+91 83196 18002
office@raosacademy.in
Pre Booking Open For UPSC Civil Services Coaching 2024-2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 08/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/12/2023

admin
Contents
  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/12/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 08/12/2023

Regulating deepfakes and generative AI in India

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

Last month, a deepfake video featuring an actor went viral, raising concerns about the misuse of technology.

  • Deepfakes involve the use of AI to manipulate digital media, posing risks such as reputation damage, fabrication of evidence, and erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
  • The technology has even infiltrated political messaging, with instances of deepfake videos surfacing during elections.

Key Highlights

  • Political Manipulation Through Deepfakes
    • In 2020, AI-generated deepfake videos targeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Tiwari during Delhi elections, showcasing the potential for political manipulation.
    • Similar incidents, such as a doctored video of Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath, have fueled confusion and misinformation.
  • Global Instances of Deepfake in Politics
    • Argentina’s presidential polls witnessed deepfake manipulation, portraying candidates in misleading ways.
    • Additionally, a deepfake video of Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelenskyy spread misinformation after a cyberattack on a Ukrainian television channel.
  • Gendered Impact of Deepfakes
    • Deepfakes, predominantly used for malicious purposes, have become a tool for online gendered violence.
    • A 2019 study found that a significant majority (96%) of deepfakes were pornographic, with 99% involving women.
    • Deepfake technology is weaponized against women by scorned romantic partners, causing psychological trauma and social consequences.
  • Rise of Deepfake Technology and Detection Efforts
    • While deepfakes have benefits in education, film production, and forensics, their potential for exploitation is a growing concern.
    • The Deeptrust Alliance warns that disinformation tools are now more accessible than ever.
    • Efforts, such as MIT’s Detect Fakes website, aim to empower individuals to identify deepfakes by focusing on intricate details.
  • Existing Legal Framework in India
    • India currently lacks specific laws directly addressing deepfakes and AI-related crimes.
    • However, various provisions under existing legislations offer both civil and criminal remedies.
    • Sections such as 66E, 66D, 67, 67A, and 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) can be invoked to penalize offenses related to deepfakes, including privacy violations, impersonation, and transmission of obscene content.
    • Additionally, the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has relevant sections, like 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 499 (criminal defamation), and 153 (a) and (b) (spreading hate on communal lines).
    • The Copyright Act of 1957 can be applied if deepfakes involve the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
    • The Delhi Police Special Cell has taken action in specific cases, registering FIRs under Sections 465 (forgery) and 469 (forgery to harm reputation) in response to certaindeepfake incident.
  • Potential Legal Gaps and Inadequacies
    • Experts highlight that existing laws may not be fully equipped to handle emerging technologies like deepfakes.
    • It is suggested that legislative amendments are needed.
    • There is a perception that the current legal framework places a burden on victims to file complaints, and the experience with local police investigations may be unsatisfactory.
    • The current regulations primarily concentrate on online takedowns and criminal prosecution, lacking a nuanced understanding of generative AI technology’s potential harms.
  • Call for Comprehensive Regulatory Approach
    • Experts argue for a reevaluation of existing laws, emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that addresses the broader implications of AI technologies.
    • This framework should be informed by market studies, include preventive measures, and ensure robust enforcement mechanisms beyond mere legislation.

What is Deepfakes?

  • Deepfakes are a type of synthetic media that involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to create or manipulate audio, video, or images in a way that appears authentic and often convincingly real.
  • The term “deepfake” is a combination of “deep learning” and “fake.”
  • These technologies employ deep neural networks, specifically deep generative models, to analyze and learn patterns from vast datasets of images, videos, and audio.
  • The trained models can then generate new content by mimicking the patterns and styles present in the training data.
  • This enables the creation of content that may involve placing one person’s likeness onto another’s body or altering the facial expressions and voice of an individual in a realistic manner.

Supreme Court makes video on KesavanandaBharati verdict available

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Supreme Court has released a nearly five-minute video, available in 10 Indian languages, providing a concise history of the KesavanandaBharati judgment.

