2023 06 14

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

Assistive technology to make urban centres disabled friendly
S. decides to rejoin UNESCO

GS Paper 3:

The Hiroshima AI process

GS Paper 4:

Government Intervention in Free Speech

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Japan’s parliament passes bill promoting LGBTQ+
Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat
Kari Ishad mango
Default loss guarantee (DLG)
Dimethyl Ether Fuelled Tractor
Cholederm
SIPRI

Mapping

Canada
Anak Krakatau volcano (Indonesia)

Assistive technology to make urban centres disabled friendly

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Mechanisms for the Protection and Betterment of Vulnerable Sections

Source: IE

Context: Assistive technology – products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities (PwD) – can aid PwD, enabling their full participation in urban life.

Need for inclusive cities:

India is urbanising rapidly and the country’s urban population is estimated to cross 675 million by 2030.
- According to the 2011 Census, 1 in 3 PwD in India or roughly 8 million people already live in cities.
The number of PwD as a share of the population could rise due to disaster and climate risks, demographic changes and broader definitions of disability in line with global norms.

Solution – Innovative technology and ICT: These are key to ensuring an inclusive urban transformation and essential for improving and increasing the quality of life of all citizens.

Importance of assistive technology:

Manasi Joshi, a para-badminton player, underwent a double leg amputation following a road accident at age 22.
Availability of assistive technology empowered her by not only helping her overcome obstacles she faced in everyday tasks but also encouraging her to realise her dream of playing professional badminton.

Advantages to India: India has a world-class digital governance system and dynamic tech sectors converging to deliver inclusive prosperity and resilience.

Challenges: Innovations that promote inclusivity are often perceived as unprofitable by investors.

Steps taken:

The Smart Solutions Challenge and Inclusive Cities Awards: It was launched in India (2022) by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the UN, to enhance the ecosystem for assistive technology and inclusive solutions.
- It helped in crowd-sourcing tech-based solutions and innovations for addressing city-level accessibility and inclusion challenges.
Start-up 20 Engagement Group: As part of its G20 Presidency, India has initiated the group to provide a global platform to enable the start-up ecosystem across the member nations.
G20 Digital Innovation Alliance (G20-DIA): Launched by MeitY to showcase innovative solutions and create an alliance of players in the innovation ecosystem.
Urban-20 Engagement Group under G20: It seeks to discuss how data and technology can be best utilised for making city management more effective and inclusive [Theme – ‘Catalysing Digital Urban Futures’].
Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO): Incorporated in 1972, ALIMCO is a Central Public Sector unit engaged in the manufacture and supply/distribution of Assistive Devices for PwDs.

Way ahead:

The role of the state becomes critical for promoting an ecosystem for transformative technologies, especially where the return on investment may be difficult to measure.
Behavioural changes, capacity building, investments and policies for accessible infrastructure and inclusive and accessible innovations for creating an inclusive and accessible India.

Best practices:

Smart cities like Bhubaneswar have deployed innovative transport and mobility solutions.
Fifth Sense, IncluMaps, AxcessAble and myUDAAN: These are the assistive technologies supporting independent living for PwD.

Conclusion: Accessible India is crucial for the country’s progress towards SDG targets and an equitable urban future as envisioned for the Amrit Kaal – an inclusive, accessible, safe, resilient, and sustainable India@2047.

Insta Links:

House panel flags ‘casual approach’ of govt. over setting up disability centres

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, 14 June CA, Assistive technology for PwD, GS 2, Today's Article, Today’s article

U.S. decides to rejoin UNESCO

GS Paper 2

Source: TH

Context: The United States has announced its decision to rejoin the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and pay over $600 million in back dues.

