July 22, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Digital Divide in India | Explained
Explore the digital divide in India, a multifaceted gap between technology-accessible and marginalized communities hindering inclusive growth. The rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed the country, but disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and devices persist, particularly in rural and remote areas. Bridging this divide is crucial for socio-economic development, as it limits employment opportunities, educational progress, and access to critical services. Government initiatives like "Digital India" and public-private collaborations aim to promote digital literacy and infrastructure development. By fostering digital inclusion, empowering marginalized groups, and addressing infrastructure challenges, India can build a more equitable and prosperous society in the digital age.
Highlights of the Day
1. Supreme Court Declines Mandamus for Rajasthani Language's Inclusion in Eighth Schedule On July 21, the Supreme Court declined to issue a mandamus directing the Centre to include Rajasthani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading the bench, asserted that this matter falls within the realm of a policy issue and is not suitable for mandamus relief from the court. Citing a precedent from a 1997 case, the court emphasized that decisions on the inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule rest with the Union government. The court further clarified that it would only intervene in policy matters if they violated the Constitution or statutes or were driven by malicious intent. The court also stressed that a petitioner's sincerity alone does not warrant the issuance of a mandamus [1].
2. White House Secures Commitments from Leading AI Companies to Implement Safety Measures and Watermark AI-Generated Content Top AI companies, including OpenAI, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms, have voluntarily committed to implementing safety measures for AI-generated content. These measures include watermarking AI-generated content to identify its use, thorough testing of AI systems before release, sharing information to reduce risks and investing in cybersecurity. The move comes as the Biden administration aims to regulate the booming technology to address concerns related to national security and the economy. The companies' commitments include focusing on privacy protection, avoiding biases, and developing AI solutions for scientific problems such as medical research and climate change. The administration is also working on establishing an international framework for AI governance [2].
3. Jaipur Jolted by Series of Quakes, No Casualties Reported On July 21, 2023, Jaipur experienced four earthquakes within half an hour, with the main quake measuring 4.4 magnitude. People were awakened from sleep, some rushing out of their homes and sharing their experiences on social media. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported. The National Center for Seismology confirmed the details of the quakes, and the Rajasthan government's disaster management department monitored the situation. Authorities stated that if the initial tremor had lasted longer, it could have caused damage. The epicenters were located in different areas of Jaipur [3].
4. Rajasthan Assembly Approves Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill The Rajasthan Assembly passed The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, providing wage or pension guarantees to the entire adult population in the state. Families, both urban and rural, can avail employment guarantee for 125 days yearly and a minimum monthly pension of Rs 1,000 for the aged, disabled, and single women. The pension will increase automatically by 15% annually. The opposition questioned the financial feasibility of the scheme, but the government defended it, stating other benefits like free healthcare and insurance. The law allows anyone to approach the courts if their right to employment or pension is denied. The Bill is hailed as revolutionary by supporters [4].
5. Parliamentary Committee Approves Renaming of Forest Conservation Act The proposed Forest Conservation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to rename the existing Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, as Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, translating to Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Act. The Joint Parliamentary Committee approved all proposed amendments, including the renaming, to align with changing ecological and economic dynamics. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change states that the new name would address emerging ecological challenges and better management of forest resources. However, environmentalists oppose the change, claiming it adds no value to the statute and that the Hindi name might exclude populations in southern and northeastern India [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Rashtriya Swachhata Kendra’ (National Cleanliness Centre) in India:
I. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 151st birth anniversary. II. The centre aims to spread awareness about cleanliness and sanitation in the country. III. It is located near the Raj Ghat in New Delhi.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) I and II only b) II and III only c) I and III only d) All of the above
Q2: The ‘Tirthankara’ revered in Jainism is the equivalent of which figure in Buddhism? a) Buddha b) Bodhisattva c) Arhat d) Mahavira
Q3: Which of the following countries share a land border with Bhutan? a) India and China b) India and Nepal c) China and Nepal d) India, China, and Nepal
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Indian Council of Agricultural Research’ (ICAR):
I. It was established in 1929 and functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. II. ICAR is responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India. III. The headquarters of ICAR is located in New Delhi.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
a) I and II only b) II and III only c) I and III only d) All of the above
Q5: The ‘Ramappa Temple’ was recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In which Indian state is it located? a) Karnataka b) Telangana c) Odisha d) Andhra Pradesh
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
What are the key environmental impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems? Provide recommendations for mitigating the adverse effects of plastic waste on marine life and coastal environments. (Word limit: 250 words).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
A noticeable trend in recent UPSC prelims has been an increased significance of questions related to digital governance and technology, necessitating knowledge of government initiatives like Digital India and AI and data analytics in governance.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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