🔆European Union's Recent act on AI could guide framing of similar laws elsewhere
#gs2
#polity_governance
#ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
#gs2
#polity_governance
#ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)
UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 postponed from the scheduled 26 May to 16 June 2024
https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Ticker-CSP-2024-Postponement-engl-19032024.pdf
Join @CSE_EXAM
https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Ticker-CSP-2024-Postponement-engl-19032024.pdf
Join @CSE_EXAM
🔆Indian Ocean Region
✅A strategic reorientation towards the Indian Ocean was prompted by the deepening security concerns, with India intensifying its focus on the region over the Indo-Pacific since October 2023.
✅The Maldives has shown a troubling drift towards China, contrasting Sri Lanka's increased sensitivity to India's security concerns and Mauritius's collaboration with India to enhance maritime security.
✅Increased Chinese naval presence and military assistance to the Maldives alongside attempts to secure naval bases in strategic locations signal Beijing's intent to dominate the region and challenge India's security.
✅India is facing strategic competition with China in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean, addressing the threats through regional cooperation and enhancing its naval capabilities, aiming to become a leading maritime power.
✅The participation of European countries and their standpoint on China's activities in the Indian Ocean is essential for forming a unified strategy against Beijing.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅A strategic reorientation towards the Indian Ocean was prompted by the deepening security concerns, with India intensifying its focus on the region over the Indo-Pacific since October 2023.
✅The Maldives has shown a troubling drift towards China, contrasting Sri Lanka's increased sensitivity to India's security concerns and Mauritius's collaboration with India to enhance maritime security.
✅Increased Chinese naval presence and military assistance to the Maldives alongside attempts to secure naval bases in strategic locations signal Beijing's intent to dominate the region and challenge India's security.
✅India is facing strategic competition with China in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean, addressing the threats through regional cooperation and enhancing its naval capabilities, aiming to become a leading maritime power.
✅The participation of European countries and their standpoint on China's activities in the Indian Ocean is essential for forming a unified strategy against Beijing.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
Forwarded from CSE EXAM ( UPSC prelims mains)
🔆Language Friendship Bridge
✅The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has launched 'The Language
Friendship Bridge' project.
✅It aims to broaden India's cultural influence in historically linked neighbouring countries.
✅ It intends to form a group of language experts focusing on languages from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia to enhance
interpersonal exchanges.
✅Focus Languages:
Kazakh, Uzbek, Bhutanese, Ghoti (spoken in Tibet), Burmese, Khmer (spoken in Cambodia), Thai, Sinhalese, and Bahasa (spoken in both Indonesia and Malaysia).
📍 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR):
✅It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
✅Objective: To actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations
#gs2
#ir
#prelims
@upsc_4_ir
✅The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has launched 'The Language
Friendship Bridge' project.
✅It aims to broaden India's cultural influence in historically linked neighbouring countries.
✅ It intends to form a group of language experts focusing on languages from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia to enhance
interpersonal exchanges.
✅Focus Languages:
Kazakh, Uzbek, Bhutanese, Ghoti (spoken in Tibet), Burmese, Khmer (spoken in Cambodia), Thai, Sinhalese, and Bahasa (spoken in both Indonesia and Malaysia).
📍 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR):
✅It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
✅Objective: To actively participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations
#gs2
#ir
#prelims
@upsc_4_ir
🔆4th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum organized in New Delhi
The initiative focused on broadening startup interactions among the SCO Member States, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, promoting job creation, and inspiring young talent to develop innovative solutions.
India will host the second meeting of the SWG in November 2024 and SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.
The first Meeting of the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation (SWG), permanently chaired by India, was organised on the theme ‘Growing from Roots’ in 2023. 25 representatives from the 9 SCO Member States participated in the meeting and presented their respective startup ecosystems and prospective areas of collaboration related to the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors covered in the theme.
#gs2
#prelims
#pib
Join @PIB_UPSC
The initiative focused on broadening startup interactions among the SCO Member States, fostering an environment conducive to innovation, promoting job creation, and inspiring young talent to develop innovative solutions.
India will host the second meeting of the SWG in November 2024 and SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.
The first Meeting of the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation (SWG), permanently chaired by India, was organised on the theme ‘Growing from Roots’ in 2023. 25 representatives from the 9 SCO Member States participated in the meeting and presented their respective startup ecosystems and prospective areas of collaboration related to the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors covered in the theme.
