligation to disclose the ECIR (similar to an FIR) to the accused, are currently under review.
- Nevertheless, as there is no stay on the judgment itself, the ruling stands as the law of the land.
- Background: Global Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
- During the 1990s, the rise of global terrorism spurred international efforts to combat terror financing and the illicit movement of money across borders.
- In 1989, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established to coordinate anti-money laundering endeavors worldwide.
- As a member of the FATF, India was obligated to contribute to these efforts.
- Enactment of the PMLA
- The Prevention of Money-Laundering Bill, 1998 was presented in the Lok Sabha on August 4, 1998, by the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- The bill aimed to prevent money laundering, confiscate proceeds of crime, and establish mechanisms to coordinate anti-money laundering measures.
- Opposition and Debate:
- Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha introduced the bill amidst opposition from various political parties, who criticized its perceived draconian provisions.
- Mulayam Singh Yadav raised concerns about potential misuse of these provisions by governments.
- The Congress supported the demand to refer the bill to a Select Committee of Parliament.
- Referral and Amendments:
- The bill was referred to the Department-related Standing Committee on Finance, which submitted its 12th Report to the Lok Sabha on March 4, 1999.
- Subsequently, on October 29, 1999, the government introduced The Prevention of Money-Laundering Bill, 1999 in the Lok Sabha.
- It was passed by the Lok Sabha on February 12, 1999, and by the Rajya Sabha on July 25, 2002.
- Implementation: Despite its passage, the law did not come into force until 2005, following the framing of rules by the UPA government.
- Amendments to the PMLA: Empowering the ED
- In 2009, significant amendments were made to the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), including the addition of ‘criminal conspiracy’ under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code to the PMLA’s schedule.
- This amendment broadened the scope of the PMLA, allowing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to intervene in cases involving conspiracy allegations, even if the primary offense is not directly related to money laundering.
- For instance, the ED utilized this provision to investigate cases of alleged land-grabbing in Jharkhand, enabling actions against individuals like former Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
- Additionally, the 2009 amendment granted the ED international jurisdiction for tracking laundered money, enhancing its capabilities in combating cross-border financial crimes.
- 2012 Amendment: Moving the Prevention of Corruption Act
- In 2012, another significant amendment was made to the PMLA, relocating the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PC Act), from Part B to Part A of the statute’s schedule.
- This relocation subjected individuals accused of corruption to more stringent bail conditions under Section 45(1) of the PMLA.
- Under this provision, bail applications must be opposed by the public prosecutor, and the court can grant bail only if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is innocent and unlikely to commit further offenses if released on bail.
- This amendment expanded Part A of the schedule to include not only the PC Act but also several other laws, broadening the scope of the PMLA’s application to various criminal offenses beyond money laundering alone.
- Impact of Amendments:
- The amendments made to the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) have led to prolonged incarcerations before trial, as seen in cases such as that of NCP leader ChhaganBhujbal, who remained in custody for over two years after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2016.
- Similarly, Satyender Jain of AAP has been in jail for nearly two years, and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia spent a year in jail by February.
- Critics argue that such extended periods of pre-trial detention, particularly in cases where the maximum sentences for money laundering offenses are 3-7 years, are akin to serving a sentence even before conviction.
- Broadened Definitions of Money Laundering
- The amendments expanded the definition of money laundering to encompass various activities, including concealment, acquisition, possession, and use of proceeds of crime.
- Importantly, these amendments introduced a presumption clause, stating that unless proven otherwise, any detected proceeds of crime would be considered involved in money laundering.
- This meant that individuals could be held culpable for money laundering even if they were unaware that the funds they handled were obtained through illegal means.
- For instance, if an individual deposited illicit funds into a relative’s account or purchased property in their name, they could be deemed liable for money laundering, irrespective of their awareness of the funds’ tainted origins.
About the Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a multidisciplinary organization that is part of the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance in India.
