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  • [16th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Democratic engagement with a digital plug-in

    [16th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Democratic engagement with a digital plug-in

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a debatable issue. Critically evaluate with suitable example. (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Q “The Indian party system is passing through a phase of transition which looks to be full of contradictions and paradoxes.” Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2016)

    Mentor’s Comment: Today’s Editorial highlights how digital tools can both empower and distort democratic engagement. A significant concern raised is the disparity in resources among political parties, which can lead to an uneven playing field in digital campaigning. As the technology evolves, so must our understanding and regulations surrounding democracy. The editorial calls for regulatory measures to ensure fair spending limits and content oversight, emphasizing that wealthier parties should not dominate the digital landscape.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    On the eve of International Day of Democracy (September 15), it is crucial to push for reforms that expand the definition of rule of law to encompass the digital realm.

    • Studies conducted by Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), reveal the growing significance of digital political advertisements and their implications for public engagement in elections.
    • During the ‘Leave.EU’ campaign of the Brexit experience highlights how technology has reshaped democratic processes, transforming digital platforms from tools of empowerment to potential distorters of public discourse.
    • Similar things are observed in India, where both national and regional parties increasingly rely on digital campaigns.

    The Economics of Digital Campaigning

    • Digital Spending Overview: Political parties spent significant portions of their total “party propaganda” budgets on digital ads in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election.
      • For example., a single party became the first in India to spend over ₹116 crore on Google ads within five months from January 2024.
    • Shift towards Digital Platform: Conventional publicity tools like flags, billboards, and public meetings made up only a small fraction of parties’ total propaganda spending in the 2023 Karnataka election.
      • This indicates a strategic shift toward digital platforms in electoral strategies.
    • Micro-targeting Capabilities: Political parties are utilizing micro-targeting to reach specific audiences down to the panchayat level based on location.
      • One party was found to micro-target over 1,700 pin codes in a single advertisement, demonstrating digital platforms’ capacity to shape electoral narratives with precision.

    Rise of Third-Party Campaigners

    • While major political parties have significant financial power, a less visible force, known as third-party campaigners, operates behind the scenes.
    • Although spending on Google Ads is publicly available, these third-party campaigners work quietly and often go unnoticed, influencing elections without much oversight.
    • A study by Lokniti-CSDS found that 31 third-party campaigners on Meta spent over ₹2,260 lakh in just 90 days leading up to June 29, 2024.

    What is the present Issue?

    • On Google, political ads generally avoid offensive content, but the spending by third-party groups is limited.
    • On Meta, many third-party campaigners are top spenders and often share inflammatory content.
    • This inconsistency highlights the need for unified rules across all platforms to manage harmful content and hold tech companies accountable.

    Need for Reforms:

    • Need for Spending Regulation: There is a pressing need for rules to limit how much parties can spend and to ensure fair distribution of funds across different campaign types.
    • Need a Content Oversight: There should be strict rules for reporting how much third-party campaigners spend, similar to regulations in countries like the UK and Canada.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/democratic-engagement-with-a-digital-plug-in/article68645926.ece

  • [UPSC Openhouse] On How to Cover Current Affairs Without Newspapers for UPSC 2025? | Get a Strategy to Cover Current Affairs in 10 Hours a Week || Join on 18th Sept 2024, 6 PM

    [UPSC Openhouse] On How to Cover Current Affairs Without Newspapers for UPSC 2025? | Get a Strategy to Cover Current Affairs in 10 Hours a Week || Join on 18th Sept 2024, 6 PM

    Register for the free masterclass on ‘Current Affairs For UPSC 2025’ on 18th Sept 2024 at 6 PM

    Register Now!

    We’re excited to invite you to a masterclass that not only covers the ‘what‘ but also the ‘how‘ of mastering current affairs for 2025.

    Current Affairs has always been a challenging aspect for UPSC aspirants. With too many sources and an abundance of material available both online and offline, along with mainstream newspapers like The Indian Express and The Hindu, aspirants often face the fear of missing out. Additionally, they struggle to balance Current Affairs preparation with GS, optional subjects, and daily answer writing.