#gs2
#prelims
#pib
Join @PIB_UPSC
🔆On The mass kidnapping in Nigeria
✅Nigeria faces its worst economic crisis alongside severe security challenges, marked by a resurgence of kidnappings, especially in the northern region, with over 600 individuals, including at least 300 schoolchildren, abducted since February end.
✅Suspected Boko Haram militants and local armed gangs, termed 'bandits', are behind the mass abductions, driven by conflicts over resources and the exploitation of economic and security weaknesses.
✅The surge in kidnappings is attributed to a combination of factors including economic downfall, high unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, and political instability, making kidnapping a 'lucrative' industry.
#gs3
#Security
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅Nigeria faces its worst economic crisis alongside severe security challenges, marked by a resurgence of kidnappings, especially in the northern region, with over 600 individuals, including at least 300 schoolchildren, abducted since February end.
✅Suspected Boko Haram militants and local armed gangs, termed 'bandits', are behind the mass abductions, driven by conflicts over resources and the exploitation of economic and security weaknesses.
✅The surge in kidnappings is attributed to a combination of factors including economic downfall, high unemployment, inflation, food insecurity, and political instability, making kidnapping a 'lucrative' industry.
#gs3
#Security
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Why did Pakistan carry out airstrikes in Afghanistan
✅A major escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan involved Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces of Paktika and Khost, killing at least eight civilians. This was a response to accusations of the Taliban providing refuge to terrorists attacking Pakistan.
✅The escalation reflects long-standing disputes over the Durand Line and intensified following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) call-off of a ceasefire, leading to a surge in terror incidents in Pakistan.
✅The Taliban warned of "very bad consequences" if Pakistan continues attacks inside Afghanistan's territory. The ongoing tensions highlight the complex relationship between the two nations amid concerns over regional security and terrorism.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅A major escalation of tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan involved Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan provinces of Paktika and Khost, killing at least eight civilians. This was a response to accusations of the Taliban providing refuge to terrorists attacking Pakistan.
✅The escalation reflects long-standing disputes over the Durand Line and intensified following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) call-off of a ceasefire, leading to a surge in terror incidents in Pakistan.
✅The Taliban warned of "very bad consequences" if Pakistan continues attacks inside Afghanistan's territory. The ongoing tensions highlight the complex relationship between the two nations amid concerns over regional security and terrorism.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆United Nations Convention
against Transnational
Organised Crimes (UNTOC)
✅Recently, a conference was held in Palermo, Italy, to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention
against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC).
✅UNTOC is a global legally binding instrument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and enforced in 2003.
✅It's the first comprehensive treaty to combat transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illicit firearms trafficking.
✅Currently, 191 parties, including India (joined in 2002 and ratified in 2011), are part of the Convention.
✅The Central Bureau of Investigation serves as India's national Nodal Authority.
✅India also enacted the Criminal Law Amendment Act in 2013, specifically defining human trafficking.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
against Transnational
Organised Crimes (UNTOC)
✅Recently, a conference was held in Palermo, Italy, to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention
against Transnational Organised Crimes (UNTOC).
✅UNTOC is a global legally binding instrument adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and enforced in 2003.
✅It's the first comprehensive treaty to combat transnational organized crime, including human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and illicit firearms trafficking.
✅Currently, 191 parties, including India (joined in 2002 and ratified in 2011), are part of the Convention.
✅The Central Bureau of Investigation serves as India's national Nodal Authority.
✅India also enacted the Criminal Law Amendment Act in 2013, specifically defining human trafficking.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆How bad is the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
✅The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated due to Israel's ongoing military operation, with the EU's foreign policy chief describing Gaza as the world's "largest open-air graveyard."
✅The UN warns of imminent famine in Gaza, with over 1.2 million people facing catastrophic hunger. Israel's seal off and restrictions on aid have exacerbated the situation, leading to severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic amenities.
✅Gaza's economy has been devastated, majorly impacting agriculture and fishing sectors. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reports significant damage to croplands and the fishing industry, resulting in near-total dependency on aid for Gaza's population.
✅The only viable solution to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations for a long-term peace agreement. Ongoing fighting and the blockade have prevented adequate distribution of aid, worsening the situation.