- The ED is responsible for enforcing the provisions of two special financial laws – the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
- The ED has the power to arrest those accused of money laundering and seize assets and funds.
- It can also take action on illegal financial activities under PMLA, which includes seizing property, conducting raids, and making arrests.
- The ED is not a statutory body, but a Government Agency working under the Finance Ministry.
- It is headed by a Director General and Chief Executive Officer, responsible for coordination and supervision of the activities of the organization, assisted by a small secretarial known as Co-ordination and Publication Division (CPD).
- The appointment of the ED director follows the provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act of 2003, with a committee headed by the Central Vigilance Commissioner recommending the director, and then the Center appointing him.
Households’ debt surged to new high by Dec. 2023
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Hindu
In December 2023, India witnessed a concerning trend as household debt levels surged to a record high, reaching 40% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- Simultaneously, net financial savings plummeted to a historic low, estimated at approximately 5% of GDP.
- This data, derived from a research report by MotilalOswal, highlights potential financial distress among Indian households.
Key Highlights
- Decline in Net Financial Savings
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had earlier noted a significant decline in households’ net financial savings, dropping to a mere 5.1% of GDP during the fiscal year 2022-23.
- This figure, considered the lowest in 47 years, stirred widespread criticism, which the Finance Ministry promptly countered.
- The Ministry argued that the decline wasn’t indicative of distress but rather reflected a shift in investment behavior.
- Specifically, households were increasingly utilizing loans to finance the purchase of tangible assets like homes and vehicles, reflecting confidence in future income and employment prospects.
- Revised Estimates and Persistent Concerns
- Despite the Finance Ministry’s rebuttal, the first revised estimates of national income for 2022-23, released in February, still portrayed a worrisome scenario.
- While net financial savings were revised marginally upward to 5.3% of GDP, this figure remains significantly lower than the historical average of 7.6% recorded between 2011-12 and 2019-20.
- Additionally, household debt levels were adjusted upwards to 38% of GDP for the same fiscal year, indicating a persistent trend of increased indebtedness among Indian households.
- Notably, the revised estimates placed the household debt levels of 2022-23 as the second highest in recent history, trailing only behind the peak observed during the pandemic year of 2020-21, which recorded 39.1% of GDP.
- This comparison underscores the enduring impact of the pandemic on household finances and suggests a continuation of financial challenges even as the economy recovers.
- Rising Household Debt and Composition
- According to research analysts from MotilalOswal, household debt in India surged to approximately 40% of GDP by December 2023, marking a new peak.
- Within household debt, unsecured personal loans emerged as the fastest-growing category, followed by secured debt, agricultural loans, and business loans.
- This trend underscores the increasing reliance on borrowing among Indian households, particularly in the unsecured lending segment.
- Factors Contributing to Dismal Savings
- The report attributed the dismal net financial savings figures for the fiscal year 2022-23 to weak income growth, juxtaposed with robust consumption and growth in physical savings.
- With income growth remaining sluggish and household net financial savings expected to hover around 5% of GDP, it’s unsurprising that both private consumption and household investment growth have significantly weakened in 2023-24.
- Continued Weakness in Savings
- Contrary to expectations of a rebound, analysts predict that the falling trend in net financial savings and lower savings observed in 2022-23 are likely to persist.
- They estimate that households’ net financial savings remained relatively unchanged at around 5% of GDP during the first nine months of 2023-24.
- For the full fiscal year, net financial savings are projected to range between 5% and 5.5% of GDP, indicating a continuation of the downward trajectory.
- Trends in Financial and Physical Savings
- While gross financial savings of households increased marginally to 10.8% of GDP in the first nine months of the previous year, financial liabilities also saw a similar uptick, reaching 5.8% of GDP.
- This increase in liabilities reflects the heightened borrowing activity among households, with annual borrowings surging to 5.8% of GDP in 2022-23, marking the second-highest level since Independence.
- Despite the rise in physical savings, which reached a decade-high in 2022-23, the overall savings rate plummeted to a six-year low of 18.4% of GDP.
