Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (16-05-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: Google launches AI-powered scam protection at I/O 2024 developer conference |
| WHO approved second dengue vaccine |
| Ecology and Environment: Discovery of a Second Species of Hummingbird |
| National: Legal Position on Live-in Relationships in India |
| International: Chabahar will benefit the region: India |
Google launches AI-powered scam protection at I/O 2024 developer conference
Source: The Economic Times
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology)
Context: Google will now protect against fraud with new scam call detection feature for Android
Why in News
- Recently Google introduced an unprecedented feature aimed at protecting Android users from potential scams on phones through artificial intelligence (AI).
Key Highlights
- The new call monitoring functionality of Google alerts users during calls.
- If suspicious activity indicating a scam is detected, they are prompted to end the conversation.
- This feature, powered by AI, is meant to make things safer by finding and warning users about potential scams on the phone.
Gemini Nano will increase call security
- The centerpiece of this new facility is the Gemini Nano. It uses a condensed, Android-specific version of Google’s sophisticated language model to identify frequently used patterns and words in the conversations.
- The Gemini Nano listens to call conversations in real-time while operating offline.
- it immediately alerts users as soon as potential scammers are detected, giving them time to turn off risky calls.
- Google stressed the importance of privacy, saying that all processing occurs on the user’s device, ensuring the privacy of conversations monitored by the Gemini Nano.
- This could prove to be a useful solution in view of the increasing scam activities globally.
When will the feature be released?
- Although a specific release date for the scam call detection feature has not been disclosed, Google has confirmed that users will have to opt-in to use the tool.
- The company plans to share more details about its availability later this year.
- Addressing concerns about compatibility, Google clarified that the Gemini Nano is currently supported on flagship models like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung S24 series, with this potentially expanding to more devices in the future.
- It is worth noting that ChatGPT, OpenAI has also brought the capabilities of GPT-4 through its latest model called GPT-4o.
- GPT-4o provides GPT-4 level intelligence and is much faster and improves its capabilities in text, vision and audio.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Google recently launched a new feature aimed at protecting Android users from potential scams on phones. What is the name of this feature and how does it work?
A. Gemini Nano; It listens to call conversations in real-time and alerts users when potential scammers are detected. B. Scam Call Detection; It uses a condensed, Android-specific version of Google’s language model to identify scam patterns and words in conversations. C. AI-powered Scam Protection; It alerts users during calls if suspicious activity indicative of a scam is detected. D. Call Monitoring Functionality; It prompts users to end the conversation if suspicious activity is detected.
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1. Consider the following: ( UPSC Prelims 2022)
1. Aarogya Setu 2. COWIN 3. DigiLocker 4. DIKSHA Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1, 3 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: D
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| Answer 1– B
Explanation – · Google’s new feature, called Scam Call Detection, uses a condensed, Android-specific version of Google’s sophisticated language model, known as Gemini Nano, to identify frequently used patterns and words in call conversations. · It listens to call conversations in real-time and immediately alerts users when potential scammers are detected, giving them time to turn off risky calls. · All processing occurs on the user’s device, ensuring the privacy of conversations monitored by Gemini Nano. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
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WHO approved second dengue vaccine
Source: WHO
https://www.who.int/news/item/15-05-2024-who-prequalifies-new-dengue-vaccine
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology)
Context : A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 10 May 2024.
Why in News?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recently gave approval to the second dengue vaccine, known as Cudenga, developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda.
Key highlights
- This vaccine, recommended for children between 6 and 16 years old, provides protection against four types of dengue with an effectiveness rate of 84% in preventing hospitalization and 61% in preventing symptoms.
- The approval by WHO allows donors and other UN agencies to procure this vaccine for low-income countries.
- The first dengue vaccine approved by WHO was Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) in 2015, created by Sanofi Pasteur.
- Additionally, researchers at India’s National Center for Biological Sciences, in collaboration with institutions in India, Africa, and the US, have developed India’s first DNA vaccine for dengue fever.