#gs2
#IR
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated due to Israel's ongoing military operation, with the EU's foreign policy chief describing Gaza as the world's "largest open-air graveyard."
✅The UN warns of imminent famine in Gaza, with over 1.2 million people facing catastrophic hunger. Israel's seal off and restrictions on aid have exacerbated the situation, leading to severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and basic amenities.
✅Gaza's economy has been devastated, majorly impacting agriculture and fishing sectors. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reports significant damage to croplands and the fishing industry, resulting in near-total dependency on aid for Gaza's population.
✅The only viable solution to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza is an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations for a long-term peace agreement. Ongoing fighting and the blockade have prevented adequate distribution of aid, worsening the situation.
#gs2
#IR
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆What is European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
✅Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms will be investigated for potential breaches of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, European antitrust regulators said recently.
✅It is the EU’s law to make the markets in the digital sector fairer and more contestable. It aims to create a safer internet, empower citizens, enhance consumer protections and foster higher-quality digital services.
✅In order to do so, the DMA establishes a set of clearly defined objective criteria to identify “gatekeepers”.
✅Gatekeepers are large digital platforms providing so-called core platform services, such as online search engines, app stores, and messenger services.
✅Gatekeepers will have to comply with the do’s (i.e., obligations) and don’ts (i.e., prohibitions) listed in the DMA.
✅The DMA is one of the first regulatory tools to comprehensively regulate the gatekeeper power of the largest digital companies.
📍Key Measures:
✅Tighter restrictions on how digital gatekeepers can use people’s data—users must give their explicit consent for their activities to be tracked for advertising purposes.
✅Messaging services and social media platforms teaming up and sharing users. This could mean, for example, Meta-owned WhatsApp users being able to send messages directly to a completely different messaging service, such as Telegram.
✅Presenting users with the option to uninstall preloaded applications on devices.
✅Gatekeepers are banned from ranking their own products or services higher than others in online searches.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms will be investigated for potential breaches of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, European antitrust regulators said recently.
✅It is the EU’s law to make the markets in the digital sector fairer and more contestable. It aims to create a safer internet, empower citizens, enhance consumer protections and foster higher-quality digital services.
✅In order to do so, the DMA establishes a set of clearly defined objective criteria to identify “gatekeepers”.
✅Gatekeepers are large digital platforms providing so-called core platform services, such as online search engines, app stores, and messenger services.
✅Gatekeepers will have to comply with the do’s (i.e., obligations) and don’ts (i.e., prohibitions) listed in the DMA.
✅The DMA is one of the first regulatory tools to comprehensively regulate the gatekeeper power of the largest digital companies.
📍Key Measures:
✅Tighter restrictions on how digital gatekeepers can use people’s data—users must give their explicit consent for their activities to be tracked for advertising purposes.
✅Messaging services and social media platforms teaming up and sharing users. This could mean, for example, Meta-owned WhatsApp users being able to send messages directly to a completely different messaging service, such as Telegram.
✅Presenting users with the option to uninstall preloaded applications on devices.
✅Gatekeepers are banned from ranking their own products or services higher than others in online searches.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆What is European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)?
✅Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms will be investigated for potential breaches of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, European antitrust regulators said recently.
✅It is the EU’s law to make the markets in the digital sector fairer and more contestable. It aims to create a safer internet, empower citizens, enhance consumer protections and foster higher-quality digital services.
✅In order to do so, the DMA establishes a set of clearly defined objective criteria to identify “gatekeepers”.
✅Gatekeepers are large digital platforms providing so-called core platform services, such as online search engines, app stores, and messenger services.
✅Gatekeepers will have to comply with the do’s (i.e., obligations) and don’ts (i.e., prohibitions) listed in the DMA.
✅The DMA is one of the first regulatory tools to comprehensively regulate the gatekeeper power of the largest digital companies.
📍Key Measures:
✅Tighter restrictions on how digital gatekeepers can use people’s data—users must give their explicit consent for their activities to be tracked for advertising purposes.
✅Messaging services and social media platforms teaming up and sharing users. This could mean, for example, Meta-owned WhatsApp users being able to send messages directly to a completely different messaging service, such as Telegram.
✅Presenting users with the option to uninstall preloaded applications on devices.
✅Gatekeepers are banned from ranking their own products or services higher than others in online searches.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
✅Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms will be investigated for potential breaches of the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, European antitrust regulators said recently.