    Should you really read newspapers daily, and should you go a step further by making notes from them? We don’t recommend this, nor do some of our rankers. So, how can you effectively cover Current Affairs without reading the newspaper every day? This session will focus on that—how to cover it in around 10 hours a week and how to understand Current Affairs in a way that suits both Prelims and Mains.

    Purnima Ma’am is a faculty member of the Civilsdaily Samachar Manthan program. She has been guiding and mentoring aspirants for years and understands the biggest challenges they face with respect to Current Affairs. Join her on Wednesday, 18th September, at 6 PM!

    By joining this webinar, you’ll be equipped with tools and strategies that can tip the balance in your favour, turning your preparation from good to great.

    Don’t just prepare—excel! Join us to transform your approach to current affairs and make your 2025 goals a reality.

    See you in the masterclass.

    Join on 18th Sept 2024 at 6PM to get one year strategy for current affairs.

    Register Now!
    UPSC, Civilsdaily, Current Affairs, Samachar Manthan, IAS

    Join this session on 18th Sept 2024 at 6:00 p.m. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time in 2025 or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.

    Register Now!

    In this masterclass, you will get:

    1. A 45-minute deep dive on how to plan your 2025 UPSC Current Affairs strategy from the start to the end.
    2. How do first-attempt IAS Rankers strategise their Current Affairs?
    3. Insider tips that only the top IAS and IPS rankers know and apply to get rank.

    By the end of this session, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear path to prepare ‘Current Affairs for UPSC 2025’ with confidence and near-perfect certainty. 

    Join UPSC Current Affairs Masterclass on 18th Sept 2024, 6:00 pm

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  • Ashoka’s Edicts and Inscriptions

    15th Sept 2024

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    • The first tangible evidence of Buddhism is represented by the rock and pillar edicts of Asoka detailing wide expansion of Buddhism through the sponsorship of one of the most powerful kings of Indian history.
    • These edicts mention that Buddhism reached as far as the Mediterranean, and many Buddhist monuments were created in a wide area. Buddhism and the Buddha are mentioned, the edicts focus on social and moral precepts rather than religious practices or the philosophical dimension of Buddhism.
    • In these inscriptions, Ashoka refers to himself as “Beloved of the Gods” and “King Priya-darshi.”
    • The inscriptions found in the eastern part of India were written in the Magadhi language, using the Brahmi script. In the western part of India, the language used is closer to Sanskrit, using the Kharoshthi script,one extract of Edict 13 in the Greek language, and one bilingual edict written in Greek and Aramaic.
    • These edicts were decoded by British archeologist and historian James Prinsep.
    • Major themes are Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism, the description of his efforts to spread Buddhism, his moral and religious precepts, and his social and animal welfare program.

    Pillers:

    • Ashoka pillars, (usually made of chunar sandstone), as a symbol of the state, assumed a great significance in the entire Mauryan Empire.
    • Objective: The main objective was to disseminate the Buddhist ideology and court orders in the entire Mauryan empire.
    • Language: While most Ashoka pillar edicts were in Pali and Prakrit language, few were written in Greek or Aramaic language also.
    • Architecture: Mauryan pillars mainly comprise of four parts:
    • Shaft: A long shaft formed the base and was made up of a single piece of stone or monolith.
    • Capital: On top of shaft lay the capital, which was either lotus-shaped or bell-shaped.
    • Abacus: Above the capital, there was a circular or rectangular base known as the abacus.
    • Capital Figure: All the capital figures (usually animals like a bull, lion, elephant, etc) are vigorous and carved standing on a square or circular abacus.

    Major Rock Edicts

    • Major Rock Edict I

    Prohibits animal slaughter. Bans festive gatherings and killings of animals. Only two peacocks and one deer were killed in Asoka’s kitchen. He wished to discontinue this practice of killing two peacocks and one deer as well.

    • Major Rock Edict II

    Provides for care for man and animals, describes about Chola, Pandyas , Satyapura and Keralputra Kingdoms of South India

    • Major Rock Edict III

    Generosity to Brahmans. Issued after 12 years of Asoka’s coronation. It says that the Yuktas (subordinate officers and Pradesikas (district Heads) along with Rajukas (Rural officers ) shall go to the all areas of kingdom every five years and spread the Dhamma Policy of Asoka.

