19 Dec 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

CNA 19 Dec 2022:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INDIAN POLITY
1. Maharashtra to have Lokayukta law on the lines of the Centre’s Lokpal
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Deepfake technology: how and why China is planning to regulate it
ENVIRONMENT
1. India pushes for new biodiversity fund
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INDIAN POLITY
1. India’s crushing court backlogs, out-of-the box reform
GOVERNANCE
1. Good governance beyond motherhood and apple pie
F. Prelims Facts
1. Citizenship path to be eased for 6 minority groups from 3 nations
G. Tidbits
1. Missile destroyer INS Mormugao commissioned into Indian Navy
2. Over 3,000 govt. services to be added for online delivery
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Deepfake technology: how and why China is planning to regulate it

Syllabus: Awareness in the field of Science and Technology.

Mains: Deepfake Technology and policies to tackle it.

Prelims: Deepfake Technology.

Context: China is planning to regulate deepfake technology.

Details:

  • The Cyberspace Administration of China will be rolling out new regulations (with effect from 10 January 2022) to curb the use of deep synthesis technology and check disinformation. 
  • Deep synthesis is defined as the use of technologies, including deep learning and augmented reality, to generate text, images, audio, and video to create virtual scenes. 
  • Deepfake is the most notorious application of this technology where synthetic media is used to swap the face or voice of one person for another. It is employed to generate porn videos, produce fake news, and commit financial fraud. 
  • As per the guidelines of China’s new rules, companies/platforms using the technology should first receive consent from individuals before editing their image or voice.

For more information on Deepfake technology, read here: 29 Oct 2020: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

Deepfake:

  • Deepfakes is defined as a compilation of artificial images and audio that are put together using machine-learning algorithms to spread misinformation and replace real person’s appearance, voice, etc. 
  • The term originated in the year 2017 when an anonymous Reddit user under the name “Deepfakes” manipulated Google’s open-source, deep-learning technology to create and post pornographic videos.
  • The technology is now being used for scams and hoaxes, celebrity pornography, election manipulation, social engineering, automated disinformation attacks, identity theft, and financial fraud.

China’s new policy to curb Deepfakes: 

  • China’s Cyberspace Administration raised the concern that unchecked development and use of deep synthesis could lead to its use in criminal activities.
  • The policy aims to curb risks that arise from activities provided by platforms that use deep learning or virtual reality to alter any online content. 
  • Various Provisions of the policy:
    • The new policy necessitates deep synthesis service providers and users to ensure that any doctored content is explicitly labeled and can be traced back to its source. 
    • It also mandates people using the technology to edit someone’s image or voice, to notify and take consent from that particular individual. 
    • In the case of reposting news made through technology, the source should be strictly from the government-approved list of news outlets. 
    • Moreover, deep synthesis service providers should abide by local laws, respect ethics, and maintain the “correct political direction and correct public opinion orientation”.

Other Countries’ efforts to combat Deepfakes: 

  • European Union (EU): 
    • EU introduced the Code of practice on Disinformation in 2018.
    • It was signed by online platforms like Facebook, Google, Twitter, Mozilla (2018), Microsoft(2019), and TikTok(2020).  It was also signed by advertisers and other players in the advertising industry. 
    • However, the assessment of the Code revealed certain loopholes. The code was thus updated and strengthened by the Commission. The Code’s revision process was completed in June 2022.
    • The revised Code mandates tech companies to take desired measures in countering deepfakes and fake accounts on their platforms. 
    • Companies are given six months to implement these measures. In the case of non-compliance, companies would face fines of as much as 6% of their annual global turnover.
  • United States:
    • The U.S. brought the bipartisan Deepfake Task Force Act to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in countering deepfake technology. 
    • According to the prescribed measures, the DHS should conduct an annual study of deepfakes, assess the technology, track its usage by foreign and domestic entities, and suggest countermeasures.
    • Some States in the United States like California and Texas have passed laws that criminalize the publishing and distributing of deepfake videos that tend to influence the election results. 
    • Similarly, the law in Virginia imposes criminal penalties on the distribution of nonconsensual deepfake pornography.
  • India:
    • No legal provisions are in place against using deepfake technology in India. 
    • However, certain laws like Copyright Violation, Defamation, and cyber felonies can be used to tackle misuse of technology.
  • Canada: 
    • Canada does not have any regulations regarding deepfakes but it is in a unique position to lead the initiative against deepfakes. 
    • The government of Canada has employed cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence(AI) research with a number of domestic and foreign actors. 
    • Moreover, Canada is an active member and leader in many related multilateral initiatives like the Paris Call for Trust and Security in Cyberspace, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. 

Nut Graf: Deepfake technology poses serious threats in cyberspace. China is aiming to regulate the use of deepfakes like the European Union and the United States. India, however, does not have any such laws and should formulate one in near future to tackle the menace of misinformation, pornography and financial fraud.
Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. India pushes for new biodiversity fund

Syllabus: International agreement for Biodiversity conservation.

Mains: Convention on Biodiversity COP 15.

Prelims: Convention on Biodiversity COP 15.

Context: CBD COP 15 is being organized in Montreal, Canada.