  • This landmark verdict, delivered on April 24, 1973, by a 13-judge bench, introduced the Basic Structure doctrine, safeguarding fundamental features of the Constitution, including secularism, religious freedom, and federalism.

Key Highlights

  • Basic Structure Doctrine and Recent Controversies
    • The judgment, establishing that Parliament cannot amend or abrogate the fundamental features of the Constitution, faced renewed debate in 2023.
    • Vice-President JagdeepDhankar criticized the Basic Structure doctrine for allegedly diluting parliamentary sovereignty.
    • The judgment was also discussed in the context of the government’s critique of the collegium system for judicial appointments.
  • Supreme Court’s Response and Commemoration
    • In response to criticism, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the significance of the KesavanandaBharati judgment, labeling it a “North Star,” providing guidance in complex situations.
    • The court launched a dedicated webpage to mark the 50th anniversary of the landmark judgment on April 24, 2023.

What is the KesavanandaBharati judgment?

  • The KesavanandaBharati judgment, delivered by the Supreme Court of India on April 24, 1973, is a landmark verdict that has had profound implications for constitutional law in the country.
  • The case, formally known as KesavanandaBharatiSripadagalvaru v. State of Kerala, was heard by the largest bench in the history of the Supreme Court at that time, comprising 13 judges.
  • Background:
    • The case emerged from a dispute involving KesavanandaBharati, the pontiff of the Edneer Mutt in Kerala.
    • He challenged the Kerala government’s attempt to impose restrictions on the management of the mutt’s properties under the Kerala Land Reforms Act.
    • However, the case evolved into a constitutional matter of far-reaching consequences.
  • Basic Structure Doctrine:
    • The essence of the KesavanandaBharati judgment lies in the articulation of the Basic Structure doctrine.
    • In a narrow majority of 7:6, the Supreme Court held that while Parliament had the power to amend the Constitution, it did not have the authority to alter or destroy its basic structure.
    • The “basic structure” refers to the essential and foundational features of the Constitution, including democracy, rule of law, judicial review, federalism, secularism, and individual freedoms.
  • Significance:
    • The judgment established a crucial constitutional principle, acting as a safeguard against arbitrary amendments that could undermine the foundational values of the Constitution.
    • It laid down the precedent that certain features are so intrinsic to the Constitution that they form its “basic structure” and are beyond the reach of amendments.
    • This decision aimed to maintain the delicate balance between parliamentary sovereignty and the protection of fundamental rights.
    • Prior to KesavanandaBharati, there was a lack of clarity on the scope of Parliament’s amending power under Article 368 of the Constitution.
    • The judgment clarified that while Parliament could amend any part of the Constitution, it could not change its basic structure.
  • Subsequent Impact:
    • The KesavanandaBharati case had a profound impact on subsequent legal and political developments in India.
    • It formed the basis for judicial review of constitutional amendments, with the judiciary acting as the guardian of the Constitution’s basic structure.

To achieve net-zero target, do not rely on burying emissions underground, says scientist

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

A recent study conducted by researchers from Oxford University and Imperial College in London challenges the feasibility of relying heavily on Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) technologies to achieve net-zero emissions.

  • CCS involves capturing carbon emissions from sources like power plants and storing them underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere.

Key Highlights

  • Study Findings:
    • The study suggests that while CCS may be technically possible and, in some cases, desirable, depending too heavily on it to achieve net-zero levels may not be viable.
    • The research indicates that pathways requiring significant carbon dioxide storage, up to 20 billion tonnes in 2050 to achieve net-zero, could cost at least US$30 trillion more than pathways with lower storage requirements (about 5 billion tonnes).
    • The actual cost differential could potentially be even higher.
  • Economic and Technical Challenges:
    • The study highlights the economic challenges of widespread CCS deployment, indicating that the cost projections make it economically unattractive and potentially damaging.
    • The authors emphasize that relying on CCS as a blanket solution to rising emissions may not be a viable or feasible option.
    • Notably, the study reveals that there have been no cost reductions in any part of the CCS process over the last 40 years.
    • The lack of cost reductions is attributed to the nature of the technology, as it does not benefit from the volume-based cost reductions seen in other rapidly advancing technologies.
  • Current CCS Capacity and Alternatives:
    • As of now, all CCS projects worldwide have a combined capacity to store about 49 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, which is a small fraction of annual CO2 emissions.
    • The study suggests that governments are not rapidly scaling up CCS technologies, indicating a recognition of its limitations.
    • It proposes that alternatives such as shifting to renewables and afforestation may be more cost-effective and practical.
  • The study emphasizes that CCS needs to be deployed strategically and in a targeted manner.
  • The idea that the existence of CCS allows for the continued extensive use of fossil fuels is challenged, and the study advocates for sensible approaches like transitioning to renewables and halting deforestation.