- This decline in total savings contributed to a drop in India’s Gross Domestic Savings (GDS) to 30.2% of GDP, falling below the 31-32% range observed between 2013-14 and 2018-19.
What is net financial savings and gross financial savings?
- Households’ Net Financial Savings:
- Net financial savings of households represent the total savings accumulated by households after deducting their liabilities or debts. It reflects the surplus of income over expenditure, including both savings and investments, after accounting for any borrowings or loans.
- In essence, households’ net financial savings indicate the amount of money that households have available for investment or consumption after meeting their financial obligations, such as debt repayments, taxes, and essential expenses.
- Net financial savings are calculated by subtracting households’ total liabilities, including consumer debt, mortgage debt, and other obligations, from their total financial assets, such as savings deposits, investments, and retirement accounts.
- Gross Financial Savings of Households:
- Gross financial savings of households refer to the total amount of money saved or invested by households before accounting for any liabilities or debts.
- It represents the aggregate savings behavior of households across various financial instruments and assets.
- Gross financial savings include savings deposits, fixed deposits, mutual funds, pension funds, life insurance policies, equities, bonds, and other forms of financial investments held by households.
- In summary, households’ net financial savings represent their savings after accounting for liabilities, while gross financial savings represent their total savings before deducting liabilities.
What is a country’s Gross Domestic Savings (GDS)?
- A country’s Gross Domestic Savings (GDS), also known as Gross National Savings (GNS), is the total amount of savings generated within the economy during a specific period, typically a year.
- It represents the difference between a country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and its total consumption expenditure.
- In essence, GDS represents the portion of a country’s GDP that is not consumed but saved or invested for future use.
- It includes savings by households, businesses, and the government, as well as any net savings from the rest of the world (net exports).
A new methodology with some issues
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Hindu
The National Sample Survey (NSS) Office unveiled the key findings of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for the year 2022-23 in late February.
- These findings provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of household spending patterns, including average household monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE), distribution by item groups, variation across different standards of living, and trends since the 1999-2000 survey.
Key Highlights
- The released data encompasses all-India estimates of average household MPCE for both rural and urban areas, detailing expenditure patterns across food and non-food categories.
- Furthermore, it analyzes the variation in MPCE among households with different standards of living, categorized into 12 ‘fractile classes’ based on MPCE levels.
- Additionally, it traces the evolution of MPCE composition since the 1999-2000 survey, providing valuable insights into long-term consumption trends.
- State-level Estimates
- In addition to national-level data, the factsheet also presents State-level estimates of average MPCE, encompassing both food and non-food items, for each State and Union Territory (UT).
- However, these estimates are limited to rural and urban areas and do not delve into further disaggregation.
- Methodological Refinements
- The latest release of HCES data fills a significant data gap spanning over a decade, providing updated insights into household consumption patterns crucial for poverty estimation and economic analysis.
- Efforts to refine the methodology aim to produce more robust estimates of average MPCE while ensuring comparability with earlier data series.
- Maintaining data continuity with the earlier ‘quinquennial series’ spanning from 1972-73 to 2011-12 is crucial for facilitating longitudinal analysis and policy formulation.
- Changes in the New Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)
- The latest iteration of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) introduces several notable changes aimed at enhancing accuracy and reliability in capturing household consumption behavior.
- Updated Item Coverage
- One significant change involves updating the item coverage to align with contemporary consumption behavior.
- This adjustment ensures that the survey captures the latest consumption patterns, providing more accurate insights into household spending habits.
- Splitting of Questionnaires
- The survey now utilizes three separate questionnaires, each focusing on distinct categories: food items, consumables and services, and durable goods.
- Unlike previous surveys where a single questionnaire was used during a single household visit, the new approach involves three separate monthly visits, each employing a different questionnaire.
- This change aims to mitigate respondent fatigue and potential under-reporting, particularly for items like durable goods, which were often placed towards the end of the questionnaire in previous surveys.
