31 Oct 2023: PIB Summary for UPSC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Annual Report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022’
2. AI Safety Summit 2023
3. GOA MARITIME CONCLAVE (GMC) – 2023 CONCLUDES

1. Annual Report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022’

Syllabus: GS-3, Economy

Mains: To quote data about road accidents in India 

Context: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways releases Annual Report on ‘Road Accidents in India-2022’.

Details of report:

• Annual Report Overview: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways released the “Road Accidents in India-2022” report. It’s based on data provided by states and UTs, showing 4,61,312 reported road accidents in 2022, resulting in 1,68,491 deaths and 4,43,366 injuries. These numbers increased by 11.9%, 9.4%, and 15.3% respectively compared to the previous year.
• Factors Contributing to Accidents: The report highlights speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving, and not following traffic rules as major causes. It stresses the need to improve enforcement, driver education, and invest in better roads and vehicles.
• Ministry’s Commitment and Actions: The Ministry aims to reduce accidents by addressing various factors like road user behaviour, infrastructure, vehicle standards, and law enforcement. It’s working on a comprehensive approach involving Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Emergency Care (the 4Es).
• Initiatives and Strategies: The Ministry is actively involved in modern transportation systems, road safety audits, and learning from global best practices. It’s implementing initiatives like e-DAR for real-time data analysis and automated vehicle inspection centres to prevent accidents.
• Importance of the Report: This publication is a crucial resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in understanding road accidents in India. It provides detailed insights into causes, locations, and impacts on different road users. Additionally, it sheds light on emerging trends, challenges, and the Ministry’s safety initiatives.

2. AI Safety Summit 2023

Syllabus: GS-3,  Science

Prelims: Which action can AI  execute?

Mains: Opportunities and challenges due to AI

Event Details: AI Safety Summit 2023

• Scheduled for November 1-2, 2023, in Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, UK.
• It is being Organized by the UK Government.
• Attended by representatives from various countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, and South Korea, among others.

Minister’s Participation

• Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, to participate. He is scheduled to address the summit during a plenary session.
• Minister Will focus on India’s approach to AI and commitment to improving citizens’ lives while addressing user harm.

Policy Alignment:

• Acknowledges the alignment with India’s vision for a safe internet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on a safe, trusted, and accountable online space.
• Recognizes President Biden’s executive order on ‘safe, secure and trustworthy AI’ as a sign of like-minded nations aligning their policy direction.

Discussion Topics:

• Minister’s participation in discussions on “Frontier AI risks.”
• Specifically focuses on risks associated with recent and next-generation frontier AI models, discussing their implications for biosecurity and cybersecurity.

Collaborative Framework for AI:

• Chandrasekhar’s contribution to discussions regarding the establishment of a collaborative framework among like-minded nations.
• He will highlight India’s perspective concerning AI risks, particularly in areas such as disinformation and electoral security.

Minister’s Statements:

• Emphasizes the disruptive potential of AI and its susceptibility to misuse by criminals.
• Highlights the role of the Digital India Act as a framework for emerging technologies, ensuring technology isn’t used to cause harm.
• Stresses the responsibility to safeguard over 1 billion online Indians from the misuse of AI on social media by 2025-2026.

Historical Significance of the Venue:

• Bletchley Park is historically significant as the base for World War II code-breaking operations, playing a crucial role in cryptography and intelligence during the war.

3. GOA MARITIME CONCLAVE (GMC) – 2023 CONCLUDES

Syllabus: GS-3,  Security

Prelims:  About Maritime Conclave

Context: The Indian Navy hosted the fourth edition of the Goa Maritime Conclave from October 29th to 31st. It aimed at discussing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region and finding ways to collaborate for mutual benefit, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s SAGAR vision.

Details:

• Participants and Key Speakers: The event saw participation from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and others. Key speeches were given by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi.
• Key Messages: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the responsibility of Indian Ocean countries to work together against sea-based threats. Meenakshi Lekhi emphasized cooperation and capacity building for the region’s prosperity based on India’s rich maritime history.
• Evolution of the Conclave: Chief of the Naval Staff, Adm R Hari Kumar, discussed the conclave’s evolution from discussing security to formulating collaborative frameworks to address common priorities in the region.
• Themes and Discussions: The conclave covered four main topics, such as identifying legal gaps for maritime security, creating joint strategies for handling threats, setting up training programs, and utilizing existing organizations for collective competency.
• Bilateral Interactions: Alongside the main event, naval leaders had bilateral discussions to strengthen relationships and cooperation between countries.
• Closing Perspectives: The concluding day involved sharing perspectives on opportunities and threats in the Indian Ocean Region. All speakers agreed on the necessity of cooperation and collaboration for the region’s security and growth.
• Aatma Nirbharta Initiative: As part of India’s self-reliance initiative, there was an exhibition showcasing the country’s indigenous shipbuilding industry. Dignitaries observed indigenous warships and the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel’s capabilities.

Read the previous PIB articles here.