TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25.6.2024

1. STRIGENT REGULATIONS COULF HINDER GROWTH OF AI IN INDIA

• Current Regulatory Landscape: India lacks specific lawsaddressing generative AI, such as deepfakes.
• Instead, the government has issued advisories and guidelinesto promote responsible development and implementation of AI technologies.
• Deepfake Advisory: After a deepfake video of actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral last year, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) mandated social media intermediaries to remove such content within 36 hours, as per IT Rules, 2021.
• Public Interest Litigation: The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to a PIL against the unregulated use of AI and deepfakes. The court is scheduled to hear the petition in July.
• Recent Developments:
• In March 2024, MeitY issued a fresh advisory, dropping the requirement for obtaining explicit government permission for under tested or unreliable AI products. ○ The latest advisory requires that such AI products be labeled with disclaimers indicating potential unreliability.
• Expert Opinions: Jajit Bhattacharya (President, Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research):
• The advisory largely follows existing regulations with an additional requirement for labeling AI-generated content that could cause disinformation.
• Bhattacharya believes the advisory does not hinder the industry.
• Mishi Choudhary (Founder, Software Freedom Law Center):
• Suggested that the government should be ready to update existing laws to protect public interestand guard against future harm associated with AI technology. Implications:
• Balancing Innovation and Regulation: There is a need to balance fostering innovation in AI while implementing regulations to prevent misuse and protect public interest.
• Economic Impact: Stringent regulations could potentially stifle the growth of India’s burgeoning AI-driven economy, which requires a carefully crafted approach to regulation

2. STATES SEEK TWEAKS TO 50 YEAR INTEREST – FREE LOAN SCHEME

• The central government has proposed a scheme to provide states with ₹1.3 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans for pursuing capital investments.
• This amount is the same as in the previous fiscal year (2023-24). Purpose:
• Capital Investments: The scheme aims to support states in undertaking capital investments that can spur economic growth and development.
• Economic Stimulus: By providing long-term, interest-free loans, the central government intends to stimulate state-level infrastructure projects and other developmental activities.
• State Governments’ Requests:
• During pre-Budget consultations, state ministers suggested tweaks to the scheme to better align with their specific needs and priorities.
• Suggestions and inputs from state ministers regarding the Union Budget were also heard, indicating an inclusive approach to budget preparation. Tax Devolution and Finance Commission Grants: The central government highlighted its support to states through timely tax devolution, Finance Commission grants, and arrears of GST compensation to provide a stimulus for growth.

3. NEW RESEARCH HERALDS BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS WITH JUST A DROP OF BLOOD

• A potentially cost-effective and non-invasive method to detect various kinds of breast cancer using just a drop of blood
• This innovative approach leverages microRNA (miRNA) signatures to identify cancerearly and could revolutionize breast cancer diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings MicroRNA (miRNA)
• Analysis: Role of miRNAs: miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They play critical roles in the initiation and progression of cancers, including breast cancer.
• Research Findings: The researchers analyzed miRNA signatures in hundreds of human cancer samples and identified 439 miRNAs associated with invasive breast cancer. Out of these, 107 miRNAs were qualified as potential biomarkers for different types, grades, and stages of invasive ductal carcinoma.
• Detection Method: Circulating Nucleic Acids: Cancer cells release DNA/RNA into the bloodstream, known as circulating nucleic acids (CNAs). These CNAs include miRNAs, RNA, and proteins, which can be detected in bodily fluids.
• Liquid Biopsy: Based on the identified biomarkers, the scientists developed a liquid biopsy system that can detect cancer from a drop of blood.This method involves analyzing the presence and levels of specific miRNAs to diagnose breast cancer early. This technology could be particularly transformative in Third World countries, where breast cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of access to diagnostic facilities

4. RUSSIA DRAFT LOGISTICS AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED WITH INDIA

• After several years of delays, the India-Russia mutual logistics agreement, formally known as the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS), is now ready for conclusion.
• This agreement, approved by Russia, aims to simplify military-to-military exchanges, enhance operational efficiency, and foster deeper defense cooperation between the two countries Key Features of the Agreement
• Military Interactions: The agreement involves interaction between troops and addresses the supply and development of weapons and military gear.
• Support for Exercises and Training: It facilitates logistical support for joint military exercises, training programs, and port calls.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Provisions for mutual assistance in humanitarian efforts and disaster relief operations are included.
• Five-Year Validity: The agreement will be valid for five years and will be automatically renewed unless either party decides to terminate it.
• Historical Context: The agreement has been delayed for several years but has now been approved by the Russian side. It needs to be signed by both countries to become effective.
• This is similar to other logistics agreements India has signed with countries like the U.S.(Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement -LEMOA in 2016), France, Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

5. GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

• The Great Nicobar Island Infrastructure Projectis a significant development initiative being pushed by the NDA government. The project has garnered attention due to its scale, environmental impact, and implications for the tribal communities residing in the region
• Key Components of the Project
• Trans-shipment Port: A major port facility aimed at enhancing maritime trade and connectivity.
• International Airport: An airport to facilitate international travel and boost tourism and economic activities.
•  Township Development: Development of residential and commercial areas to support the growing population and workforce.
• 450-MVA Gas and Solar-based Power Plant: A power plant to meet the energy needs of the island, utilizing both gas and solar energy sources.
• Project Area and Environmental Impact – Area Coverage:The project is expected to cover over 130 sq. km. of pristine forest.
• Tree Felling:Approximately 9.6 lakh trees are likely to be cut for the project.
• Compensatory Afforestation:Planned in Haryana, which is ecologically different from the Great Nicobar region.
• Impact on Tribal Communities: Shompen Tribe:A Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the region. The project involves using 7.114 sq. km of tribal reserve forest land where the Shompen live.
• Government Assurance:The government has stated that the Shompen will not be relocated due to the project.
• Environmental Clearances: The project has received environmental clearance from an expert committee, which is a mandatory prerequisite.
• Concerns Raised:The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) have flagged environmental and forest clearance issues.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA) Violations: Complaint:Retired bureaucrat E.A.S. Sarma has alleged violations of the FRA in the forest clearance process.
• NCST Investigation:The NCST is investigating the complaint, which includes concerns about the lack of consultation with the NCST as mandated by the Constitution. Government Response and Actions
• Union Tribal Affairs Ministry:Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has stated that the ministry will review the forest clearance paperwork and determine the next steps.
• Rejections of FRA Claims:The Supreme Court has pulled up the Union government and States for the large number of rejections of FRA claims by tribal communities. As of February 2024, 34.9% of the 50,26,801 FRA claims received had been rejected, and 15.5% remain pending. Current Status and Future Steps
• Review Process:The Tribal Affairs Ministry will be looking into the issues raised by the NGT and NCST by calling for relevant files and documents.
• Environmental and Land Rights:Special attention will be given to the forest and land rights of tribal communities.

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