- Impact on Comparability
- While these changes are expected to yield more reliable estimates of average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE), they also pose challenges in terms of comparability with past data.
- The likelihood of under-reporting in previous surveys complicates direct comparisons with current estimates, affecting our ability to assess changes in consumption patterns over time accurately.
- Revised Sampling Methodology
- The methodology for sampling and stratification has also undergone revision.
- In the previous survey, every district served as a basic stratum for rural and urban areas.
- However, the new HCES considers a State/Union Territory (UT) as the basic stratum.
- This change does not significantly impact the generation of State-wise estimates but alters the sampling representation at the district level.
- Changes in Household Stratification
- Stratification of households has been modified, with rural households classified based on land possession and urban households based on possession of non-commercial four-wheeler cars.
- This adjustment aims to ensure proportional representation from different socioeconomic groups.
- However, in states where the proportion of urban households possessing four-wheelers is low, ensuring adequate representation of affluent households may prove challenging.
- Challenges with Methodological Changes
- While the new approach promises more robust estimates, it complicates longitudinal analysis and trend evaluation.
- Proposed Solutions for Comparison
- To address this issue, one proposed solution involves replicating the traditional approach of a single questionnaire and one-time household visit in an independent random sample drawn from the same villages and urban blocks.
- This add-on module would enable the generation of two independent estimates of average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) based on both the current and previous methodologies.
- Analyzing the divergence between these estimates would help establish a comparable series and assess the impact of methodological changes.
- Panel Structure and Sampling Considerations
- The new HCES is structured into 10 panels, each spanning three consecutive months, with an equal allocation of sample villages/urban blocks to each panel.
- Leveraging this panel structure, the proposed add-on module can be incorporated to facilitate the comparison of estimates across different survey methodologies.
- Addressing Representation Gaps
- Another challenge pertains to ensuring adequate representation of affluent households in the survey sample.
- To overcome this, it is suggested to develop a frame of rich households based on administrative data.
- A random sample drawn from this frame can then be surveyed to collect consumption expenditure data from affluent households.
- Combining this information with data from the HCES would yield an improved distribution of households by their average MPCE, enhancing the accuracy and completeness of the survey findings.
- Potential Benefits and Implications
- Implementing these proposed solutions would not only enable the generation of comparable estimates but also provide insights into consumption patterns among different socioeconomic strata.
- By addressing methodological challenges and representation gaps, the survey can produce more comprehensive and reliable data, facilitating informed policy decisions and poverty alleviation efforts.
About the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)
- The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) is a survey conducted by the National Sample Survey (NSS) Office in India, which gathers data on the spending pattern of households, both rural and urban, in the consumption of goods and services.
- The survey is conducted once every 5 years, with the latest one conducted in 2022-23, after a gap of 11 years since the last survey in 2011-12.
- The survey data indicates the average expenditure of households on various goods and services, both food and non-food items, and helps estimate the household’s Monthly Per Capita Consumer Expenditure (MPCE).
- The HCES is important for policymakers and experts to assess the income and expenditure levels of households, how and where they are spending their money, and to gauge the efficacy of policy measures.
About the National Sample Survey (NSS) Office
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) is an organization in the Ministry of Statistics and Programmed Implementation in India, responsible for conducting large-scale sample surveys in diverse fields on an All India basis.
- The NSSO was set up in 1950 as National Sample Survey (NSS) and was reorganized in March 1970 as National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
- The NSSO is the largest organization in India that conducts regular socio-economic surveys, collecting data on various socio-economic subjects through nation-wide household surveys, the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), and other surveys.
- Note: The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) merged with the Central Statistical Office (CSO) to form the National Statistical Office (NSO).
- On 23rd May 2019, the Government of India approved the merger of NSSO and CSO.
Different approaches to AI regulation
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Hindu
Recent years have witnessed significant developments in the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) worldwide.
- Notable initiatives include the United Nations Resolution on Artificial Intelligence, the AI Act by the European Parliament, and the introduction of AI laws in countries like the U.K. and China.
