August 8, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill | Explained
Explore the intricate landscape of India's Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023, analyzing its provisions, implications, and the ongoing debate over privacy versus innovation. Learn how this bill shapes data protection, user rights, and technological advancement in the digital era.
Highlights of the Day
1. Lok Sabha Passes Digital Personal Data Protection Bill Amidst Controversy and Debate
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, was passed in the Lok Sabha amid Opposition uproar. The Bill outlines rules for online data collection, excluding Government and law enforcement. It amends the Right to Information Act to remove exemptions for disclosing personal info. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defended government exemptions and surveillance concerns. The Bill's aim aligns with the Constitutional right to privacy. MPs debated the Data Protection Board's independence and the absence of a "right to be forgotten." Some criticized excessive subordinate legislation scope. The Bill's passage sparks discussions on surveillance, privacy, and governmental influence in data protection [1].
2. Rajya Sabha Passes Delhi Governance Amendment Bill Amidst Controversy Over Power Balance
The Rajya Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, aimed at maintaining democratic and administrative balance in Delhi's governance. The Bill received 131 votes in favor and 102 against. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the Bill aims to ensure corruption-free governance, clarifying it doesn't change prior legislation. Opposition members claimed the Bill is unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and undermines federalism. Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized provisions giving authority to the Chief Minister, while former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi defended the Bill. The debate revolves around the balance of power between the Delhi government and the central authority [2].
3. Australia Hosts 31st Malabar Naval Exercise with India, Japan, and U.S. for First Time
The 31st Malabar exercise involving India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. will be hosted by Australia for the first time from August 11-21. Australia has also invited India for the Sea Power conference from November 7-9. The exercise focuses on anti-submarine warfare and will include warships and maritime patrol aircraft. Malabar has evolved to address challenges posed by the expanding Chinese Navy. The Quad countries emphasize Maritime Domain Awareness to support regional nations. The exercise fosters inter-operability and regional security cooperation among the four nations, distinct from the Quad's broader goals. Australia joined Malabar permanently in 2020 [3].
4. India to Investigate 'Havana Syndrome' After Petition in High Court
The Central government has assured the Karnataka High Court of investigating the 'Havana Syndrome' matter in India, prompted by a Bengaluru resident's petition. The petitioner requested a probe into Havana Syndrome's occurrence in India and the prevention of high-frequency microwave transmission. Havana Syndrome involves symptoms such as hearing sounds, nausea, vertigo, memory loss, and headaches. The term refers to mental health symptoms experienced by U.S. intelligence and embassy officials in various countries. The U.S. initially suspected a "sonic attack" but later considered high-powered microwaves as the cause, although evidence is inconclusive. The Indian incident in 2021 is the only reported occurrence [4].
5. Deepor Beel: Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods in an Ecosystem Under Threat
Deepor Beel, a wetland in Guwahati, India, bears cultural and ecological significance. Its name translates to "lake of elephants" and has been a patch for elephant movement, declared a wildlife sanctuary. However, it faces threats from urbanization, a nearby railway track, and waste disposal. Indigenous communities around the beel depend on it for various resources and celebrate their environment. Initiatives like 'Simang' and 'Kumbhi Kagaz' are addressing the beel's health through creative means while providing livelihoods. Despite fishing bans in protected areas, locals hope for conservation that respects their traditional knowledge, highlighting the complex interplay between humans and nature [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The "Gulf of Khambhat" is known for which unique natural phenomenon?
a) High tidal bore phenomenon
b) Frequent cyclone formations
c) Volcanic activity
d) Coral reef formations
Q2: What is the primary purpose of the "Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)" project initiated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)?
a) Promoting international trade agreements among developing countries
b) Ensuring fair distribution of humanitarian aid to vulnerable regions
c) Combating tax avoidance strategies used by multinational corporations
d) Promoting sustainable agricultural practices in developing economies
Q3: Which scientific principle explains why a ship partially submerged in water appears to be less heavy than its actual weight?
a) Bernoulli's Principle
b) Archimedes' Principle
c) Pascal's Principle
d) Boyle's Law
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding the ozone layer:
Statement A: The ozone layer is primarily found in the troposphere.
Statement B: The depletion of the ozone layer is caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.
Select the correct answer using the options below:
a) Only Statement A is correct.
b) Only Statement B is correct.
c) Both Statement A and Statement B are correct.
d) Neither Statement A nor Statement B is correct
Q5: Which of the following statements accurately describe the concept of 'Carrying Capacity' in the context of ecology?
Statement A: Carrying Capacity refers to the maximum population size of a species that an environment can sustainably support.
Statement B: Carrying Capacity remains constant over time and is not influenced by factors such as resource availability and environmental changes.
Select the correct answer using the options below:
a) Only Statement A is correct.
b) Only Statement B is correct.
c) Both Statement A and Statement B are correct.
d) Neither Statement A nor Statement B is correct
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the challenges faced by indigenous communities in preserving ecological balance while addressing their livelihood needs, using Deepor Beel as a case study. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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