Background of the US and UNESCO issue:


Year	Description	Reason
1945	The United States initially joined UNESCO in 1945, seeing it as an important platform for promoting international cooperation in education, science, and culture.	The U.S. believed in the importance of international cooperation and saw UNESCO as a means to promote its values and interests in these areas.
1984	In 1984, under the Reagan administration, the U.S. withdrew from the organization.	The Reagan administration believed that UNESCO was not effectively fulfilling its mandate, and was mismanaged and corrupt. Its actions were influenced by political biases that favoured the Soviet Union.
2003	The U.S. rejoined UNESCO in 2003 under the George W Bush administration.	This decision was driven by a desire to re-engage with multilateral institutions and rebuild diplomatic relationships.
2011	In 2011, the U.S. and Israel suspended their funding to UNESCO and eventually lost their voting rights.	The U.S. and Israel believed that UNESCO’s decision to admit Palestine undermined the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations and took measures to protest against it.
2017	In 2017, under the Trump administration, the U.S. announced its decision to withdraw from UNESCO altogether.	The Trump administration perceived UNESCO to have an anti-Israel bias and raised concerns about the effectiveness and value of the organization’s programs. The administration also expressed concerns about the effectiveness and value of UNESCO’s programs.
2023	The US plans to rejoin UNESCO in 2023, reflecting a shift in the country’s stance under the Biden administration.	The U.S. is concerned about China’s increasing influence in UNESCO, especially in areas related to technology and artificial intelligence. By rejoining UNESCO, the Biden administration aims to assert U.S. interests, ensure representation, and shape global standards in these critical fields.

Significance of the US rejoining UNESCO:

Financial boost: US contributed 22% of the agency’s overall funding before leaving.
Global Leadership: The U.S. brings substantial resources, expertise, and influence, which can help drive international cooperation and shape global agendas in these areas.
Counterbalancing China: The U.S. rejoining UNESCO allows it to counterbalance China’s growing influence within the organization.
Multilateral Engagement: This move reinforces the importance of international cooperation and strengthens diplomatic ties with other member states.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage: UNESCO plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage sites worldwide.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development: The U.S.’s re-engagement in these initiatives can enhance global efforts to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices.

About UNESCO:


	Description
About	UNESCO (est. 1945; HQ: Paris, France) the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council
Objective	To build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences, and Culture.
Membership	UNESCO has 193 Members and 11 Associate Members (As of April 2020). Three UNESCO member states (Cook Islands, Niue, and Palestine) are not UN members, while three UN member states (Israel, Liechtenstein, United States) are not UNESCO members. The US will join UNSECO soon.
Governance	UNESCO is governed by the General Conference and the Executive Board.
Areas of Specialization	Education (covers all aspects of education, from pre-school to higher education); Protecting Our Heritage and Fostering Creativity; UNESCO assists countries in investing in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI); Social and Human Sciences; UNESCO advances freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, combats online hate speech and disinformation.
Global Priorities	UNESCO’s global priorities include focusing on Africa with a stronger and better-targeted strategy and promoting gender equality by ensuring equal opportunities, choices, and capabilities for women and men. Initiatives such as these are part of their efforts.
Important Initiatives	World Heritage Convention and List; Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme; International Geoscience and Global Geoparks Programme (IGGP); International Hydrological Programme (IHP); World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP); Gender Equality Action Plan, Gender Views, and UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
Reports Released by UNESCO	UNESCO Science Report; Global Education Monitoring Report; McBride Report of 1980; UNESCO State of the Education Report for India: Children With Disabilities;
UNESCO And INDIA	India has been a member of the UNESCO since its inception. India collaborates with UNESCO through Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO (INCCU). India has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the 2022-2026 cycle.
UNESCO’s International Prizes and India	UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence; UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science

UNESCO’s Success

Insta Links

UNESCO

Mains Links

What are the aims and objectives of the McBride Commission of UNESCO? What is India’s position on these? (150 Words) (UPSC 2016)

Prelims Links

Consider the following statements about United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in NYC.
UNESCO implements its activities through the five programme areas: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication and information.
It also designates Biosphere reserves (Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB)

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect?

a) 1 and 2
b) 1 and 3
c) 3 only
d) 1 only

Answer: C

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Today's Article, unesco, US decides to re-join UNESCO

The Hiroshima AI process

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights

Source: TH

Context: The 2023 annual G7 Summit, hosted by Japan (Hiroshima), initiated the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP) – an effort to determine a way forward to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).