- Additionally, India launched its AI mission, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for formalized regulations in the AI space globally.
Key Highlights
- United Nations Resolution on AI
- The United Nations Resolution on Artificial Intelligence represents a pivotal moment in the discourse on AI regulation.
- It underscores a global acknowledgment of the risks associated with AI systems and emphasizes the urgent need to promote responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.
- Central to the resolution is the recognition that unethical deployment of AI systems could hinder progress towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
- Implications for Workforce and Entrepreneurship
- A key aspect highlighted in the UN resolution is the potential adverse impact of AI on the workforce.
- Developing and least developed countries, in particular, face heightened vulnerability in their labor markets due to the increasing adoption of AI technologies.
- There is a pressing need for these countries to formulate strategic responses to mitigate potential disruptions caused by AI in the labor market.
- Moreover, the resolution prompts consideration of the impact on small and medium entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the implications of AI deployment on diverse segments of the economy.
- Urgency of Collaborative Action
- As the first of its kind, the United Nations Resolution on AI serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about the future implications of AI systems and the imperative for collective action.
- The resolution underscores the necessity for collaboration among nations to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AI effectively.
- The EU’s AI Act: Regulation and Categorization
- The European Union (EU) recently enacted the AI Act, a groundbreaking legislation aimed at establishing comprehensive rules and regulations governing AI systems.
- The Act adopts a risk-based approach, categorizing AI systems into four distinct categories based on their level of risk: unacceptable, high, limited, and minimal.
- Each category is accompanied by specific guidelines and requirements.
- Ban on High-Risk Applications
- One of the key provisions of the AI Act is the absolute ban on AI applications that pose significant risks to citizens’ rights.
- These include manipulative practices targeting human behavior, emotion recognition, and mass surveillance, among others.
- The Act emphasizes the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, mandating strict measures to prevent the deployment of such applications.
- While the Act allows for exemptions to banned applications in certain contexts, such as law enforcement, it imposes stringent requirements for deployment.
- Prior judicial or administrative authorization is mandated for the use of AI systems in law enforcement activities, ensuring accountability and oversight.
- Implications for Businesses and Start-ups
- The AI Act also addresses the compliance burden placed on businesses, including start-ups, by providing clear guidelines and standards for AI development and deployment.
- It emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible AI practices, recognizing the need to balance innovation with safeguards against potential risks.
- Regulating Generative AI Systems
- Another significant aspect highlighted by the AI Act is the regulation of Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT.
- These systems, known for their transformative potential, raise unique challenges in terms of regulation and oversight.
- China’s Approach to AI Regulation
- In contrast to the EU’s approach, China focuses on promoting AI innovation while implementing safeguards against potential harm to social and economic goals.
- The country has released a phased regulatory framework addressing key issues such as content moderation, personal data protection, and algorithmic governance.
- Content Moderation and Personal Data Protection
- China’s regulatory framework emphasizes the importance of content moderation, particularly in identifying content generated through AI systems.
- It also prioritizes personal data protection, highlighting the need for user consent before accessing and processing their data.
- These measures aim to safeguard individual privacy rights while promoting AI innovation.
- Additionally, China’s regulatory framework addresses algorithmic governance, emphasizing security and ethics in the development and deployment of algorithms.
- The U.K.’s Context-Based Approach
- The United Kingdom (U.K.) has adopted a principled and context-based approach in its efforts to regulate AI systems.
- This approach emphasizes mandatory consultations with regulatory bodies, enabling the expansion of technical expertise to better regulate complex technologies.
- By bridging regulatory gaps through consultations, the U.K. aims to regulate AI systems effectively while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
- Unlike the EU’s stringent legal rules, the U.K. has opted for a decentralized and softer regulatory approach, reflecting a distinct regulatory philosophy.
- India’s Crucial Position in AI Regulation
- India’s response to the global movement towards regulating AI systems holds significant importance, considering its status as a hub for technology companies and a large consumer base.
