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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/08/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/08/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/08/2023

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/08/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31/08/2023

Illegal Trade of Red Sand Boa in India

WCS-India report flags illegal trade of red sand boa

Source : TH

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India released a report on illegal trade of red sand boa (Eryxjohnii) in India from 2016 to 2021.

  • The report compiled data from media reports on 172 incidents of red sand boa seizures during the mentioned period.
  • Out of these, 157 records specifically mentioned red sand boas, while 15 included sand boas along with other wildlife species.

Key Highlights

  • The red sand boa is categorized as ‘Near Threatened’ by the IUCN and is facing a decreasing population trend in its habitats.
  • The report aims to expose the illegal trade of red sand boas, particularly online trade, and to understand ways to prevent their illegal collection and sale.
  • The illegal sand boa trade was observed in 18 Indian states and one Union Territory, covering 87 districts.
  • Maharashtra recorded the highest number of incidents (59), often from urban areas like Pune, Thane, Raigad, and Mumbai Suburban.
  • Uttar Pradesh had the second highest number (33), frequently near the border with Nepal, including districts like Bahraich and Lakhimpur-Kheri.
  • Red sand boa is highly traded due to demand in the pet trade and use in black magic.
  • The study suggests that the trade is driven by urban individuals with disposable income, and trade in rural areas might be offline.
  • Social media, especially YouTube, plays a significant role in the illegal trade, acting as a buyer-seller interface and gateway to WhatsApp for transactions.

About the Red Sand Boa

  • The red sand boa belongs to the family Boidae, which includes boas and pythons. It is a non-venomous snake species.
  • Common Name: Red Sand Boa, Indian Sand Boa
  • Scientific Name: Eryxjohnii
  • Red sand boas are relatively small snakes, with adult lengths usually ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm). However, some individuals can grow up to around 2 feet (60 cm).
  • Red sand boas are found primarily in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and parts of Nepal and Bangladesh.
  • They inhabit a variety of habitats, including arid and semi-arid regions, scrublands, deserts, and grasslands.
    • They are well adapted to burrowing in sandy soils, which aids in their camouflage and protection from predators.
  • Red sand boas are burrowing snakes and spend most of their time underground.
    • They are excellent diggers and use their shovel-like snouts to create burrows in loose soil.
  • These snakes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night.
  • The red sand boa is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • One of the main threats to red sand boas is habitat loss and degradation due to urbanization, agriculture, and human activities.
    • Another significant threat is illegal wildlife trade, driven by their demand in the pet trade as well as their use in traditional medicine and black magic practices.

The need for an Indian system to regulate AI

The need for an Indian system to regulate AI

Source : TH

There is a growing importance of regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) due to its transformative impact on various aspects of society.

  • AI’s potential for both positive and negative outcomes, makes it necessity for effective regulation.

Key Highlights

  • Western Regulation:
    • The western approach to AI regulation, as adopted by the European Union (EU), Brazil, Canada, and the United Kingdom, follows a risk-based framework.
    • Lawmakers categorize AI-based applications into different risk levels: ‘unacceptable risk’, ‘high risk’, ‘limited risk’, and ‘low risk’.
    • Prohibited activities, regulated activities, and disclosure-based obligations are prescribed for each risk category in the EU, Brazil, and Canada.
  • Eastern Regulation – Japanese Model:
    • Japan’s regulation approach is outlined in the “Social Principles of Human-Human-Centric AI.”
    • This approach emphasizes principles such as human-centricity, education, data protection, safety, fair competition, fairness, accountability, transparency, and innovation.
    • The focus is on upholding values and achieving specific ends through AI applications, with less emphasis on strict rule-based frameworks.
  • Eastern Regulation – Chinese Model:
    • China’s regulations for AI services highlight the importance of abiding by laws, administrative regulations, social morality, and ethics.
    • The Chinese approach emphasizes the values and ends that AI services should promote, with a focus on upholding moral standards and societal ethics.
  • Comparative Analysis:
    • The western model relies on clear rules and a rule-abiding society, with explicit proscriptions and punishments for violations.
    • The eastern model, particularly the Chinese approach, embraces the overlap between the legality and morality of rules, emphasizing values and societal ethics.
    • This difference can be attributed to cultural, philosophical, and historical factors, with the eastern model reflecting a more open and morally nuanced perspective.
  • Underlying Theories:
    • In the 1930s, Professor Northrop of Yale Law School conducted a study comparing legal systems in the East and West.
    • His findings highlighted the distinction between the rule-focused legal systems of the West and the more morally nuanced systems of the East.
    • Professor Northrop’s analysis distinguishes between eurocentric legal systems (western) and oriental legal systems (eastern).
    • Eurocentric systems create rules through “postulation,” defining precise actions and penalties for non-compliance.
    • Oriental systems create rules through “intuition,” emphasizing the end to be achieved and the underlying morality. Individuals intuitively determine appropriate means based on moral principles.
  • Historical Context:
    • Ancient Indian legal systems succeeded due to clear indications of desired outcomes and underlying moral codes.
    • Similar themes are seen in historical instances such as the Pandavas’ exile and Emperor Ashoka’s edicts.
    • In China, Emperor Wudi’s adherence to ancestral laws showcases the synthesis of law and morality.
  • Judicial Perspective:
    • Justice V. Ramasubramaniam highlighted the tendency to mimic western legal systems in India and advocated for an approach rooted in Indian values.
    • The Sanskrit epigram “netineti” (neither this nor that) underscores the need for unique Indian solutions, as seen in the cryptocurrency judgment.
  • AI Regulation and Cultural Considerations:
    • NITI Aayog’s discussion papers on AI regulation primarily reference western models such as those from the EU, the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
  • It is the need of the hour for an AI regulatory framework consistent with Indian ethos and values.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