Background: The G7 Digital and Tech Ministers discussed responsible AI and global AI governance –

To promote human-centric and trustworthy AI based on the OECD AI Principles and
To foster collaboration to maximise the benefits for all brought by AI technologies.

What is HAP?

It recognised the need to immediately take stock of the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, which is increasingly prominent across countries and sectors.
It encourages discussions on generative AI in cooperation with the OECD and GPAI to conduct practical projects.
These discussions could include topics such as governance, safeguard of IPR (including copyrights), response to foreign information manipulation (including disinformation) and responsible utilisation of these technologies.

Significance of the HAP:

It will highlight the shared values and standards that can be used to derive guiding principles (fairness, accountability, transparency, and safety) for the regulation of AI.
AI development and implementation will help in aligning with values such as freedom, democracy and human rights.
An emphasis on multi-stakeholder international cooperation indicates that the HAP isn’t expected to address AI regulation from a State-centric perspective.

Challenges:

Divergence among G7 countries.
G7 countries are acting on their own instead of waiting for the outcomes from the HAP.
The relationship between AI and IPR is not clear.

Way ahead:

A common guideline for G7 countries that permits the use of copyrighted materials.
An interoperable AI governance framework to respond to the concerns of other country groups as well.
Like-minded approaches and policy instruments to achieve the common vision and goal of trustworthy AI.

Conclusion: Overall, the establishment of the HAP makes one thing clear: AI governance has become a truly global issue that is likely to only become more contested in future.

Insta Links:

Regulation of AI

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, 14 June CA, GS 3, Regulation of AI, Responsible AI, The Hiroshima AI process, Today's Article, Today’s article

Government Intervention in Free Speech

GS Paper ₹4

Syllabus: Ethical Values and their applications

Source: TH, IE

Context: Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, claimed that the Indian government threatened to shut down the social media platform in the country.

Issues highlighted:

India made numerous requests related to the farmers’ protests and critical journalists, and the government used tactics like raiding Twitter employees’ homes and threatening to close Twitter offices.
India and China could apply pressure on Elon Musk, who has business interests in those countries, to influence Twitter’s policies.
The Indian government had demanded the shutdown of certain accounts and the disclosure of contact information.
The government sought to censor tweets critical of their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there were claims that Twitter censored right-wing voices.
The government is also considering a Digital India Bill that may eliminate the safe harbour concept and increase legal consequences for platforms that do not remove government-notified misinformation.

Other issues influencing the idea of Digital India:

A data breach on the CoWIN platform was reported, but the government denied it.
Second, a Global DPI Summit organized by the Ministry of Electronics and IT took place, emphasizing the Digital Public Infrastructure framework.

These events demonstrate the lack of governance processes, accountability mechanisms, and adherence to constitutional frameworks in India’s digital systems.

Ethical issues involved in the case:

Freedom of speech and expression: Critics argue that by blocking accounts and content, Twitter may be suppressing dissenting voices and limiting the free flow of information.
Impartiality and bias: Accusations of political bias can undermine trust in the platform and raise questions about the fairness of its content moderation practices.
Compliance with local laws: Critics argue that Twitter’s compliance with Indian laws may compromise its commitment to global human rights principles.
Corporate responsibility and accountability: Ethical concerns arise when executives make claims that are disputed by the government or other stakeholders.
Privacy and user data protection: Governments’ requests for user information and potential surveillance can infringe upon users’ privacy rights and raise questions about the platform’s commitment to protecting user data.
Relationship with governments: Ethical considerations come into play when platforms must navigate demands from governments that may infringe on human rights or limit freedom of expression.