Details:

  • At CBD COP 15, Montreal (Canada), 196 parties to the Convention are looking forward to finalizing negotiations for a post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 
    • GBF is a new set of goals and targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
  • India, at the U.N. biodiversity conference, highlighted the need to create a new and dedicated fund to assist developing countries in successfully implementing a post-2020 global framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
  • India further said that the Conservation of biodiversity should also be based on common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR) as climate change also influences nature. As the members of CBD finalize GBF there have been repeated calls for the inclusion of the CBDR principle in finance-related targets.
    • CBDR was established as the seventh principle of the Rio Declaration adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992.
    • It acknowledges that the states have common but differentiated responsibilities in view of the different contributions to global environmental degradation.
  • It should be noted that the Global Environment Facility(GEF) is the only source of funding for biodiversity conservation. GEF also caters to other conventions like UNFCCC and UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
  • Developing countries across the world have been demanding a new and dedicated biodiversity fund because the existing multilateral sources are not up to the mark in meeting the requirements of the GBF. The differences with rich countries on the issue prompted representatives from developing nations to stage a walkout from crucial financing talks. 
  • It is observed that applying the CBDR principle to biodiversity conservation is difficult and there have been repeated disagreements between the global north and south.
  • Union Environment Minister of India, Mr. Yadav stated that biodiversity conservation requires ecosystems to be conserved and restored holistically. Thus ecosystem approaches should be adopted for the conservation of biodiversity instead of nature-based solutions.

For more information on UNFCCC, read here: UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UPSC GS-III]

Other Demand at CBD COP 15:

  • There are also efforts by several countries to build a consensus on eliminating subsidies that are harmful to the environment, like subsidies for fossil fuel production, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, by at least $500 billion annually and utilizing this money for biodiversity conservation.
  • India is against the proposal of reducing the agriculture-related subsidy and redirecting the savings for biodiversity conservation due to various national priorities.

Nut Graf: In order to halt and reverse biodiversity laws, developing countries are pushing for a new and dedicated fund mechanism in the Convention of Biodiversity Conference of Parties 15. India also suggested the inclusion of the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities principle in biodiversity conservation.

G. Tidbits

1. Missile destroyer INS Mormugao commissioned into Indian Navy

  • INS Mormugao, the second of four stealth-guided missile destroyers being built under Project-15B was commissioned into the Indian Navy.
  • It is named after the historic port city of Goa on the west coast. 
  • The ship was commissioned on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule.
  • It is a 163-metre-long warship and has a full-load displacement of 7,400 tonnes. The project has 75% of indigenous content.
  • It is propelled by four powerful gas turbines capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots.
  • Project-15B:
    • The contract for the construction of four ships under Project-15B was signed in January 2011 at a project cost of approximately ₹30,000 crores.
    • They are a follow-on of the Kolkata class destroyers and are named after major cities from all four corners of India (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat). 
    • INS Visakhapatnam was commissioned in 2021. 
    • These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range surface-to-air missiles.

2. Over 3,000 govt. services to be added for online delivery

  • During the Good-Governance week, over 3100 new government services will be added for online delivery
  • Various activities have been planned under the nationwide campaign of Good Governance. It is based on the theme ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ (Governance Towards Village).
  • The five-day ‘Prashasan Gaon ki Ore‘ campaign will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.

For more information on Good Governance week, read here: PIB Summary & Analysis for UPSC IAS Exam for 17th Dec 2022

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the given statements best describes the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana 
Yojana:(Level- Medium)
  1. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth.
  2. It is a safe motherhood intervention under the National Rural Health Mission launched to promote institutional delivery.
  3. It is a scheme that entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free and no expense delivery, including caesarean section.
  4. It is a conditional cash transfer scheme for pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for all the pregnancies.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation:

  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit programme being implemented in all districts of the country since 2017.
  • It is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at pregnant or lactating women aged 19 years or above for the first live birth.
  • The programme provides partial compensation for wage loss during childbirth and afterwards during childcare.
  •  It also aims to provide information on good feeding and nutrition for mother and child pursuant to the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to the District Mineral Foundation
 Scheme:(Level- Difficult)
  1. DMFs are statutory authorities that a State Government sets up in districts affected by mining.
  2. DMFs are responsible for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY).
  3. It is funded by mining companies through contribution of 30% of their royalty amount for mining leases.

How many of the given statement/s is/are correct?

  1. One statement only
  2. Two statements only
  3. All three statements
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is correct: DMFs are statutory authorities that a State Government sets up in districts affected by mining. These bodies get their legality from Section 9B under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and its amendment in 2015.
  • Statement 2 is correct: A District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is responsible for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) and other schemes in areas where mining is carried out.
  • Statement 3 is correct: Mining companies contribute 30% on the royalty amount that they pay to the government to DMF Trust in the district they are operating in.
Q3. How many of the given statements is/are correct with respect to United Nations 
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)? (Level- Medium)
  1. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
  2. It is one of the three Rio Conventions.
  3. India has hosted three editions of the UNCCD Conference of Parties.

Options:

  1. One statement only
  2. Two statements only
  3. All three statements
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

  • Statement 1 is correct: UNCCD was established in 1994. It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The UNCCD is one of the three Rio Conventions, the other two being Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: India has hosted only one edition (UNCCD COP 14) of the UNCCD Conference of parties in 2019. This was the first time that India hosted an edition of the UNCCD COP.
Q4.  The Bru tribe is recognised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in which of
 the following states? (Level- Difficult)
  1. Assam
  2. Tripura
  3. Mizoram

Select the correct code:

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

  • Bru or Reang is a community indigenous to Northeast India, living mostly in Tripura, Mizoram and Assam. However, they are recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in only Tripura.
Q5. In the context of Indian history, the principle of “Dyarchy (diarchy)” refers to:
(Level- Medium)
  1. Division of the central legislature into two houses.
  2. Introduction of double government i.e., Central and State governments.
  3. Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi.
  4. Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

  • Dyarchy means Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories.
  • Dyarchy system of double government introduced by the Government of India Act (1919) for the provinces of British India. The provincial subjects were divided into two categories viz. reserved and transferred. The reserved subjects were kept with the Governor and transferred subjects were kept with Governor acting with the Indian Ministers.

CNA 19 Dec 2022:- Download PDF Here

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