Worldwide increasing cases of dengue
- Currently it is becoming a serious problem because there is no specific treatment for this serious disease in about 120 Latin American and Asian countries.
- Last week, there were 6.7 million suspected cases of dengue in the United States, according to the WHO, a 206 percent increase from the same period in 2023.
- In March of this year, cases in Rio de Janeiro increased so much that a public health emergency had to be declared.
- Along with this, WHO has said that the cases of dengue have increased tenfold compared to the previous generation, with climate change and increasing numbers of dengue-carrying mosquitoes being partly responsible for the spread of the disease.
About Dengue fever
- Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by dengue virus (genus Flavivirus).
- It is spread by several species of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti.
- It has four different types. (Type 1,2,3,4). In common language, this disease is also called ‘break bone fever’ because it causes a lot of pain in the body and joints.
There are three types of dengue fever:-
- Classical dengue fever
- Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
- Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
- It is noteworthy that classical (ordinary) dengue fever is a self-curing disease and does not cause death, but if treatment of (DHF) and (DSS) is not started immediately, they can prove fatal.
- In 1996, its epidemic spread in Delhi and some parts of North India. Compared to adults, the intensity of this disease is higher in children.
- This disease occurs all over the world except the European continent. For example, it is estimated that every year about 20 million people across the world suffer from dengue fever.
Deaths from dengue fever
- According to WHO, this year it has caused approximately 40,000 deaths worldwide.
- In contrast, according to WHO data, malaria deaths are expected to decline by 30% between 2000 and 2022.
About WHO
- A specialized agency of the United Nations (UN)
- Work for international public health
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- 6 regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide
- Established: 7 April 1948
- Governing body: World Health Assembly (WHA)
- Meeting once a year
Functions of WHO
- Universal health care coverage
- Monitoring public health risks
- Coordination of responses to health emergencies
- To provide technical assistance to countries to promote health and well-being
- Setting international health standards
- Collecting data on global health issues.
- To act as a forum for discussion on world health issues.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements
1. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently gave approval to the second dengue vaccine. 2. Second dengue vaccine has been developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda. 3. Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by dengue virus (genus Flavivirus). Which of the above statement is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
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Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC prelims 2017)
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito through which dengue is transmitted. 2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. only 1 B. only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (C)
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| Answer 2– D
Explanation – · The World Health Organization (WHO) recently gave approval to the second dengue vaccine, known as Cudenga, developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda. · This vaccine, recommended for children between 6 and 16 years old, provides protection against four types of dengue with an effectiveness rate of 84% in preventing hospitalization and 61% in preventing symptoms. So, statements 1 and 2 are correct · Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by dengue virus (genus Flavivirus). · It is spread by several species of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, mainly Aedes aegypti. · It has four different types. (Type 1,2,3,4). In common language, this disease is also called ‘break bone fever’ because it causes a lot of pain in the body and joints. So, statement 3 is correct · Therefore, option D is correct answer
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Discovery of a Second Species of Hummingbird
Source: TS
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Ecology and Environment)
Context : A study into giant hummingbird migration has revealed that what was once thought to be one species is actually two.
Why in news
- In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of researchers has identified a second species of the world’s largest hummingbird using genome sequencing.
Challenging the Belief of a Single Species
- This discovery challenges the long-held belief that there was only one species of hummingbird in western South America.
- The researchers found that there are actually two distinct species, with one inhabiting the northern highlands of the Andes and the other migrating to altitudes of 14,000 feet during non-breeding months.
Differences in Genomes and Behavior
- While the two species may appear similar in appearance, their genomes and behavior differ significantly.
- The newly discovered species is approximately eight times the size of the ruby-throated hummingbird.
Comparison to Chimpanzees and Bonobos
- Comparisons have been drawn between the differences in these two hummingbird species and those observed between chimpanzees and bonobos. Chimpanzees and bonobos are both species of apes, but they possess distinct characteristics such as size, body shape, and facial features.