Conclusion:

Addressing these ethical issues requires a careful balance between respecting local laws, protecting user rights, ensuring transparency and accountability, and upholding global human rights standards. It highlights the need for robust policies and practices within social media companies to navigate these complex ethical challenges effectively.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, ETHICS, GS4, Right to Free Speech, Today's Article

Japan’s parliament passes bill promoting LGBTQ+

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

The lower house of Japan’s parliament passed a bill aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ awareness. While support for LGBTQ+ rights has grown among the Japanese public, opposition remains strong within some sections of conservative institutions. However, recent surveys indicate majority support for legalizing same-sex marriage and other protections, including among the business community.

Usage: You can cite this example in Polity/Ethics to show legal efforts towards making the world more inclusive.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Japan, LGBTQ, Today's Article

Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

Ramachandra Guha’s book, “Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India’s Freedom,” has won the Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography 2023.

The theme of the book: The book tells the story of seven foreigners who joined India’s freedom struggle against British rule. The book explores the lives of these individuals, their relationships with Mahatma Gandhi, and their impact on India’s post-colonial world.

Usage: The book can be quoted in Essay (on the historical topic)/Modern India questions.

About the award:

The Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography was established in 2003 in memory of Elizabeth Longford (1906-2002), the British author, biographer and historian. The £5,000 prize is awarded annually for a historical biography published in the preceding year.

It celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The prize recognizes books that shed light on the lives of notable individuals and their impact on history.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Today's Article

Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: Minister of State for Culture inaugurated an exhibition under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) titled “Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat” to celebrate the 75th International Archives.

National Archives of India has made available the Gilgit Manuscripts written between the 5″ -6″ centuries CE, which is the oldest surviving manuscript collection in India.

About Gilgit Manuscripts:

The birch bark folios documents written on pieces of the inner layer of the bark of birch trees were found in the Kashmir region and contain both canonical and non-canonical Jain and Buddhist works that throw light on the evolution of many religious-philosophical literatures.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Arts and Literature, Gilgit Manuscripts, GS1, Hamari Bhasha, Hamari Virasat, Today's Article

Kari Ishad mango

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Kari Ishad mango prominently grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada has bagged the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government.

According to the Geographical Indications Journal of the government, the Kari Ishad is accepted as one of the finest quality mangoes due to its unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of pulp, shape, and size.

About GI tag:

A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

How long the registration of Geographical Indication is valid?

The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.

Who accords and regulates Geographical Indications?

At the International level: Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. GI is also governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003. The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GI tag, GS3, Kari Ishad mango, Today's Article

Default loss guarantee (DLG)/ First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The RBI has allowed a Default loss guarantee (DLG) (also called first Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG), a safety-net arrangement among banks, non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and lending service providers (LSPs).

LSPs: These are new-age technology platforms/ agents (of a bank or NBFC) in the lending space who carry out one or more of a lender’s functions on behalf of regulated entities (REs).

What is an FLDG arrangement?

It is an arrangement whereby a third party such as a financial technology (fintech) player (LSP) compensates lenders if the borrower defaults.
For all practical purposes, credit risk is borne by the LSP without having to maintain any regulatory capital.

Previous arrangement:

RBI had expressed reservations about the FLDG arrangement because it felt that the model could pose a systemic risk.
The RBI guidelines (2022) on digital lending did not provide clarity on the FLDG structure.

New guidelines:

The RBI permitted FLDG arrangements between banks and fintech or between two REs.
The LSP-providing DLG must be incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 2013.
Banks and NBFCs should ensure that the total amount of DLG cover on any outstanding portfolio does not exceed 5% of the amount of that loan portfolio.