Cross the boulders in the Indus Waters Treaty

Source : TH

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a World Bank-brokered agreement between India and Pakistan to allocate and manage water resources from the Indus River system.

  • The treaty has recently become a point of contention between the two nations.

Key Highlights

  • The IWT primarily follows the principle of equitable allocation rather than the principle of appreciable harm.
  • Both India and Pakistan are granted exclusive rights to use the waters of specific rivers without causing harm to each other’s interests.
  • Allocation of Rivers and Rights:
    • India and Pakistan each have rights to specific rivers:
      • India over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej), and Pakistan over the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
    • The treaty allows India to store 3.60 million-acre feet (MAF) of water, distributed among the different rivers.
  • Allocation Breakdown:
    • India’s allocation of storage includes 0.40 MAF on the Indus, 1.50 MAF on the Jhelum, and 1.70 MAF on the Chenab.
    • Sector-wise allocation for India comprises 2.85 MAF for conservation storage, divided into 1.25 MAF for “general storage” and 1.60 MAF for “power storage.”
    • An additional 0.75 MAF is allocated for “flood storage” to manage floodwaters.
  • Recent Contention:
    • The IWT has been a subject of disagreement between India and Pakistan in recent times, with disputes arising over the implementation of the treaty’s provisions.
    • Emerging challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, and increased demand for water resources have further complicated the situation.
  • Kishanganga Project Dispute:
    • Pakistan raised objections to the Kishanganga project in 2006 due to concerns about violations of the IWT and potential negative impacts on its water supply.
    • The dispute led to a Court of Arbitration (CoA) case in 2010. The CoA ruled in 2013 that India could divert water from the Kishanganga/Neelumriver for power generation while maintaining a minimum flow of nine cusecs.
    • Despite the CoA’s judgment, India and Pakistan couldn’t resolve other issues like pondage and spillway configuration through talks.
  • Ratle Project Objections:
    • Pakistan also raised objections to the Ratle hydroelectric project on the Chenab river in 2012, further complicating the dispute.
  • World Bank Intervention:
    • In 2016, Pakistan requested a CoA through the World Bank for resolving the disputes over the projects.
    • India suggested the appointment of a neutral expert to address the matter.
    • In October 2022, the World Bank appointed Michel Lino as the neutral expert and Professor Sean Murphy as the Chairman of the CoA to address the dispute.

The Indus Water Treaty Timeline

  • 1947: India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule and emerged as separate nations.
    • The division led to the division of the Indus River basin, which was shared between the two countries.
  • 1948: Water disputes began to emerge between India and Pakistan over the use of waters from the Indus system.
  • 1951: The World Bank became involved in mediating the water disputes between India and Pakistan.
  • 1954: Negotiations between India and Pakistan under the mediation of the World Bank led to the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty on September 19, 1954, in Karachi, Pakistan.
  • 1960: The treaty was ratified by both India and Pakistan on March 12, 1960.
    • The treaty came into force after ratification.
  • Treaty Provisions:
    • The IWT divided the Indus River system into two parts: the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) and the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).
    • India was allocated the use of the eastern rivers, while Pakistan was allocated the use of the western rivers.
    • India agreed to let a specific volume of water flow into the western rivers for the benefit of Pakistan.
    • The treaty provided for the establishment of the Permanent Indus Commission to manage disputes and share information on river flows and projects.
  • Disputes and Resolutions:
    • The IWT has been a subject of disputes and negotiations between India and Pakistan, particularly related to hydropower projects and water usage.
    • The Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects have been contentious points, with Pakistan raising objections to their potential impact on water flow and supply.
  • 2010: The dispute over the Kishanganga project was taken to the Court of Arbitration (CoA) by Pakistan, claiming that India’s plans violated the IWT.
  • 2013: The CoA ruled that India could divert water from the Kishanganga/Neelumriver for power generation while maintaining a minimum flow.
  • 2016: Pakistan requested the World Bank to appoint a CoA for resolving the disputes, while India suggested the appointment of a neutral expert.
  • 2022: The World Bank appointed Michel Lino as the neutral expert and Professor Sean Murphy as Chairman of the CoA to address the ongoing disputes over hydropower project.