    • Major Rock Edict IV

    Dhammaghosa is ideal to the mankind and not the Bherighosa. Impact of Dhamma on society.

    • Major Rock Edict V

    Concerns about the policy towards slaves. He mentions in this rock edict ” Every Human is my child…”Appointment of Dhammamahamatras is mentioned in this edict.

    • Major Rock Edict VI

    Describes King’s desire to get informed about the conditions of the people constantly. Talks about welfare measures.

    • Major Rock Edict VII

    Requests tolerance for all religions

    • Major Rock Edict VIII

    Describes Asoka’s first Dhamma Yatra to Bodhgaya & Bodhi Tree.

    • Major Rock Edict IX

    Condemns popular ceremonies. Stress in ceremonies of Dhamma.

    • Major Rock Edict X

    Condemns the desire for fame and glory. Stresses on popularity of Dhamma.

    • Major Rock Edict XI

    Elaborates Dhamma

    • Major Rock Edict XII

    Directed and determined request for tolerance among different religious sects.

    • Major Rock Edict XIII

    Asoka’s victory over Kalinga . Victory of Asoka’s Dhamma over Greek Kings, Antiochus, Ptolemy, Antigonus, Magas, Alexander and Cholas, Pandyas etc. This is the Largest Edict. It mentions Kamboj, nabhaks, Bhoja, Andhra etc.

    • Major Rock Edict XIV

    Describes engraving of inscriptions in different parts of country.

    Ashoka’s 7 pillar edicts: 

    These were found at Topra (Delhi), Meerut, Kausambhi, Rampurva, Champaran, Mehrauli:

    • Pillar Edict I: Asoka’s principle of protection to people.
      • Pillar Edict II: Defines Dhamma as the minimum of sins, many virtues, compassion, liberality, truthfulness, and purity.
      • Pillar Edict III: Abolishes sins of harshness, cruelty, anger, pride, etc.
      • Pillar Edict IV: Deals with duties of Rajukas.
      • Pillar Edict V: List of animals and birds which should not be killed on some days and another list of animals which have not to be killed at all.
      • Pillar Edict VI: Dhamma policy
      • Pillar Edict VII: Works done by Asoka for Dhamma policy.
    • Minor Pillar Inscriptions
      • Rummindei Pillar Inscription: Asokha’s visit to Lumbini & exemption of Lumbini from tax.
      • Nigalisagar Pillar Inscription, Nepal: It mentions that Asoka increased the height of stupa of Buddha Konakamana to its double size.
    • Major Pillar Inscriptions
      • Sarnath Lion Capital: Near Varanasi was built by Ashoka in commemoration of Dhammachakrapravartana or the first sermon of Buddha.
      • Vaishali Pillar, Bihar, single lion, with no inscription.
      • Sankissa Pillar, Uttar Pradesh
      • Lauriya-Nandangarth, Champaran, Bihar.
      • Lauriya-Araraj, Champaran, Bihar
      • Allahabad pillar, Uttar Pradesh.

  • The shock of crumbling infrastructure and the solution

    Why in the News?

    The recent collapse of under-construction bridges in Bihar highlights ongoing quality control challenges in India’s infrastructure sector, despite efforts like PM Gati Shakti and increased capital expenditure in 2024.

    Issues of Quality Control and Project Implementation in Infrastructure in India 

    • Quality Control Deficiencies: There are significant gaps in the quality control mechanisms for infrastructure projects. Many projects lack a robust system for monitoring and ensuring quality at every stage, from planning to execution. The absence of comprehensive quality assurance frameworks as evidenced by recent bridge collapses in Bihar.
    • Need for Modern Project Management Practices: Traditional project management practices are often outdated and ineffective in addressing the complexities of modern infrastructure projects.