- With projections indicating the emergence of over 10,000 deep tech startups by 2030, India is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI innovation.
- To bolster its AI ecosystem, India has approved a substantial allocation of ₹10,300 crore for the India AI mission.
- This initiative aims to enhance public-private partnerships and promote the startup ecosystem, focusing on deploying cutting-edge technologies like Graphic Processing Units and Large Multi-Models (LMMs).
- Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- India’s response to AI regulation must align with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while sustaining economic growth.
- Balancing innovation with risk mitigation is essential, necessitating the judicious use of AI systems to address societal challenges while fostering economic development.
- A phased approach, characterized by gradual implementation and inclusivity, appears well-suited to India’s efforts in establishing a fair and inclusive AI system.
Right against climate change a fundamental right, says SC
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Hindu
The Supreme Court of India has acknowledged the existence of a fundamental right against the adverse effects of climate change, a right that has been felt but less explicitly articulated in the Constitution.
- In a judgment released on April 6, the court emphasized the importance of recognizing this right in light of the increasing havoc caused by climate change year by year.
- The court noted that while the right to a clean environment is well-established, articulating a distinct right against the adverse effects of climate change is essential, given its growing impact on society.
- This right is deemed to be inherent in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, highlighting its significance in safeguarding the well-being and rights of citizens.
Key Highlights
- Context: Case Related to Great Indian Bustard Species
- The judgment was delivered in a case concerning the survival of the endangered Great Indian Bustard species.
- The court’s attention was drawn to the challenges faced by these birds due to their natural habitat and flight routes intersecting with power transmission lines in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, the court took proactive measures to examine the problem and mitigate its impact on the endangered species.
- Creation of Expert Committee
- In an order pronounced on March 21, the Supreme Court constituted an expert committee tasked with evaluating the issues faced by the Great Indian Bustard species.
- The committee was specifically mandated to assess the impact of power transmission lines on the birds’ habitat and flight patterns, with the aim of devising effective solutions to safeguard their survival.
- Linking Climate Change to Human Rights
- Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized the inseparable connection between the right against climate change and constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 21 and 14.
- He argued that the realization of the rights to life and equality is inherently tied to the existence of a clean and stable environment.
- Climate change poses significant threats to these fundamental rights, impacting various aspects of human life and well-being.
- Impact on Right to Health
- The judgment highlighted the adverse effects of climate change on the right to health, which is encompassed within the broader right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
- Factors such as air pollution, changes in disease patterns, extreme weather events, and disruptions in food supplies due to climate-induced disasters directly affect public health.
- Vulnerable communities, particularly those lacking resources, are disproportionately affected, leading to violations of their right to life and equality.
- Interconnection with Other Human Rights
- The court underscored the interconnectedness of climate change with a range of human rights, including indigenous rights, gender equality, and the right to development.
- Climate-related challenges exacerbate existing inequalities and disproportionately impact marginalized groups.
- The right to a healthy environment, free from the adverse effects of climate change, was recognized as a fundamental human right essential for the protection of various other rights, such as the right to life, health, water, and housing.
About Article 21 of the Constitution
- Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is a fundamental right that guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty to every person, including foreigners, within the territory of India.
- The Article states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law.”
- Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978): This case expanded the meaning of “procedure established by law” to include principles of natural justice and held that any law depriving a person of life or personal liberty must be fair, just, and reasonable.
- The term “life” in this context is not limited to physical existence but includes the right to live with human dignity, protection of a person’s tradition, culture, heritage, and all that gives meaning to a person’s life.
- It also includes the right to live in peace, to sleep in peace, and the right to repose and health.
- The right to personal liberty includes the right to protection of a person’s reputation, which is an important part of one’s life.
- Article 21 has been interpreted broadly by the Indian judiciary to include various aspects of life and personal liberty. The rights declared as part of Article 21 by the Supreme Court in various cases are:
- Right to live with human dignity.