The Indus River System

  • The Indus River Basin is one of the largest river basins in the world, situated in South Asia.
  • It spans across multiple countries, with its primary waters flowing through India, Pakistan, China, and parts of Afghanistan.
  • The Indus River Basin covers a vast area of approximately 1,165,000 square kilometers.
  • It extends from the Himalayas in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south.
  • Major Rivers: The basin is primarily fed by the Indus River and its major tributaries. The main rivers include:
    • Indus River: The namesake of the basin, the Indus is one of the longest rivers in the world.
      • It originates in Tibet, flows through India and Pakistan, and eventually empties into the Arabian Sea.
    • Jhelum River: Originating in Jammu and Kashmir, India, the Jhelum is a significant tributary of the Indus, flowing through parts of India and Pakistan.
    • Chenab River: Another major tributary, the Chenab flows from the Himalayas and joins the Indus in Pakistan.
    • Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej: These eastern rivers primarily flow through India before entering Pakistan and eventually the Indus.

Understanding curbs on rice exports

Understanding curbs on rice exports

Source : TH

The Indian government has implemented measures to regulate rice prices and ensure domestic food security.

  • These measures include a prohibition on white rice exports, a 20% export duty on par-boiled rice until October 15, and permitting Basmati rice exports for contracts valued at $1,200 per tonne or above.

Key Highlights

  • Rice Production Estimates and Kharif Sowing:
    • The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s third Advanced Estimate for the Rabi season 2022-2023 showed a 13.8% decline in rice production, reaching 158.95 lakh tonnes compared to 184.71 lakh tonnes in the previous Rabi season.
    • Kharif sowing data indicated an increase in rice cultivation area to 384.05 lakh hectares, compared to 367.83 lakh hectares in the previous year.
  • Delayed Sowing Concerns in Some States:
    • Despite increased Kharif sowing, states like Tamil Nadu may experience delayed sowing due to a southwest monsoon shortfall.
    • Crop arrivals are expected to begin after the first week of September, with potential impacts from El Nino effects.
  • Rice Exports and Market Share:
    • India is the world’s largest rice exporter, holding a 45% share in the global rice market.
    • Rice exports increased by 21.1% in April-May 2023 compared to the previous year, with Basmati and non-Basmati rice shipments both showing growth.
    • Basmati rice exports increased by 10.86% in May, while non-Basmati rice shipments increased by 7.5%.
  • Impact on Indian Farmers:
    • The government raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice, ensuring better prices for farmers.
    • Rice millers are procuring paddy at prices higher than the MSP, providing stability for farmers.
  • Effect on Domestic Consumers and Prices:
    • Export restrictions aim to prevent steep price hikes in the domestic market, ensuring price stability.
    • Although there’s a slight increase in rice prices, the long-term availability of rice is secured, and spiraling prices are not expected.
  • Exporters’ Perspectives:
    • Indian par-boiled rice remains competitively priced in the global market despite the 20% export duty.
    • Some countries, such as Indonesia, are now importing rice due to high international demand.
    • Exporters have also suggest classifying rice based on common and specialty categories rather than the current Basmati and non-Basmati classification.

Rice Crop and Cultivation in India

  • Rice is a staple food and a major crop in India, contributing significantly to the country’s food security and economy.
  • India cultivates various types of rice, with Basmati and non-Basmati being the two primary categories.
  • Basmati rice is known for its unique aroma and long grains, while non-Basmati rice includes a wide range of varieties, each with distinct characteristics.
  • Climatic Requirements:
    • Rice is grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
    • It requires warm and humid conditions with temperatures between 20 to 35°C.
    • Adequate water supply is crucial for rice cultivation, and regions with high rainfall or access to irrigation are suitable for rice farming.
  • Major Rice-Producing States:Some major rice-producing states include:
    • Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in the north.
    • West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh in the east.
    • Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the south.

What are the latest revisions to the process for the sale of SIM cards?

What are the changes to the process for sale of SIM cards?

Source : TH

In an effort to combat cybercrimes and financial fraud, India’s Union Minister for Telecommunications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, introduced two reforms related to the bulk procurement of SIM cards and the registration of the final point of sale (PoS) by licensees.

  • These reforms are designed to strengthen the recently launched citizen-centric portal “Sanchar Saathi,” which aims to address these issues effectively.