    Internal Challenges in India’s Infrastructure Sector:

    • Project Delays and Cost Overruns: Infrastructure projects frequently experience delays and cost overruns, with a report indicating that 431 projects faced a total cost overrun of ₹4.82 lakh crore.  
    • Lack of Comprehensive Planning: Many infrastructure projects, especially in urban areas, suffer from poor planning and project management, with urban local bodies and local self-governments lacking the necessary capacity and expertise.
    • Multiple Clearances and Bureaucratic Delays: Industrial and commercial activities often require numerous clearances, leading to delays in project conception and commissioning.
    • Funding and Resource Misallocation: Delayed and poorly managed projects crowd out funding for other essential projects, burdening the government with extra expenditures and increasing procurement costs.

    Need to Integrate Modern Tools and Techniques: (Way forward)

    • Real-time Data Management: Traditional project management methods need an overhaul to incorporate modern tools like real-time data collection and analysis, which can help track progress and make timely interventions.
    • Global Best Practices in Project Management: The government must adopt international best practices, like the UK’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority model, which emphasizes efficient project delivery.
    • Program Management Approach: A holistic approach to managing multiple projects systematically, integrating resources, time, and information efficiently, as seen in successful projects like the Shendra-Bidkin industrial corridor.
    • GIS-Based Platforms: Initiatives like PM Gati Shakti demonstrate the integration of GIS-based platforms for real-time monitoring, enabling better coordination among various stakeholders to meet deadlines and enhance project quality.

  • Public comments on the PM-CJI puja meet are based on a 1997 document on judicial values

    Why in the News?

    Concerns about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s residence for the Ganapati puja stem from the 1997 ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’ guidelines on judicial conduct.

    What does the ‘Restatement of values of judicial life’ state?  

    It is a 16-point code of conduct adopted by the Supreme Court of India in May 1997 to guide the ethical behaviour of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

    • Impartiality and Credibility: The first tenet emphasizes that judges’ behaviour must reinforce public faith in the judiciary’s impartiality. Any actions that could undermine this perception should be avoided.
    • Aloofness: Judges are advised to maintain a degree of aloofness that is consistent with the dignity of their office, ensuring they do not engage in relationships that could compromise their neutrality.
    • Public Awareness: Judges must be conscious of their public image and avoid any conduct seen as unbecoming of their high office.
    • Political Neutrality: Judges should remain politically neutral and avoid public discussions on political matters or cases pending judicial determination.
    • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Judges must not allow family members of the Bar to appear before them, nor should they engage in speculative financial activities or accept gifts beyond those from close friends and family.
    • Public Trust: The document underscores the importance of maintaining public trust through ethical conduct and discourages close associations with advocates practising in the same court.

    Types of Integrity

    Integrity in the judicial context can be categorized into several types:

    • Personal Integrity: This relates to the character and ethical standards of individual judges, emphasizing honesty and adherence to moral principles.
    • Institutional Integrity: This refers to the judiciary as a whole, ensuring that the institution operates independently and maintains public confidence.
    • Procedural Integrity: This involves the adherence to legal processes and standards that uphold justice, ensuring that all actions taken by judges are fair and transparent.

    Significance of Maintaining Integrity and Public Confidence through Probity

    • Trust in the Judiciary: Upholding integrity is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the judiciary, as it reassures citizens that justice is administered fairly and without bias.
    • Separation of Powers: The judiciary’s integrity is essential for maintaining the constitutional balance between the judiciary and the executive. Any perceived compromise can lead to public skepticism about the independence of judicial decisions.
    • Ethical Standards: The Restatement serves as a guide for judges to navigate their professional responsibilities while adhering to ethical standards, which is vital for the credibility of the judicial system.
    • Public Perception: Actions that appear to blur the lines between the judiciary and executive can lead to gossip and speculation, undermining the institution’s integrity. Judges must be mindful of their public image to prevent any erosion of trust.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Judicial Training: Implement continuous ethical training for judges, emphasizing the importance of maintaining impartiality, political neutrality, and avoiding conflicts of interest to uphold public confidence.
    • Establish Oversight Mechanisms: Create robust internal oversight frameworks to monitor and address potential breaches of judicial integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability in judicial conduct.

  • Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has recently approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to DRPPL, a joint venture with Adani Realty, for constructing rental housing for slum residents.