- Right to a decent environment, including pollution-free water and air, and protection against hazardous industries.
- Right to livelihood.
- Right to privacy.
- Right to shelter.
- Right to health.
- Right to free education up to 14 years of age.
- Right to free legal aid.
- Right against solitary confinement.
- Right to speedy trial.
- Right against handcuffing.
- Right against inhuman treatment.
- Right against delayed execution.
- Right to travel abroad.
- Right against bonded labour.
- Right against custodial harassment.
- Right to emergency medical aid.
- Right to timely medical treatment in government hospitals.
- Right not to be driven out of a state.
- Right to a fair trial.
- Right of prisoners to have necessities of life.
- Right of women to be treated with decency and dignity.
- Right against public hanging.
- Right to hearing.
- Right to information.
- Right to reputation.
Strong link between high glycaemic index diet and diabetes, says study
(General Studies- Paper II)
Source : The Hindu
An international study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology reveals compelling evidence suggesting that adopting low glycaemic index and low glycaemic load diets could potentially prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
- The study, conducted across five continents, sheds light on the significant association between dietary factors and diabetes risk.
Key Highlights
- Association Between GI and Diabetes Risk
- The study underscores a clear link between high glycaemic index (GI) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
- GI is a measure that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on their impact on blood glucose levels post-meal consumption.
- The findings indicate that diets with a high GI are associated with an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Controversy Surrounding GI and GL
- While the association between glycaemic index and glycaemic load with type 2 diabetes incidence has been subject to debate, the study provides clarity on their impact.
- Implications for Diabetes Prevention Strategies
- The study’s findings have significant implications for public health and diabetes prevention strategies.
- By advocating for the adoption of low GI and low GL diets, healthcare professionals can empower individuals to make informed dietary choices to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering dietary factors in comprehensive diabetes prevention and management programs.
- Study Overview: Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study
- The study involved 1, 27,594 adults aged 35–70 years without known diabetes from 20 high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries.
- Participants’ diets were assessed using country-specific food frequency questionnaires at baseline.
- Glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) were estimated based on the intake of seven categories of carbohydrate-containing foods.
- Key Findings
- After nearly 12 years of follow-up, 7,326 cases (5.7%) of type 2 diabetes occurred among participants.
- The study found a significant association between a higher GI diet and an increased risk of diabetes.
- Moreover, participants in the highest quintile of glycaemic load (GL) had a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes compared to those in the lowest quintile.
- Importantly, the association between GI and diabetes risk was stronger among individuals with a higher BMI compared to those with a lower BMI.
Understanding Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL)
- Glycemic Index (GI):
- Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks carbohydrate-containing foods based on how much they raise blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose or white bread, which are assigned a GI value of 100.
- Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing a quick and sharp increase in blood sugar levels. Examples of high GI foods include white bread, white rice, sugary cereals, and most processed snacks and desserts.
- Foods with a low GI are digested and absorbed more slowly, resulting in a gradual and sustained rise in blood sugar levels. Examples of low GI foods include whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- GI values are categorized as follows:
- Low GI: 55 or less
- Medium GI: 56-69
- High GI: 70 or more
- Glycemic Load (GL):
- Glycemic Load (GL) takes into account both the quality and quantity of carbohydrates in a serving of food, providing a more accurate measure of its effect on blood sugar levels.
- GL is calculated by multiplying the GI of a food by the amount of carbohydrate it contains per serving and dividing by 100. Mathematically, it can be expressed as:
- GL = (GI × grams of carbohydrate per serving) / 100
- Foods with a high GL have a greater impact on blood sugar levels, as they contain a higher amount of carbohydrates and/or have a higher GI.
- Conversely, foods with a low GL have a smaller effect on blood sugar levels.
- GL values are categorized as follows:
- Low GL: 10 or less
- Medium GL: 11-19
- High GL: 20 or more
- Choosing foods with a lower GL can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day and may be beneficial for overall health and weight management.