What is Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)?

  • Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is a set of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes.
  • The goal is to prevent the release of these emissions into the atmosphere, where they contribute to climate change, and instead, store them in a way that is safe and environmentally sound.
  • Key Components of CCS:
    • Capture:
      • The first step in the CCS process is the capture of CO2 emissions at the source.
      • This can include power plants, industrial facilities, and other large-scale emitters.
      • There are different methods of capture, including pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture, and oxyfuel combustion.
      • Pre-combustion capture involves removing CO2 before the combustion of fossil fuels.
      • Post-combustion capture captures CO2 after combustion, typically from flue gases.
      • Oxyfuel combustion involves burning fossil fuels in oxygen, creating a CO2-rich flue gas that is easier to capture.
    • Transportation:
      • Once captured, the CO2 needs to be transported to a suitable storage site. This is often done using pipelines, similar to those used for natural gas.
    • Storage (Sequestration):
      • The stored CO2 needs to be placed in secure geological formations to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere.
      • Common storage sites include depleted oil or gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and certain types of rock formations.
      • The process of storing CO2 underground is referred to as geologic sequestration.

India Projected as Fastest Growing Major Economy by S&P Global Report

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

A recent report by S&P Global indicates that India is poised to be the fastest-growing major economy over the next three years, driven by relatively high growth rates.

  • The report also predicts that India, currently the fifth-largest economy globally, will become the third-largest by 2030.
  • This aligns with optimistic assessments of India’s medium-term growth trajectory.

Key Highlights

  • The National Statistical Office’s GDP estimates reveal a robust growth of 7.6% in the second quarter of the current financial year, surpassing expectations.
  • The positive economic performance contributes to optimistic outlooks on India’s growth trajectory.
  • Global Ranking:
    • The S&P report positions India as the fastest-growing emerging market between 2024-26, with Vietnam following closely.
    • Both countries, along with Mexico, are seen to benefit from the global supply chain reorganization, presenting an opportunity for India to become a significant global manufacturing hub.
    • The ongoing diversification of global supply chains away from China is identified as a key opportunity for India.
    • To capitalize on this shift, the report emphasizes the importance of developing a robust logistics framework.
  • India’s GDP growth is expected to drive its ascent from the fifth-largest economy to the third-largest by 2030.
  • Analysts foresee India achieving this ranking even sooner.
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects an average annual growth of 6.3% for the Indian economy between 2023 and 2028, leading to a substantial increase in GDP and per capita GDP.
  • In comparison, the Chinese economy is anticipated to slow down during this period.
  • Logistics and Workforce Development:
    • The S&P report emphasizes the need for India to focus on developing a strong logistics framework to support its role in global supply chains.
    • Additionally, there is a call for upskilling workers and increasing female labor force participation to harness the demographic dividend.

In Image: Top 10 countries in terms of GDP.

Chandrayaan-3 propulsion module retraces steps to Earth orbit

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The Propulsion Module (PM) of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, carrying the lander, has successfully returned to Earth orbit in an unplanned maneuver, as announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

  • This achievement, along with the earlier ‘hop’ experiment, marks a notable step towards the potential return of lunar samples in future missions.