    What are Salt Pan Lands?

    • Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater is allowed to flow in and evaporate, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
    • These lands are part of an important ecological system that, along with mangroves, helps in flood control by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides.

    Why are Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands at Risk?

    • Development Pressures: Salt pans are valuable as undeveloped land in Mumbai, leading to proposals for various development projects, including affordable housing and infrastructure.
    • Government Plans: Recent approvals, such as the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, have faced criticism due to concerns that such development will encroach on these ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: Past plans for using saltpan lands for development have been put on hold or altered due to legal and environmental challenges, including those concerning the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

    Why do Salt Pans Matter?

    • Flood Prevention: Salt pans play a crucial role in preventing flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs by acting as natural reservoirs for excess water during heavy rains and high tides.
      • During significant rainfall events, such as the July 2005 deluge, salt pans helped mitigate the impact of flooding, emphasizing their importance in urban flood management.
    • Environmental Protection: They support local biodiversity, including various species of birds and insects. Destroying or altering these lands could disrupt these ecosystems.
    • Climate Resilience: Salt pans contribute to the city’s climate resilience strategy, making their preservation crucial for managing future climate-related challenges.

    National Context:

    • Across India, approximately 60,000 acres are designated as salt pan lands, distributed among states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
    • These lands are crucial for local ecosystems and flood management, highlighting the broader importance of preserving such areas from development pressures.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Enhance the enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and other environmental regulations to safeguard salt pan lands.
    • Promote Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrate salt pan lands into urban planning strategies as critical components of flood management and biodiversity conservation.

  • [14th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Being ‘trans’ is being human

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (UPSC CSE 2014)

    Q The multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (UPSC CSE 2018)

    Prelims:
    In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?
    1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000
    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000
    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1 and 4 only

    Mentor’s Comment: Transgender rights are human rights because all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Transgender individuals face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide, which violate their fundamental human rights.

    Transgender rights in India and around the world have seen significant advancements, but challenges remain. Legal recognition is crucial for ensuring equal rights, yet many transgender individuals still encounter discrimination and social stigma. Continued advocacy and awareness are necessary to improve the lives of transgender people globally.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    There are ongoing global discussions about the legal rights and recognition of transgender individuals.  Recognizing and affirming transgender identities are a part of the broader human condition.

    ‘Transgender’ is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The right to self-determine one’s gender identity is considered a fundamental human right.

    The Evolving Landscape of Transgender Rights:

    • Legal Recognition of Gender Identity: Some countries like Argentina, Denmark, and Malta allow individuals to change their legal gender through self-declaration, without requiring surgery or medical intervention.
      • In 2014, the Indian SC affirmed the rights of transgender people to determine their own gender identity and be recognized as “third gender”.
      • Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 protects transgender people from discrimination in areas like education, employment, and healthcare. 
    • Discrimination and Violence: Transgender people face high rates of discrimination, violence, and marginalization worldwide.
      • For example, in the U.S., some states passed laws in 2022-23, restricting transgender rights, such as limiting access to gender-affirming healthcare or banning transgender athletes from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
    • International Human Rights Frameworks: The Yogyakarta Principles outline how international human rights law applies to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
      • The United Nations has called for the decriminalization of gender identity and the prohibition of discrimination based on gender expression.
    • Present societal attitudes: Public views on transgender issues are complex and evolving, with some arguing progress is too slow while others feel the pace of change is too rapid.
      • Increasing visibility and representation of transgender people in media and culture has helped raise awareness and acceptance.

    Need to understand Gender Identity:

    • Gender vs. Sex: ‘Sex’ refers to biological attributes like chromosomes and reproductive organs. For instance, someone with XY chromosomes is typically assigned male at birth.
      • ‘Gender’ involves how individuals identify and express themselves, which can differ from their assigned sex. For example, a person may be biologically male but identify as non-binary.
      • Hence, Gender identity is the internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. It may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
    • Gender Expression: This refers to how individuals express their gender through clothing, behavior, and appearance. For example, a person may dress in a way that is traditionally associated with the opposite gender.
    • Recognition and Rights: Some countries allow individuals to change their legal gender easily, while others impose strict requirements, such as surgery or medical evaluations.
      • Some cultures too recognize more than two genders, such as the hijra community in South Asia or Two-Spirit identities among some Indigenous peoples in North America.