✅It is the EU’s law to make the markets in the digital sector fairer and more contestable. It aims to create a safer internet, empower citizens, enhance consumer protections and foster higher-quality digital services.
✅In order to do so, the DMA establishes a set of clearly defined objective criteria to identify “gatekeepers”.
✅Gatekeepers are large digital platforms providing so-called core platform services, such as online search engines, app stores, and messenger services.
✅Gatekeepers will have to comply with the do’s (i.e., obligations) and don’ts (i.e., prohibitions) listed in the DMA.
✅The DMA is one of the first regulatory tools to comprehensively regulate the gatekeeper power of the largest digital companies.
📍Key Measures:
✅Tighter restrictions on how digital gatekeepers can use people’s data—users must give their explicit consent for their activities to be tracked for advertising purposes.
✅Messaging services and social media platforms teaming up and sharing users. This could mean, for example, Meta-owned WhatsApp users being able to send messages directly to a completely different messaging service, such as Telegram.
✅Presenting users with the option to uninstall preloaded applications on devices.
✅Gatekeepers are banned from ranking their own products or services higher than others in online searches.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
🔆The politics of humanitarian aid
✅The U.S. Congress's decision to halt funding to UNRWA highlights the intertwined nature of humanitarian aid and geopolitical maneuvering, impacting millions in regions like Gaza.
✅Defunding UNRWA could tacitly undermine the recognition of Palestinian refugees and the unresolved issue of their right to return, aligning with Israel's demands.
✅In response to the crisis in Gaza, the U.S. proposed building a temporary pier to deliver aid, showcasing how politics can complicate straightforward humanitarian efforts.
✅The UNSC has seen aid used as a political tool in situations like Afghanistan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Yemen, showcasing a global pattern of politics overruling humanitarian needs.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅The U.S. Congress's decision to halt funding to UNRWA highlights the intertwined nature of humanitarian aid and geopolitical maneuvering, impacting millions in regions like Gaza.
✅Defunding UNRWA could tacitly undermine the recognition of Palestinian refugees and the unresolved issue of their right to return, aligning with Israel's demands.
✅In response to the crisis in Gaza, the U.S. proposed building a temporary pier to deliver aid, showcasing how politics can complicate straightforward humanitarian efforts.
✅The UNSC has seen aid used as a political tool in situations like Afghanistan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Yemen, showcasing a global pattern of politics overruling humanitarian needs.
#gs2
#ir
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea
✅The Rohingya, a Muslim minority ethnic group from Myanmar, are denied citizenship and labeled as illegal immigrants, making them the world's largest stateless population.
✅Refugee camps in Bangladesh are overcrowded and lack basic human needs, leading to deteriorated security conditions. With no option to return to Myanmar and worsening camp conditions, Rohingya refugees are undertaking dangerous sea journeys to Indonesia and Malaysia, exploited by human traffiers.
#gs2
#ir
#social_justice
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
✅The Rohingya, a Muslim minority ethnic group from Myanmar, are denied citizenship and labeled as illegal immigrants, making them the world's largest stateless population.
✅Refugee camps in Bangladesh are overcrowded and lack basic human needs, leading to deteriorated security conditions. With no option to return to Myanmar and worsening camp conditions, Rohingya refugees are undertaking dangerous sea journeys to Indonesia and Malaysia, exploited by human traffiers.
#gs2
#ir
#social_justice
@upsc_4_ir
@upsc_the_hindu_ie_editorial
🔆Exercise Cutlass Express
✅INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training Squadron (1TS) participated in Exercise Cutlass Express - 24 (CE – 24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles
✅It is an exercise conducted in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean to counter malign influence, aggression and activity along overlapping command seams and maritime regions.
✅It is a premier multinational maritime exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.
✅It brings together maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, North America and several international organizations to enhance maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security and increase interoperability
#gs3
#defence
#exercise
@upsc_4_ir
✅INS Tir, the lead ship of First Training Squadron (1TS) participated in Exercise Cutlass Express - 24 (CE – 24) held at Port Victoria, Seychelles
✅It is an exercise conducted in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean to counter malign influence, aggression and activity along overlapping command seams and maritime regions.
✅It is a premier multinational maritime exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.
✅It brings together maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe, North America and several international organizations to enhance maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security and increase interoperability
#gs3
#defence
#exercise
@upsc_4_ir