Significance: This will facilitate the entry of small and medium fintech into the digital lending space in partnerships with banks or NBFCs.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, 14 June CA, Default loss guarantee (DLG), First Loss Default Guarantee (FLDG), Lending service providers (LSPs), RBI, Today's Article, Today’s article

Dimethyl Ether Fuelled Tractor

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DST

Context: Researchers at IIT Kanpur have developed India’s first 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME)-fuelled tractor/vehicle, marking a significant step towards a sustainable alternative fuel-based transport system.

What is Dimethyl Ether?

Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a renewable and clean-burning alternative fuel that can be used in various applications, including transportation. Under normal atmospheric conditions, DME is a colourless gas. It is produced from natural gas, coal, biomass, or renewable sources through a synthesis process.

Uses: It is used extensively in the chemical industry and as a solvent, fuel, and refrigerant (ozone-friendly aerosol propellant to replace CFCs). DME has properties similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and can be easily stored and transported.

Several countries, including Japan, the USA, China, Sweden, Denmark, and Korea, already use DME to power vehicles. However, the use of DME in internal combustion engines is relatively unexplored in India.

The research is overheated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) (under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is aligned with the ‘Methanol Economy’ program of NITI Ayog.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Dimethyl Ether Fuelled Tractor, Science and Engineering Research Board, Today's Article

Cholederm

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for its advanced wound care product called Cholederm.

About Cholederm:

It is a Class D medical device made from the extracellular matrix of a pig’s gall bladder, tissue-engineered into membrane forms of the scaffold.

Advantages: It has demonstrated faster healing of various skin wounds, including burns and diabetic wounds, in animal tests with minimal scarring. Cholederm is expected to reduce treatment costs and make advanced wound care more affordable.
Significance: This development marks a significant milestone for indigenous development in the field of animal-derived medical devices, meeting all regulatory requirements.

About Medical devices:

Medical devices are instruments, apparatus, machines, or software used for diagnosing, treating, or preventing medical conditions. Medical devices are categorized into different classes based on their risk level, with Class A being low risk and Class D being high risk.

Class D medical devices are often complex and are used for critical medical procedures or treatments. Class D devices require strict regulation and undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure their safety and efficacy.

About CDSCO:

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (HQ: New Delhi; under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940) is India’s national regulatory body for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. It is responsible for the approval of Drugs, Conduct Clinical Trials, and laying down the standards for Drugs.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, CDSCO, Cholederm, Today's Article

SIPRI

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: SIPRI

Context: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual assessment, highlighting the increase in nuclear weapons as countries pursue force modernization and expansion plans.


Key Findings	Description
Nine nuclear-armed states	USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel. USA and Russia possess almost 90% of all nuclear weapons
Deployed Nuclear Warheads	USA (Largest number)> Russia> France > UK
Total Inventory of Nuclear Warheads	Russia (Highest total inventory)> USA> China
Countries with No Deployed Nuclear Warheads	India, China, Pakistan, North Korea and Isreal
India’s Nuclear Warhead Stockpiles	Total: 164; India and Pakistan are Expanding nuclear arsenals and the Development of new types of nuclear delivery systems
The decline in Nuclear Warheads	Primarily due to the dismantling of retired warheads by the USA and Russia
Modernization and Expansion of Nuclear Arsenals	While China is modernizing and expanding its arsenal; India and Pakistan are increasing the size of their inventories

About SIPRI:

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (HQ: Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; est. 1966) is an independent international institute based in Stockholm. It provides data, analysis and recommendations for armed conflict, military expenditure and arms trade as well as disarmament and arms control.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, SIPRI, Today's Article

Anak Krakatau volcano (Indonesia)

Mapping

It has erupted, sending ash up to 3 kilometres into the air. The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, erupted in 2018 that caused a deadly tsunami. Anak Krakatau, which means “child of Kratakau,” is the offspring of the famous Krakatau, whose monumental eruption in 1883 triggered a period of global cooling.

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea. Indonesia is prone to volcanoes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet.

June 14, 2023 /14 June 2023, Anak Krakatau volcano, indonesia, Today's Article