Proposed Scientific Names
- To differentiate between the two species of hummingbirds, researchers have proposed the scientific name Patagona chaskii for the northern hummingbird species, while retaining the Latin name Patagona gigas for the southern hummingbird species.
- The term “Chaski” translates to “Messenger” in English, emphasizing the significance of this species’ discovery.
Habitat and Distribution of Hummingbirds
- Hummingbirds are native to America and primarily inhabit Central and South America. They belong to the family Trochilidae and are commonly known as hummingbirds due to the buzzing sounds they produce.
- Most hummingbirds measure between 7.5 and 13 centimetres in length.
Importance of Genome Sequencing
- Genome sequencing, which involves analyzing the genetic material within cells, plays a crucial role in understanding the location and behavior of genes.
- It helps identify changes within the genome and enables the transmission of traits from one generation to the next.
- Genome sequencing facilities, such as the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in New Delhi and the CSIR-Arch, contribute to advancements in genomics research.
- In conclusion, the discovery of a second species of hummingbird challenges previous beliefs and highlights the importance of genome sequencing in understanding genetic diversity and behavior.
- The newly discovered species has distinct characteristics and has been given the scientific name Patagona chaskii.
- Hummingbirds, known for their buzzing sounds, primarily inhabit Central and South America.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. What is the scientific name proposed for the newly discovered northern hummingbird species?
A. Patagona chaskii B. Patagona gigas C. Trochilidae D. Ruby-throated hummingbird
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Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
DNA Barcoding can be a tool to: 1. Assess the age of a plant or animal. 2. Distinguish among species that look alike. 3. Identify undesirable animal or plant materials in processed foods. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 2 D. 2 and 3 Answer: D
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| Answer 3 A
Explanation · To differentiate between the two species of hummingbirds, researchers have proposed the scientific name Patagona chaskii for the northern hummingbird species, while retaining the Latin name Patagona gigas for the southern hummingbird species. · The term “Chaski” translates to “Messenger” in English, emphasizing the significance of this species’ discovery. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer.
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Legal Position on Live-in Relationships in India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance– GS 1 and GS 2 (Social issue and Live-in Relationships laws and rules )
Context :– Allahabad High Court state and live-in relationships
Why in news
- The legal position on live-in relationships in India has been a topic of recent discussion, particularly in light of a ruling by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.
- The court’s decision, while hearing the writ petition of Sneha Devi and Mohammad Shadab Khan, stated that a Muslim cannot claim rights in a live-in relationship if their spouse is alive, citing that such a relationship is not permitted under the tenets of Islam.
Background of the Case
- The petitioners, Ms. Sneha Devi and Mr. Khan, sought protection from the court against police action, as the girl’s parents had accused Khan of kidnapping their daughter and keeping her with him against her will.
- Both individuals argued that, as adults, they were entitled to protection under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.
Court’s Decision and Reasoning
- The judges, while delivering their verdict, emphasized that Islamic principles do not permit a Muslim to have a live-in relationship while being married.
- They also noted that the situation might have been different if the individuals were unmarried and had voluntarily chosen to live together as adults.
Legal Position on Live-in Relationships in India
- The legal position on live-in relationships in India is not explicitly defined by a specific law.
- However, the Supreme Court has held that living together of a man and a woman is part of the ‘right to life’ and is not considered a crime.
- The court has also stated that if a man and a woman live as husband and wife for a long time and have children, the judiciary will assume that they were married, and the laws will be the same for them.
- The concept of live-in relationships in India was recognized by the Allahabad High Court in the Payal Sharma vs. Nari Niketan case in 2001, where the judges ruled that an adult has the right to go anywhere and live with anyone, even without marriage, as long as they are not violating any laws.
Major Decisions on Live-in Relationships
- Several significant legal cases have shaped the legal landscape of live-in relationships in India.