Key Highlights

  • Mission Background:
    • Chandrayaan-3, India’s lunar exploration mission, featured a lightweight Propulsion Module instead of a full-fledged orbiter.
    • The mission utilized the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, still in lunar orbit, for communication with Earth.
  • PM’s Return to Earth Orbit:
    • The unexpected maneuver involved the PM, carrying the lander, returning to Earth orbit.
    • This utilization of logistical advantages, including the availability of over 100 kg of fuel, was not part of the original mission plan.
    • The return of the PM to Earth orbit and the successful execution of the ‘hop’ experiment showcase the near-perfect mission logistics.
    • The PM’s role was to transport the lander to the Moon, carrying an experimental payload named SHAPE (Spectro Polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth).
  • In a previous experiment on September 4, the lander executed an impromptu ‘hop’ just before entering sleep mode.
    • The lander fired its engines, lifting itself about 40 cm from the lunar surface and landing about 30-40 cm away.
  • Scientific Payload and Mission Objectives:
    • SHAPE, the scientific payload on the PM, is designed to study Earth from the Moon, focusing on the signatures that make Earth habitable.
    • The mission objectives include identifying habitable exoplanets.
  • The Chandrayaan-3 PM initially had a planned mission life of about three months.
  • However, due to the precise orbit injection by the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and efficient burn maneuvers, over 100 kg of fuel was saved, extending the mission’s possibilities.
  • Unplanned Earth Return Trajectory:
    • With the surplus fuel, ISRO seized the opportunity to design an optimal Earth return trajectory.
    • The PM’s orbit around the Moon was raised before a Trans-Earth injection (TEI) maneuver on October 13, setting the stage for its return to Earth orbit.
    • The PM made four fly-bys around the Moon and departed its sphere of influence on November 10.
    • Currently orbiting Earth, its orbital period is nearly 13 days with a 27-degree inclination.
  • Scientific and Software Development Significance:
    • The maneuver serves to understand the planning and execution involved in returning a small spacecraft from the Moon to Earth.
    • This experiment provides valuable insights into trajectory planning and maneuvers, aiding the development of a software module for future missions.
    • The experiment allows ISRO to explore gravity-assisted flybys across celestial bodies, enhancing mission planning capabilities.
    • Additionally, it facilitates the avoidance of uncontrolled crashing of the PM on the Moon’s surface at the end of its operational life.

What is Earth Orbit? What are other orbits?

  • Earth orbit refers to the path or trajectory that an object, such as a satellite or spacecraft, follows around the Earth due to gravitational attraction.
  • Objects in Earth orbit continuously fall towards the Earth due to gravity but move forward at a sufficient speed, creating a balance that results in a stable orbit.
  • The altitude, or distance from the Earth’s surface, and the orbital velocity determine the characteristics of the orbit.
  • There are several types of Earth orbits, categorized based on their altitude and purpose. The main types include:
    • Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
      • Altitudes typically below 2,000 kilometers (about 1,243 miles).
      • LEO is commonly used for Earth observation, satellite communication, and space exploration.
    • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO):
      • Altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 35,786 kilometers (about 1,243 to 22,236 miles).
      • MEO is often used for navigation satellites like those in the Global Positioning System (GPS).
    • Geostationary Orbit (GEO):
      • A specific type of orbit where the satellite remains fixed relative to a point on the Earth’s surface.
      • Satellites in GEO orbit at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers.
    • Polar Orbit:
      • An orbit that passes over the Earth’s poles.
      • Polar orbits are commonly used for Earth observation satellites to cover the entire Earth’s surface over time.
    • Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO):
      • An orbit that combines polar and synchronous characteristics, maintaining a constant angle between the satellite, the Sun, and the Earth.
      • SSO is often used for Earth observation missions.

Google Launches Gemini AI Model

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Google Gemini: A Powerful Multimodal AI Model
(Added from article on 8th November, the Indian Express, Page 14, Google’s Gemini: What is it?)

Google has introduced its most advanced AI model, Gemini, to users worldwide.