Key Highlights

  • Sanchar Saathi Portal:
    • The Sanchar Saathi portal allows citizens to check connections registered under their names, block lost or stolen mobile phones, report suspicious connections, and verify device authenticity using IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
    • It utilizes two modules: the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) and Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP).
    • The portal has analyzed 114 crore (1.14 billion) active mobile connections, identifying suspicious and fraudulent connections.
  • Reform on Point of Sale (PoS):
    • The reform mandates the registration of franchisees, agents, and distributors of SIM cards (PoS) with licensees.
    • The operator is responsible for verifying the PoS and ensuring police verification of dealers.
    • A written agreement between PoS and licensees is required for SIM card sales, with a 12-month compliance period for existing providers.
    • PoS found involved in illegal activities will face termination of agreements, blacklisting for 3 years, and a penalty of Rs 10 lakh.
  • Reform on Bulk SIM Cards and Misuse:
    • Bulk procurement of SIM cards is replaced with ‘business’ connections by registered entities.
    • KYC requirements must be completed for all end-users of business connections, ensuring proper identification.
    • Demographic details from printed Aadhaar cards must be captured via QR code scanning to prevent misuse.
    • Replacement of SIM cards requires full KYC, and there’s a 24-hour SMS facility suspension during the process.
    • Facial-based biometric authentication is permitted alongside thumb impression and iris-based authentication.
    • Disconnected mobile numbers cannot be allocated to other customers for 90 days.
  • Considerations and Observations:
    • There is a need for proper enforcement of provisions, especially at local stores.
    • Adequate infrastructure and data protection safeguards are crucial for smaller local stores dealing with sensitive data.
    • There should be clarity about agent requirements for acquiring, processing, and retaining data.
    • Despite Aadhaar-based KYC, ongoing fraud issues suggest that there might be underlying problems.
    • It’s essential to balance data acquisition only for necessary purposes and with a clear objective.

What is a SIM card?

  • A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card is a small integrated circuit card that is inserted into mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to enable them to connect to a mobile network.
  • SIM cards store crucial information about the user’s identity and account, allowing them to make calls, send messages, and access mobile data services.
  • Key Features:
    • Identity Information: The primary function of a SIM card is to store and provide identity information for the user.
      • This includes the unique International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number.
    • Subscriber Data: SIM cards contain subscriber-related data such as the user’s phone number, mobile network operator’s information, and the type of subscription plan (prepaid or postpaid).
    • Authentication: SIM cards play a critical role in authenticating users on the network.
      • When a user tries to connect to a network, the SIM card provides the necessary authentication credentials to establish a secure connection.
    • Mobile Network Information: SIM cards store the information required to connect to a specific mobile network.
      • This includes the Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), and other network-specific settings.
    • Contact Storage: Many SIM cards offer limited storage space to store a user’s contacts and text messages.
    • Secure Element: SIM cards often include a secure element, which is a tamper-resistant hardware module.
      • This secure element enhances security by storing sensitive data like encryption keys and authentication tokens.
    • PIN and PUK Codes: SIM cards are typically protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code that the user sets.
      • If the PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times, a Personal Unblocking Key (PUK) code is required to unlock the SIM.

What to do with spent nuclear fuel?

What to do with spent nuclear fuel?

Source : TH

The release of treated radioactive water from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean has reignited discussions on how to manage nuclear waste, a crucial challenge associated with nuclear energy.

  • Many countries are considering expanding their nuclear power projects as a part of their clean energy transition, but effective waste management is a significant concern.

Key Highlights

  • Nuclear Energy and Waste:
    • Nuclear energy is viewed as an alternative to carbon-based power in the effort to mitigate climate change.
    • About 10% of the world’s electricity is generated from nuclear energy.
    • As countries aim for net-zero emissions, they are considering an increased role for nuclear power.
    • However, the issue of nuclear waste disposal remains a complex challenge.
  • Temporary Waste Storage:
    • Various temporary options exist for storing nuclear waste, including spent fuel from reactors.
    • These include storing spent fuel in pools until they cool down and placing them in dry casks.
    • For low-level and intermediate-level waste, near-surface disposal facilities are used.
    • These facilities are designed to safely store radioactive waste from operational plants.
  • High-Level Waste Disposal:
    • High-level nuclear waste presents more challenging disposal requirements.
    • Deep geological disposal is considered the most feasible option.
    • Finland’s Onkalo repository is a leading example of this approach, set to open in 2025.
    • The repository uses the KBS-3 concept, involving copper canisters containing waste wrapped in bentonite clay, buried over 400 meters below ancient bedrock.
    • Safety measures called release barriers isolate the waste from its surroundings.
  • Finland’s Approach:
    • Finland’s Onkalo repository, developed by Posiva, aims to store waste securely for 100 millennia.
    • The facility anticipates changes in the site over time and tests its ability to withstand geological changes such as ice ages and earthquakes.
    • The facility will take around 100-120 years to reach full capacity, highlighting the long-term commitment required for nuclear waste management.

In Image: World’s first Nuclear Repository.