- For instance, in the Lata Singh vs. State of UP case in 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that live-in relationships are not illegal. Additionally, in the S. Khushboo vs Kanniammal case in 2010, the court stated that consensual sexual intercourse and live-in relationships between two adults are not a crime.
Legal Status and Property Rights of Children Born from Live-in Relationships
- The legal status and property rights of children born from live-in relationships have also been addressed by the courts. In the case of S.P.S. Balasubramaniam vs. Surutthayan, the Supreme Court approved the validity of children born out of live-in relationships, stating that they will not be considered illegitimate.
- Furthermore, the Court has upheld the inheritance rights of children born out of live-in relationships in cases such as Revanasiddappa vs. Mallikarjuna and Bharat Math vs. R. Vijaya Renganathan.
- In conclusion, the legal position on live-in relationships in India is complex and has been shaped by various court rulings. While there is no specific law defining live-in partnerships, the judiciary has recognized the rights of individuals in such relationships and has provided legal protection for children born from these unions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Consider the following statements:
1. In India, living together of man and woman is part of the ‘right to life’ and is not considered a crime. 2. The concept of live-in relationship in India was recognized by the Allahabad High Court in 2001 in the case Payal Sharma vs. Nari Niketan. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 |
Q. A legislation that confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? (UPSC Prelims 2012)
A. Article 14 B. Article 28 C. Article 32 D. Article 44 Ans: A
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| Answer 4 D
Explanation · The legal position on live-in relationships in India is not explicitly defined by a specific law. · However, the Supreme Court has held that living together of a man and a woman is part of the ‘right to life’ and is not considered a crime. So, statement 1 is correct. · The concept of live-in relationships in India was recognized by the Allahabad High Court in the Payal Sharma vs. Nari Niketan case in 2001, where the judges ruled that an adult has the right to go anywhere and live with anyone, even without marriage, as long as they are not violating any laws. So, statement 2 is correct. · Therefore, option D is correct answer. |
Chabahar will benefit the region: India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance :- GS 2 ( International relationship Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests Regional Groupings )
Context – US exempted sanctions for Chabahar port in 2108
Why in news
- External Affairs Minister said India will ‘work at’ explaining that the Chabahar port is in the region’s interest to the US government
Key highlights
- India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) will manage and operate the port during the entire contract period (up to the next 10 years).
- A target investment of about 120 million dollars has been set for this work.
The importance of the agreement for India
- Chabahar port, located on the south-west coast of Iran, provides easy access to the west coast of India.
- It also plays an important role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- This long-term agreement will strengthen India’s growing role in promoting international trade and commerce, thereby boosting economic activity.
- This port will serve as a gateway for Indian goods to reach landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.
- For example, in the year 2023, India sent 20,000 metric tons of wheat aid to Afghanistan through Chabahar port.
Location of the Chabahar Port
- Chabahar is a deep-water port located on the Makran coast of the Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran.
- It is next to the Gulf of Oman and at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz.
- It is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.
- It is the closest to India among Iranian ports and offers direct access to the open sea, facilitating large cargo ships.
- Chabahar’s strategic location, west of Iran’s border with Pakistan and close to the competing port of Gwadar (about 72 km west), makes it attractive to India.
Timeline of the India-Iran Chabahar Port Agreement
- 1970s–1980s: The vision for the development of modern Chabahar began in the 1970s.
- Iran realized the strategic importance of the port during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.
- January 2003: Then-Iranian President Khatami and then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed an ambitious roadmap of strategic cooperation, which also included the development of the Chabahar port.
- 2004–2015: The US declared Iran one of the “axises of evil” along with Iraq and North Korea. This prompted New Delhi to abandon its strategic ties with Tehran. Due to which the Chabahar project was affected.
- May 2015: Following the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which normalized relations between Iran and the P5+1, the development of Chabahar port was given a new impetus.