  • Gemini 1.0 will be integrated into Bard and the latest Pixel 8 Pro smartphones.
  • SundarPichai, Google CEO, highlighted Gemini’s state-of-the-art performance and its optimization for different sizes: Ultra, Pro, and Nano.
  • Gemini is built to be multimodal, capable of understanding and combining various types of information, including text, code, audio, image, and video.

Key Highlights

  • Google has introduced Gemini, its latest and most powerful multimodal general AI model, aiming to provide an intuitive and expert assistant experience.
  • Gemini can understand, explain, and generate high-quality code in popular programming languages.
  • Gemini, developed collaboratively by teams across Google, can process and operate across various data types, including text, code, audio, image, and video.
  • It is seen as Google’s response to advanced models like ChatGPT.
  • Gemini comes in three sizes:
    • Gemini Ultra:
      • Meant for highly complex tasks, it exceeds current benchmarks on 30 of 32 widely-used academic benchmarks.
      • Available to select users for experimentation, it will roll out to developers and enterprise customers in early 2024.
    • Gemini Pro:
      • Best at scaling across a wide range of tasks.
      • It is integrated into Bard, providing advanced reasoning, planning, and understanding.
      • Developers and enterprise customers can access it via the Gemini API.
    • Gemini Nano:
      • Designed for on-device tasks, available on Pixel 8 Pro for features like Summarise in the Recorder app and Smart Reply via Gboard.
      • Android developers can use Gemini Nano via AICore starting December 13.
        Google’s Claimed Impact on Search:
    • Google claims that Gemini will have an impact on various products and services, including Search, Ads, Chrome, and Duet AI.
    • The company has initiated experiments with Gemini in Search, aiming to make the Search Generative Experience (SGE) faster for users, boasting a 40% reduction in latency in English in the U.S., along with improvements in quality.
    • Safety Measures and Addressing Hallucinations:
      • Regarding safety concerns and hallucinations, Eli Collins, VP of Product at Google DeepMind, mentioned that while improvements have been made in enhancing factuality in Gemini, the model is still capable of hallucinating.
      • When integrated into products like Bard, additional techniques are applied to enhance the accuracy of responses.
      • Google is actively addressing safety concerns by adding new protections tailored for Gemini’s multimodal capabilities.
      • The company claims to have the most comprehensive safety evaluations for Gemini, including assessments for bias and toxicity.
      • Research is ongoing to identify and mitigate potential risks, and Google is collaborating with external experts and partners to stress-test the models across various issues.
    • Gemini vs. ChatGPT 4:
      • Comparisons between Gemini and ChatGPT 4 are challenging at this stage.
      • Gemini is considered more flexible, especially with its ability to work with video and perform on devices without an internet connection.
      • Another noteworthy aspect is that Gemini is currently available for free, while ChatGPT 4 is limited to paid users.

About ChatGPT

  • ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI that belongs to the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) family.
  • It is designed to generate human-like text based on the input it receives.
  • The model has evolved through different versions, each bringing improvements in scale, performance, and fine-tuning capabilities.
  • Evolution:
    • GPT-3: ChatGPT’s predecessor, GPT-3, is a highly advanced language model with 175 billion parameters, making it one of the largest AI models.
    • ChatGPT-1: OpenAI initially introduced ChatGPT as a research preview with 117 million parameters to gather user feedback and identify strengths and limitations.
  • Capabilities:
    • Text Generation: ChatGPT excels at generating coherent and contextually relevant text in response to user prompts.
    • Conversational AI: It can engage in open-ended conversations, answer questions, and provide information on a wide range of topics.
    • Content Creation: Users leverage ChatGPT for content creation, including writing articles, stories, and code snippets.
  • Future Prospects:
    • Refinement: OpenAI aims to refine and enhance ChatGPT based on user feedback, addressing limitations and improving its utility.
    • Accessible API: OpenAI has introduced the ChatGPT API, allowing developers to integrate the model into their applications, products, or services.
    • Iterative Releases: OpenAI follows an iterative release approach, learning from each version’s deployment to inform the development of subsequent, more advanced models.
    • Broader Use-Cases: As the technology evolves, ChatGPT is expected to find applications in various fields, including customer service, content creation, and more.