    How Science can help us?

    • Bringing awareness: Science fiction can help us examine current societal issues by placing them in unfamiliar contexts. For example, in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Measure of a Man,” a trial questions whether Data, an android, is property or a person.
    • Need for Data Outlook:  The court must decide if data can be dismantled for research without his consent. A key argument is that data should be seen as a person with rights, not just as a machine.
      • The verdict will reflect who we are as a society and could affect personal freedoms for many.

    Conclusion: The real issue lies with those who question the humanity of transgender individuals. To be transgender or gay is a natural part of being human while analyzing their bodies to judge their humanity is a dehumanizing act.

  • Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

    Why in the News?

    Union Home Minister announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.

    On December 30, 2018, three islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago were renamed by the Government of India to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and to commemorate India’s independence struggle:

    • Ross Island renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island
    • Neil Island renamed as Shaheed Dweep
    • Havelock Island renamed as Swaraj Dweep

    Historical Importance of Port Blair

    • The city was named after Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer who served during the early 18th century.
    • The infamous Cellular Jail, known as Kaala Paani, was established in 1906.
    • Many prominent freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, were incarcerated here under oppressive circumstances.
    • It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our ‘Tiranga’ by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

    Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

    Behind the new name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’: Chola History

    • The Chola Empire, under Rajendra Chola I, used the Andaman Islands as a strategic naval base in the 11th century.
      • He launched a naval expedition to attack the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
    • His victory over Srivijaya resulted in the capture of the king Sangrama Vijayottunggavarman and looting valuable treasures, further cementing the Chola dominance.
    • The Thanjavur inscriptions (1050 CE) refer to the islands as Ma-Nakkavaram (great open land), later evolving into the name Nicobar Islands.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

    (d) Sumatra and Java

  • [pib] Exercise AL NAJAH

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army contingent has departed to Salalah, Oman for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH. T

    About Exercise AL NAJAH

    • AL NAJAH has been conducted biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. The last edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
    • Aim: to enhance the capability of both nations’ forces to carry out counter-terrorism operations.
    • Significance: It will focus on operations in a desert environment, preparing both sides for complex challenges in such terrains.
    • Features:
    1. Joint Planning for operations
    2. Cordon and Search Operations
    3. Fighting in Built-Up Areas
    4. Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
    5. Counter-Drone Operations

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • What is OpenAI o1?

    Why in the News?

    • OpenAI has introduced OpenAI o1, the first in a series of advanced AI models under its ‘Project Strawberry’ initiative.
      • This new model is designed for tackling more complex tasks in science, coding, and maths.

    About OpenAI o1 

    • This model has been built to approach problems like humans, carefully considering various angles before arriving at an answer.
    • It improves its performance by learning from different perspectives and checking its output for errors.
    • In trials, the upcoming version of the o1 model performed on par with PhD students in areas like physics, chemistry, and biology, and excelled particularly in maths and coding.
    • For instance, it solved 83% of problems in a math contest, compared to earlier versions which solved just 13%.
      • In coding, the model ranked higher than 89% of participants.

    Key Features and Offerings

    • OpenAI is also releasing OpenAI o1-Mini, an economical version designed for developers, offering similar reasoning capabilities at 80% lower cost compared to the o1-preview version.
    • The o1 model excels in generating and debugging complex code and is expected to assist in software development, data analysis, and problem-solving tasks.

    Safety Measures

    • OpenAI has introduced new training methods to ensure the safety of these models, improving their ability to follow safety guidelines and prevent AI jail-breaking.
      • Jailbreaking is a form of hacking that aims to bypass an AI model’s ethical safeguards and elicit prohibited information.
    • In safety tests, the new version scored 84/100, a significant improvement from the previous 22/100 score.
    • The company is collaborating with UK and US governments on AI safety and conducting red teaming to identify and address any weaknesses.

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