- The P5+1 countries are a group of countries working together on the Iran nuclear deal. These countries include the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), apart from Germany.
- Agreement reached on bilateral relations between India and Iran; India will spend US$500 million to refurbish the Shahid Beheshti Terminal and reconstruct a 600-meter-long container handling facility.
- May 2016: A trilateral agreement was signed between India, Iran, and Afghanistan for the establishment of an international transport and transit corridor. Subsequently, India’s Ministry of Shipping began work at a rapid pace to develop the Chabahar project.
- October 2017: The first consignment carrying wheat from India left for Afghanistan.
- December 2017: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the Shahid Beheshti Terminal.
- 2018: Despite the US withdrawal from JCPOA, India managed to get a waiver from the US for the Chabahar project. India cited connectivity with Afghanistan and countering Chinese offensive infrastructure as key reasons for the effort.
- December 2018: India took over operations at the port, including the terminal area, cargo handling, and office buildings.
- February 2019: The first Afghan cargo passed through Chabahar port.
Strategic importance of Chabahar port for India
Geopolitical importance
- Scaling up humanitarian assistance—a vital role in humanitarian aid delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Strengthening diplomatic relations: Chabahar Port has significantly contributed to strengthening diplomatic relations between India and its West Asian neighbors. For example, India provided 40,000 liters of eco-friendly insecticide (malathion) to Iran through the port in 2021 to combat locust attacks.
- Reducing Chinese infrastructure expansion: The Chabahar project serves as a strategic counterbalance to China’s aggressive infrastructure expansion in the Central and West Asian region, especially through initiatives such as the Belt and Road. For example, it serves as a counter to China’s development of the Gwadar port in Pakistan.
Geo-economic importance
- Chabahar Port plays an important role in facilitating Indian trade in the West Asian region while also strengthening India’s position in the global supply chain.
- The port provides new opportunities for India to expand its reach in Central Asia and engage in infrastructure development projects by providing better access to untapped markets.
Geostrategic importance
- Chabahar Port provides India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. It serves as a valuable entry point, providing an alternative route due to the obstruction of India’s land access by Pakistan.
- By complementing the INSTC, Chabahar Port strengthens India’s connectivity with Russia and Eurasia and promotes greater regional integration.
- With Chabahar Port, India gains a strategic advantage in its oil and gas sector by diversifying import routes, ensuring a more secure and reliable supply chain.
Challenges of the Chabahar Project
- Since the latest agreement, the United States has warned that “anyone” considering trade deals with Tehran should be aware of the “potential risk of sanctions.” For this reason, it is feared that American sanctions may be imposed on the Chabahar deal.
- The long-running war in Ukraine and Europe’s negative relations with Russia have complicated the integration of Chabahar port with INSTC.
- The growing geopolitical tension between Iran and Israel and Saudi Arabia and Iran also poses a major geopolitical challenge to the smooth operation of the Chabahar project.
- India’s energy imports from Iran have declined significantly due to stringent Western sanctions on Iran. These restrictions may impact trade volumes through Chabahar Port.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to Chabahar Port:
1. Chabahar Port will be operated and managed by Indian and UAE companies. 2. This port is located on the south-west coast of Iran. 3. The Chabahar project serves as a strategic counterbalance to Russia’s aggressive infrastructure expansion in the Central and West Asian region Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. Only 2 D. 1, 2 and 3
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Q. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (UPSC Prelims 2017)
A. India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. B. India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. C. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. D. Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India. Ans: (C)
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| Answer 5 C
Explanation · India and Iran signed an agreement for the operation and management of Chabahar Port. India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) will manage and operate the port during the entire contract period (up to the next 10 years). So, statement 1 is incorrect. · Chabahar port, located on the south-west coast of Iran. It also plays an important role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). · So, statement 2 is correct. · The Chabahar project serves as a strategic counterbalance to China’s aggressive infrastructure expansion in the Central and West Asian region. So, statement 3 is incorrect. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |